The Ford Barn

John R · 06-08-2014, 03:40 PM

Setting the rear axle carrier bearing clearance on a 34 rear axle. (I am doing this without the pinion in the banjo to get a better feel for the drag.) Getting the correct bearing drag (while turning both axles) required a total gasket stack 0.035" thick. This seems excessive. I would like to hear from those with actual assembly experience whether this gasket stack is highly unusual or not and whether I should be concerned. Thanks.

BTW, I have double checked to make sure the differential housing halves and bearings are fully seated. Also, the banjo housing width is within spec (3.500" +/- .001") and the mating surfaces are clean and undamaged.

NormC · 06-08-2014, 05:14 PM

John,

I just recently rebuilt my 36 banjo. I too had what seemed to be excessive gap. Assembly and disassembly of the Banjo was numerous. I checked to ensure that the bearing races and bearings where properly seated. After multiple different methods of measurements, I ended up with .028 total shim required to achieve 15 in lb preload on the carrier bearings. Hope that this helps!

Norm

john in illinois · 06-08-2014, 06:13 PM

I have had this thick gasket problem on model A's. I measured the bearing and race on a surface plate and they were slightly thicker than stock bearings. Apparently Timken changed some of their specs. I would have .005 or so surface ground off each race in the bell to get a more normal gasket stack,if you are concerned about it.
John

quickchange34 · 06-08-2014, 07:13 PM

I have done both regular and Columbia rears. Your gasket stack is not excessive. The bearings you get now are a few thousands thick. Most carrier bearing set ups run from 26 to 36 thousands gasket thickness to get the correct pre load.

John R · 06-08-2014, 09:03 PM

Norm, John and Alan, thanks very much for the info. Makes me feel a bit more comfortable with my assembly. Comments from others would also be much appreciated.

BTW, I'm using a mix and match set of NOS bearings, including Ford and Bower cups and Timken rollers. Not the greatest approach but should be OK.

John

Steve/IL · 06-08-2014, 09:47 PM

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Timely post!! Today I set the carrier bearing preload on my early 32 rear end. With new Timken bearings the total gasket thickness needed was .032". The above comments on the thickness of the new Timken bearings makes sense. On a previous rebuild using the original bearings the total gasket thickness was somewhere around .014" if I remember correctly.

06-08-2014, 03:40 PM	#1
John R Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: near Washington, DC Posts: 559	Rear Axle Carrier Bearing Setup: Excessive Gasket Stack? Setting the rear axle carrier bearing clearance on a 34 rear axle. (I am doing this without the pinion in the banjo to get a better feel for the drag.) Getting the correct bearing drag (while turning both axles) required a total gasket stack 0.035" thick. This seems excessive. I would like to hear from those with actual assembly experience whether this gasket stack is highly unusual or not and whether I should be concerned. Thanks. BTW, I have double checked to make sure the differential housing halves and bearings are fully seated. Also, the banjo housing width is within spec (3.500" +/- .001") and the mating surfaces are clean and undamaged. __________________ Those who do not move do not die, but are they not already dead?

06-08-2014, 05:14 PM	#2
NormC Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Flowery Branch, GA Posts: 80	Re: Rear Axle Carrier Bearing Setup: Excessive Gasket Stack? John, I just recently rebuilt my 36 banjo. I too had what seemed to be excessive gap. Assembly and disassembly of the Banjo was numerous. I checked to ensure that the bearing races and bearings where properly seated. After multiple different methods of measurements, I ended up with .028 total shim required to achieve 15 in lb preload on the carrier bearings. Hope that this helps! Norm

06-08-2014, 06:13 PM	#3
john in illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,183	Re: Rear Axle Carrier Bearing Setup: Excessive Gasket Stack? I have had this thick gasket problem on model A's. I measured the bearing and race on a surface plate and they were slightly thicker than stock bearings. Apparently Timken changed some of their specs. I would have .005 or so surface ground off each race in the bell to get a more normal gasket stack,if you are concerned about it. John

06-08-2014, 07:13 PM	#4
quickchange34 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: charlottesville, Va. Posts: 589	Re: Rear Axle Carrier Bearing Setup: Excessive Gasket Stack? I have done both regular and Columbia rears. Your gasket stack is not excessive. The bearings you get now are a few thousands thick. Most carrier bearing set ups run from 26 to 36 thousands gasket thickness to get the correct pre load.

06-08-2014, 09:03 PM	#5
John R Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: near Washington, DC Posts: 559	Re: Rear Axle Carrier Bearing Setup: Excessive Gasket Stack? Norm, John and Alan, thanks very much for the info. Makes me feel a bit more comfortable with my assembly. Comments from others would also be much appreciated. BTW, I'm using a mix and match set of NOS bearings, including Ford and Bower cups and Timken rollers. Not the greatest approach but should be OK. John __________________ Those who do not move do not die, but are they not already dead?

06-08-2014, 09:47 PM	#6
Steve/IL Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 370	Re: Rear Axle Carrier Bearing Setup: Excessive Gasket Stack? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Timely post!! Today I set the carrier bearing preload on my early 32 rear end. With new Timken bearings the total gasket thickness needed was .032". The above comments on the thickness of the new Timken bearings makes sense. On a previous rebuild using the original bearings the total gasket thickness was somewhere around .014" if I remember correctly. __________________ I've got the old car disease. Thankfully there's no cure!