backlash

[Paul Bjarnason]

I rebuilt the rear end of my '29 Tudor found upon assembly that the drive shaft will only turn with "fits and starts", like clanking. I measured the backlash as well as I could and determined it is at least .040. I think the herky jerky on turning the is due to too much pre-load, although I assure you that I used a torque wrench when I set it, to 20 inch pounds. I think I can back off on the pre-load but I am not sure what to do about the backlash which is excessive. To obtain the correct pre-load on the axles I have .012 on the left and .005 on the right in gaskets. Moving gaskets from the right to the left side will reduce the backlash. The minimum gasket size available is .003- so, I can move .009 from the left side to the right side and then see where I am. I have ordered some .005 carrier shims, but I cannot see where using those will help reduce the backlash, since I am already at close to the minimum on the right side. Putting a shim on the right side will increase backlash. Putting one on the left will not accomplish anything that adding thicker banjo gaskets won't. Any ideas out there? Thanks in advance.

[jetmek]

need more info....new or used ring and pinion? where are you measuring backlash? you need to assemble and set up the carrier preload first without the pinion installed. once you have that with equal gaskets on each side install the pinion and tighten both nuts...sometimes tightening the lock nut will make the bearing preload too tight and give you a ratcheting feel like you seem to have. adjust so it turns smoothly. assemble the center and check backlash at the pinion you want about .006. adjusts gaskets from side to side accordingly. If its too much you need to get arbor shims to bring the pinion in closer to the ringgear. or replace excessively worn gear set. trial and error ...

[Bob C]

Have you read Tom Endy's articles? Go to the link and scroll down to differential.
https://www.santaanitaas.org/tom-endys-tech-articles/


Bob

[Jim Brierley]

You may need to shim under the right bearing race to move the ring gear to the, right. OR maybe move the pinion farther in towards the ring gear to accomplish the same thing. Moving the pinion in is easier and may accomplish what you need. You definitely have too much backlash. These diffs aren't rocket science, so not overly particular.

[Paul Bjarnason]

Originally Posted by jetmek

need more info....new or used ring and pinion? where are you measuring backlash? you need to assemble and set up the carrier preload first without the pinion installed. once you have that with equal gaskets on each side install the pinion and tighten both nuts...sometimes tightening the lock nut will make the bearing preload too tight and give you a ratcheting feel like you seem to have. adjust so it turns smoothly. assemble the center and check backlash at the pinion you want about .006. adjusts gaskets from side to side accordingly. If its too much you need to get arbor shims to bring the pinion in closer to the ringgear. or replace excessively worn gear set. trial and error ...

Yes, you're right about the pre-load, as the ratcheting went away when I backed off on the pre-load. Funny thing was that I set it with a torque wrench and the axles were out. I was unaware of "arbor shims" to move the pinion in, and I will try that if I cannot get the backlash down by using a .003 gasket alone on the right side. Thanks.

[redmodelt]

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Shims will only move the pinion out from the gear not closer. You need shims under the cups or bearings on carrier or in axle tubes. Then you need to reset everything.

[Bob C]

If he puts a shim on the pinion and them the bearing that should move it
in towards the carrier but I don't think that is the correct way to do it. Need to
move the carrier over.


Bob

[Paul Bjarnason]

Originally Posted by Bob C

If he puts a shim on the pinion and them the bearing that should move it
in towards the carrier but I don't think that is the correct way to do it. Need to
move the carrier over.


Bob

The only way to move the carrier closer to the pinion is to move gaskets from the left side to the right side (assuming a correct axle bearing pre-load, which is the case). I will do that Thursday and report back.