no pinion preload on Girling axle

[Dave_163]

I can't get any preload on the pinion bearings (even still a little play).

 

I do not use any shims so the only reason I can think of is the pinion front bearing not beeing correct one since the SN number is different from original one (15100sr on original, 15100 on new one). There is indeed difference in height between both.

 

Someone experience?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

David

[Graham Harris]

Its unusual for it to be loose,i fitted new bearings and had to add a few shims to get the preload to where it should be. Could be the bearings are a bit dodgy or someone has put the wrong spacer or shims in it. You can get them out if you pull the seal out its a bit of a fiddle but it can be done, not much fun with the diff in the car.

 

Graham

[Ford Prefect]

David, the problem you have is with the 15100 bearing. The original 15100SR had a special radius which lowered the bearing height. When the original bearing is fitted, 0.025"-0.035" shim pack is required to preload the bearings. The 15100 bearing being taller does not allow for few if any shims to be fitted depending on wear on the spacer. The solution is to remove 0.010"-0.020" from the spacer and try re fitting.

The spacer is a precision part so will need to be precisely shortened.

If in doubt, fit the correct 15100SR/15245 bearing.

[Ford Prefect]

Another alternative is to use the pinion spacer from an IRS diff as they are shorter. If you have one or can source or buy one, this may solve your problem.

[Dave_163]

In meanwhile I have put the original shim pack for the pinion depth and now I do have preload without adding preload shims. Pinion depth will be evaluated with the patern on crownwheel later since I do not have pinion depth tool.

So certainley the bearing must be too tall but I guess with the depth shims it does work.

To be followed ....

[Dave_163]

Next question: I have the preload of 15-18 lbs now on the pinion. But how do I torque the slotted nut now to spec without disturbing the preload?

[Graham Harris]

Now your into the tricky bit,the preload should be achieved when you get the nut up to the torque setting so you will have to add shims or you will damage the bearings. You will need a 3 foot extension to get that nut up to the torque required,like i said not much fun with the unit in the car.

 

Graham

[Dave_163]

I think I get it. So when I torque nut to 85 - 100 lbs/feet I must achieve preload of 15 - 18 lbs/ inch? This is done by placing pinion preload shims. Correct?

 

Btw: axle is out of the car indeed.

[Graham Harris]

Yes if the preload is too tight add more shims.

 

Good to see you have the axle out of the car you will need to bolt a piece of angle to the drive flange to get the torque on the nut up to 85-100lbs/feet

 

Graham