<VV> Re: Pinion preload

NicolCS@aol.com NicolCS@aol.com
Mon, 15 Mar 2004 19:55:52 EST


<snip>BobHelt wrote:
Just though that I'd throw in my 2 cents.
It has always concerned me that the Shop Manuals have you set the pinion 
preload on top of the preload on the side bearings. To me one can't accurately set 
the pinion preload with the side bearings affecting it. 
I know that the flat rate guys want to do things fast, but why not set the 
pinion preload without having the ring gear in the carrier? That way you would 
just be measuring one thing at a time. Seems much more straight-forward to me. 
And maybe one could then set the pinion preload by 2-3 notches in from the 
zero point, and not need a beam-type torque wrench that reads in-lbs
<unsnip>
I concur, Bob.  It is a good idea to set the pinion preload separately.  One 
thing to add: As I recall, one can set the pinion with the ring and carrier 
laying in the bottom of the case.  It goes something like this:

Install shim and bearing on pinion shaft
Place ring gear and carrier in the bottom of the case
Install pinion shaft and set preload
Levitate ring gear and carrier and install side yokes
Adjust backlash and side preload
Check pattern
Mark side yokes and Install O-rings (one at a time) in side sleeves if 
pattern OK (i.e. all done)
Change shim and start over if pattern not OK

Note that you have to change the position of the pinion adjusting sleeve with 
each shim change in order to get back to the same preload.  There's no need 
to mark the pinion sleeve. If the pattern was OK the pinion is already done, if 
the pattern is poor the sleeve position will be different with the new shim.

Whaddya think troops?
Craig Nicol