Next diff issue - are the bearings fully on?

[AndyPen]

Following on from my thread... Did the usual trick of fitting the diff side bearings using an old centre and a big socket. Each one sounded like it had seated so happy days, until I went to fit the side covers to measure up for the thrust washers. To cut to the chase, even without any shimming washers at all, the left cover was well clear of the main casing. So next steps will be to see if I can tap the bearings on further somehow.

Again and in case I am being stupid, any thoughts welcome. This diff rebuild is the first time I've had issues so I am probably missing something obvious, like perhaps the socket needs to be longer or something? Or I have forgotten something I used to know??

diff side bearing fitting.jpg

diff side cover gap.jpg

[AndyPen]

..and a close up of the end alignment to the bearing inner... which looks like it has a little more to go perhaps???

Diff bearing end alignment.jpg

[Jason]

Can you get a feeler gauge between the inner bearing race and crownwheel & diff cage faces?

[AndyPen]

Can you get a feeler gauge between the inner bearing race and crownwheel & diff cage faces?

You cannot see up into where the bearing sits on the shoulder clearly, but I guess I can try to fit a feeler gauge up there - thanks for the idea Jason

[minibitz]

Have you tried working around the inner race with a stout punch rather than using a socket?

As soon as the bearing seats against the crownwheel or diff cage the sound changes making it a bit less of a guessing game as to whether bearing is fully home.

I guess the only other thing to check is that diff assembly is pushed across fully and touching side cover on opposite side of diff.

[Oneball]

Have you tried working around the inner race with a stout punch rather than using a socket?

As soon as the bearing seats against the crownwheel or diff cage the sound changes making it a bit less of a guessing game as to whether bearing is fully home.

This. When it’s home you know.

[AndyPen]

Have you tried working around the inner race with a stout punch rather than using a socket?

As soon as the bearing seats against the crownwheel or diff cage the sound changes making it a bit less of a guessing game as to whether bearing is fully home.

This. When it’s home you know.

That's what I thought too, and I have never experienced this before as the sound changes doesn't it? It is that sound I used when fitting. I'll dig out a suitable punch and try that next.

I even wondered if the new bearings might be wider, but they measure up to the ones taken out perfectly. They simply cannot be fully on, but if anyone has a pic of the end of the bearing showing how shoulder comes through I'd appreciate it,

[Oneball]

Is the crown wheel properly seated on the diff cage?

[AndyPen]

Is the crown wheel properly seated on the diff cage?

Good call. I cleaned it very carefully and ensured the pin was below the surface level too, but can check when I next look - thanks.

[goff]

Have you tried working around the inner race with a stout punch rather than using a socket?

As soon as the bearing seats against the crownwheel or diff cage the sound changes making it a bit less of a guessing game as to whether bearing is fully home.

This. When it’s home you know.

That's what I thought too, and I have never experienced this before as the sound changes doesn't it? It is that sound I used when fitting. I'll dig out a suitable punch and try that next.

I even wondered if the new bearings might be wider, but they measure up to the ones taken out perfectly. They simply cannot be fully on, but if anyone has a pic of the end of the bearing showing how shoulder comes through I'd appreciate it,

Photo here Andy , hope this helps , that is the depth of a old diff that has not been stripped.

[AndyPen]

This. When it’s home you know.

That's what I thought too, and I have never experienced this before as the sound changes doesn't it? It is that sound I used when fitting. I'll dig out a suitable punch and try that next.

I even wondered if the new bearings might be wider, but they measure up to the ones taken out perfectly. They simply cannot be fully on, but if anyone has a pic of the end of the bearing showing how shoulder comes through I'd appreciate it,

Photo here Andy , hope this helps , that is the depth of a old diff that has not been stripped.

Many thanks - plus visually that looks identical, or at least from what I can see

[AndyPen]

School boy error folks, glad I left it a few days as when I went back the problem was clear - I was trying to use a NOS Hardy Spicer output cover on the left - simply picked the wrong one out of the box!! They have an extra lip - so that was my issue!!!

Should have spotted the larger bore too!!!!


Here's a comparison pic - boy do I feel stupid!!

output cover comparisons.jpg

[Jason]

The n.o.s side cover it not a mini one. From memory the part number starts 42H… They fit one of the gearboxes from a maxi!
Identical bolt pattern, but taller bearing face and the casting where the bush fits is closer to the bearing face.
Glad you have got it sorted though…..

[AndyPen]

The n.o.s side cover it not a mini one. From memory the part number starts 42H… They fit one of the gearboxes from a maxi!
Identical bolt pattern, but taller bearing face and the casting where the bush fits is closer to the bearing face.
Glad you have got it sorted though…..

Thanks Jason, it came in job lot of NOS parts years ago. So I was trying to fit a part that was not meant for a mini its seems ;-( Again, can.t believe I didn't spot it was a wrong 'un on the day!!!

[Peter Laidler]

It just shows the depth of knowledge available on this forum..... Well done Jason