Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment 11 Inch Axle
Tools Required
Adjustment Procedure
• | In order to maintain the original backlash, adjust the differential
case side bearing preload by changing the thickness of the left and the right
side shim packs equally. |
• | Measure the shims and the spacers one at a time. Add the measurements
together in order to obtain the total thickness of the left or the right
side shim pack. |
- Determine the total shim pack size for the differential case assembly.
Refer to
Determining Total Shim Pack Size
.
- Add 0.25 mm (0.010 in) of shim thickness to the
right side shim pack-Measurement C, determined in step 1.
This additional amount will set the differential side bearing preload and
set the initial backlash.
Important: Do not remove the inboard shims from either side of the differential
case assembly. The same shims must be used as were used when determining
the total shim pack size.
- Install the differential side bearings using the J 23690
and the J 8092
.
- Install the J 24385-C
(2), the J 26900-13
, and the J 8001
(1) to the differential housing as shown.
- Preset the dial of the J 8001
to at least 0.05 mm (0.020 in).
- Rotate the dial of the J 8001
to zero.
Notice: Do not spread the axle housing more than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch).
Overspreading the housing may result in component damage.
- Spread the differential housing while watching the J 8001
.
- Remove the J 8001
and the J 26900-13
.
- Install the differential case assembly with the differential side
bearings and the bearing cups.
- Install the outboard shims.
Important: Install the bearing caps into the exact position from which each was
removed.
- Install the bearing caps.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Install the bearing cap bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).
- Adjust the backlash. Refer to
Backlash Adjustment
.
Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment 10.5 Inch Axle
Tools Required
J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash
Spanner
Important:
• | The differential side bearing preload is adjusted by the 2 adjusting
nuts in the bearing bore. The bore and the bearing cap provide the mating threads
for the bearing nut. |
• | The differential must be initially preloaded in order to determine the
backlash of the gear set. After the backlash is set, the final bearing preload is
set. |
• | The rotating torque of the drive pinion must be within specifications
before the pinion gear bearing retainer can be installed. |
Important: The rotating torque of the drive pinion must be within specifications before
installing the differential case assembly.
- Install the drive pinion and the pinion gear bearing retainer . Refer to
Drive Pinion Housing and/or Seal Replacement
.
- Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to
Differential Side Bearings Replacement
.
- Install the differential side bearing adjuster nuts.
Important: Before installation of the differential case assembly, ensure that the side
bearing surfaces in the carrier are clean and free of burrs. If the original bearings
are to be reused, the original bearing cups must also be used.
- Install the differential case assembly.
If the differential case assembly cannot be installed, turn the differential
side bearing adjuster nuts into the axle housing until the differential case assembly
can be installed.
- Install the differential bearing caps.
- Install the differential bearing cap bolts.
Tighten the bearing cap bolt finger-tight. Do not torque the bearing cap bolts
at this time.
Important: Do not force the ring gear into contact with the drive pinion.
- Slide the differential case assembly towards the right side axle housing until
the ring gear contact the pinion.
This is the zero backlash point.
If the zero backlash cannot be obtained, turn the right side differential bearing
adjuster nut in towards the axle housing until the ring gear fully contacts the
pinion to obtain the zero backlash.
- While holding the ring gear against the pinion, turn the left differential
bearing adjuster nut out from the axle housing using the J 24429
until it contacts the differential side bearing.
- Turn the right differential bearing adjuster nut out from the axle housing
using the J 24429
until it contacts
the differential side bearing.
- Back off the left adjusting nut approximately 2 slots using the J 24429
in order to obtain the initial
backlash adjustment.
- Install the left adjuster nut lock and the adjuster nut lock bolt.
Do not torque the bolt at this time.
- Firmly tighten the right differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
in order to force the differential
case assembly into solid contact with the left differential adjuster nut.
- Rotate the pinion several times in order to seat the bearings.
- Loosen the right differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
until the nut is free from the differential
side bearing.
- Tighten the right differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
until the differential bearing adjuster nut
contacts the bearing.
- Once the right differential bearing adjuster contacts the differential
bearing, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
the following additional amounts:
Tighten
• | For used bearings, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut an additional
2 slots. |
• | For new bearings, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut an additional
3 slots. |
- Install the right differential bearing adjuster nut lock.
- Install the right differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolt.
Do not torque the bolt at this time.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 185 N·m (136 lb ft).
- Tighten differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolts to 27 N·m
(20 lb ft).
- Measure the ring gear to pinion backlash and adjust, if necessary. Refer
to
Backlash Adjustment
.
Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment 9.5 Inch Axle
Tools Required
• | J 22779 Side Bearing
Backlash Gage |
• | J 24429 Side Bearing
Backlash Spanner |
Important:
• | Ensure that the side bearing surfaces in the axle housing are clean and
free of burrs. If the original bearings are to be reused, the original bearing cups
must also be used. |
• | The drive pinion bearing preload must be within specifications before
the differential side bearing preload adjustment can be performed. |
• | The differential side bearings must be initially preloaded in order to
determine the backlash of the gear set. After the backlash is set, the final bearing
preload is set. |
Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential
case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported,
the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the
differential case.
- Remove the differential assembly, if necessary.
- Measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion bearing using an inch-pound
torque wrench.
Specification
The rotating torque of the drive pinion should be 1.7-3.4 N·m
(15-30 lb in) for new bearings or 1.1-2.3 N·m
(10-20 lb in) for used bearings.
- If the rotating torque of the drive pinion is less than 1.7 N·m
(15 lb in) for new bearings or 1.1 N·m (10 lb in)
for used bearings, tighten the pinion in small increments until the specified rotating
torque is obtained.
- If the rotating torque of the drive pinion is greater than 3.4 N·m
(30 lb in) for new bearings or 2.3 N·m (20 lb in)
for used bearings, remove the drive pinion and replace the collapsible spacer and
re-install the drive pinion. Refer to
Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement
.
- Install the differential assembly, if necessary.
- Support the differential assembly in order to prevent the differential
assembly from falling out of the axle housing.
Important: Do not force the ring gear into contact with the drive pinion.
- Slide the differential case assembly towards the right side axle housing until
the ring gear contacts the drive pinion.
This is the ZERO backlash point.
If the ZERO backlash cannot be obtained, turn the differential bearing adjuster
nut into the axle housing using the J 24429
until the ring gear fully contacts the drive pinion to obtain the ZERO
backlash.
- While holding the ring gear against the pinion, turn the differential
bearing adjuster nut out from the axle housing using the J 24429
until it contacts the differential side bearing.
- Turn the adjuster nut out from the axle housing an additional 2 slots
using the J 24429
in order to
obtain the initial backlash adjustment.
- Install the adjuster nut lock and the adjuster nut lock bolt.
- Remove the left side differential bearing cap bolts.
- Remove the left side differential bearing cap.
- Install the J 22779
into
the left side axle housing between the differential bearing bore and the differential
bearing cup.
Important: Over-tightening may spread the axle housing and result in incorrect shim selection.
- Tighten the knob of the J 22779
until there is moderate drag when the J 22779
is moved.
- Remove the J 22779
.
- Measure the J 22779
in
3 locations.
- Calculate the average of the 3 measurements.
The resulting value is the shim thickness required in order to set the initial
backlash of the differential assembly.
- Select a service shim of approximately the same thickness to install into
the axle housing.
Verify the thickness of the service shim using a micrometer.
- Install the service shim into the axle housing between the differential
bearing bore and the differential bearing cup.
- Install the left side differential bearing cap.
- Install the left side differential bearing cap bolts.
Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts finger-tight. Do not torque the bolts
at this time.
- Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolt.
- Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock.
- Firmly tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
in order to force the differential case assembly
into solid contact with the service shim.
- Rotate the pinion several times in order to seat the bearings.
- Loosen the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
until the nut is free from the differential
side bearing.
- Tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
until the differential bearing adjuster nut
contacts the bearing.
- Once the right differential bearing adjuster contacts the differential
bearing, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429
the following additional amounts:
Tighten
• | For new bearings, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut an additional
3 slots. |
• | For used bearings, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut an additional
2 slots. |
- Install the right differential bearing adjuster nut lock.
- Install the right differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolt.
Do not torque the bolt at this time.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).
- Tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolt to 26 N·m(19 lb ft).
- Measure the drive pinion and differential case side bearing preload using
an inch-pound torque wrench.
Rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
Specification
The rotating torque of the drive pinion and differential case bearings should
be 3.9-6.2 N·m (30-55 lb in) for new bearings
or 2.8-5.1 N·m (25-45 lb in) for used bearings.
Record the measurement.
- Calculate the differential side bearing preload by subtracting the drive
pinion preload, measured in Step 2, from the drive pinion and differential case bearing
preload, measured in Step 33.
Multiply the value obtained by the axle ratio.
Specification
The differential case side bearing preload should be 1.7-4.0 N·m
(15-35 lb in).
- If the differential case side bearing preload is not within specifications,
increase or decrease the shim thickness as necessary in order to increase/decrease
the side bearing preload.
- Once the differential side bearing preload is correct, measure the drive
pinion to differential assembly backlash and adjust, if necessary. Refer to
Backlash Adjustment
.
Differential side bearing shims are available in the following sizes:
Shim Sizes
Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment 8.6 Inch Axle
Wedge Method
Tools Required
• | J 22779
Side Bearing Backlash Gage |
• | J 25588
Side Bearing Shim Installer |
Important:
• | The differential side bearing preload adjustment must be completed before the backlash adjustment can be started. |
• | In order to maintain the original backlash, adjust the differential case side bearing preload by changing the thickness of the left and the right side shim packs equally. |
• | Measure the service shims and the spacers one at a time. Add the measurements together in order to obtain the total thickness of the left or the right side shim pack. |
• | Do not use or reuse the original cast iron production shims. Use service shims and spacers instead. |
- Install the drive pinion, if necessary. Refer to
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
.
- Measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench. Record the measurement.
Specification
The rotating torque of the drive pinion should be 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings or 1.1-2.3 N·m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings.
- If the rotating torque for the drive pinion bearings is not within specifications, adjust as necessary. Refer to
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
.
Important: Before installation of the differential assembly, ensure that the differential side bearing surfaces in the axle housing are clean and free of burrs. If the original differential side bearings are to be reused, the original
differential side bearing cups must also be used.
- Install the differential assembly with the differential side bearings and differential side bearing cups into the axle housing.
- Insert one 4.318 mm (0.170 in) thick service spacer into the left side of the axle housing.
- Side the differential assembly towards the service spacer in order to hold the spacer in place.
- Install the
J 22779
into the right side of the axle housing.
The
J 22779
must be installed between the service spacer and the differential
side bearing cup.
Important: Over-tightening of the
J 22779
may spread the housing and result in incorrect shim selection.
- Tighten the knob on the
J 22779
until there is moderate drag when the
J 22779
is moved.
- Remove the
J 22779
.
- Remove the service spacer.
- Using a micrometer, measure the thickness of the service spacer. Record the measurement.
- Using a micrometer, measure the thickness of the
J 22779
in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the 3 measurements. Record the measurement.
- Add the thickness of the service spacer, measured in step 11 to the average thickness of the
J 22779
, measured in step 12. The resulting value is the total service shim thickness
without preload for the axle.
- Insert one BENT 1.016 mm (0.040 in) service shim between the right side differential side bearing cup and the axle housing. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
- Install the
J 22779
into the left side of the axle housing. The
J 22779
must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side
bearing cup.
- While rotating the ring gear back and forth, tighten the knob on the
J 22779
until there is approximately 0.025-0.051 mm (0.001-0.002 in) of backlash between the ring
gear and the drive pinion.
- Once the correct amount of backlash is obtained, remove the
J 22779
.
- Remove the differential assembly with the differential side bearings and the differential side bearing cups.
- Remove the BENT service shim.
- Using a micrometer, measure the thickness of the
J 22779
in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the 3 measurements. This value is the left side service shim thickness without preload.
- In order to determine the right side service shim thickness, subtract the service shim thickness for the left side of the axle, calculated in step 20, from the total service shim thickness, calculated in step 13. This value is the service
shim thickness for the right side of the axle without preload.
- In order to preload of the differential side bearings and set the backlash to approximately 0.127-0.223 mm (0.005-0.009 in), take the value determined in step 21 and add 0.203 mm (0.008 in) service shim
thickness to this amount.
- Assemble the left side shim pack using one 4.318 mm (0.170 in) service spacer and the appropriate amount of service shims equaling the thickness determined in step 20. Measure the service spacer and the service shims separately.
Add the measurements together in order to determine the total shim pack thickness.
- Assemble the right side shim pack using one 4.318 mm (0.170 in) service spacer and the appropriate amount of service shims equaling the thickness determined in step 22. Measure the service spacer and the service shims separately.
Add the measurements together in order to determine the total shim pack thickness.
- Install the differential assembly with the differential side bearings and the differential side bearing cups.
- Install the left side service spacer and service shim into the axle housing. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
- Install the right side service spacer between the axle housing and the differential side bearing cup.
- Install the right side service shim into the axle housing using the
J 25588
, if necessary. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install the differential bearing caps and the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
- Rotate the pinion several times to ensure the drive pinion and differential side bearings have seated.
- Measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion and differential side bearings using an inch-pound torque wrench. Record the measurement.
Specification
0.57-1.13 N·m (5-10 lb in) greater than the rotating torque of the drive pinion measured earlier.
- Calculate the differential side bearing preload by subtracting the drive pinion preload, measured in step 2, from the drive pinion and differential case bearing preload, measured in step 31. Multiply the value obtained by the axle ratio.
Specification
The differential side bearing preload should be 1.7-4.0 N·m (15-35 lb in).
- If the differential side bearing preload is not within specifications, add or subtract shim thickness equally from each shim pack as necessary in order to increase/decrease the side bearing preload.
- Once the differential side bearing preload is correct, measure the backlash and adjust, if necessary. Refer to
Backlash Adjustment
.
- Once the differential side bearing preload and backlash is correct, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper alignment between the ring and pinion gears. Refer to
Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection
.
Shim Method
Tools Required
J 25588
Side Bearing Shim Installer
Important:
• | The differential side bearings must have preload before the backlash adjustment can be started. |
• | In order to maintain the original backlash, adjust the differential case side bearing preload by changing the thickness of the left and the right side shim packs equally. |
• | Measure the service shims and the service spacers one at a time. Add the measurements together in order to obtain the total thickness of the left or the right side shim pack. |
• | Do not use or reuse the original cast iron production shims. Use service shims and service spacers instead. |
- Install the drive pinion, if necessary. Refer to
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
.
- Measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench. Record the measurement.
Specification
The rotating torque for the drive pinion bearings should be 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings or 1.1-2.3 N·m (10-20 lb in) for used
bearings.
- If the rotating torque for the drive pinion bearings is not within specifications, adjust as necessary. Refer to
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
.
Important: Before installation of the case assembly, ensure that the side bearing surfaces in the axle housing are clean and free of burrs. If the original bearings are to be reused, the original bearing cups must also be used.
- Install the differential assembly with the differential side bearings and bearing cups into the axle housing.
- Insert one BENT 1.016 mm (0.040 in) thick service shim into the right side axle housing. Side the differential assembly towards the bent service shim in order to hold the shim in place.
- While holding the differential assembly against the bent service shim, install one 4.318 mm (0.170 in) thick service spacer into the left side axle housing.
- Move the differential assembly to the right until the ring gear contacts the drive pinion. Once the ring gear contacts the drive pinion, continue to move the ring gear towards the drive pinion to until all backlash is removed.
- While holding the ring gear against the drive pinion, insert progressively larger service shims between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup until a moderate resistance can be felt.
- Once the largest service shim has been determined, measure the thickness of the shim using a micrometer. Measure the service shim in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the 3 measurements. Use the average as the thickness for the
shim. Record the measurement.
- Install the service shim that was just measured back into the left side of the axle housing. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
- Remove the BENT shim from the right side of the axle housing.
- Insert one 4.318 mm (0.170 in) thick service spacer into the right side axle housing.
- Move the differential assembly towards the left side of the axle housing. While holding the differential assembly against the left side shim pack, insert progressively larger service shims between the service spacer and the differential side bearing
cup until a moderate resistance can be felt.
- Once the largest service shim has been determined, measure the thickness of the shim using a micrometer. Verify the thickness of the service shim. Measure the service shim in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the 3 measurements.
Use the average as the thickness for the shim. Record the measurement.
- In order to preload the differential side bearing and set the initial backlash to approximately 0.127 mm (0.005 in), adjust the thickness of left and right side shims by doing the following:
15.1. | Subtract 0.152 mm (0.006 in) from the measurement recorded for the left side shim in step 9. Record the measurement. |
15.2. | Add 0.356 mm (0.014 in) to the measurement recorded for the right side shim in step 14. |
- Select the correct service shim thickness for each side corresponding to the measurements determined above. Using a micrometer, verify the thickness of the service shim. Measure the service shim in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the
3 measurements. Use the average as the thickness for the shim.
- Install the left side service shim into the axle housing. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
- Move the differential assembly towards the left side of the axle housing.
- Install the right side service shim into the axle housing using the
J 25588
, if necessary. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install the differential bearing caps and bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
- Rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
- Measure the rotating torque of drive pinion and differential case side bearings using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification
0.57-1.13 N·m (5-10 lb in) greater than the rotating torque of the drive pinion measured earlier.
- Calculate the differential side bearing preload by subtracting the drive pinion preload, measured in Step 2, from the drive pinion and the differential case bearing preload, measured in Step 23. Multiply the value obtained by the axle
ratio.
Specification
The differential side bearing preload should be 1.7-4.0 N·m (15-35 lb in).
- If the differential side bearing preload is not within specifications, add or subtract shim thickness equally from each shim pack as necessary in order to increase/decrease the side bearing preload.
- Once the differential side bearing preload is within specifications, measure the backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion and adjust, if necessary. Refer to
Backlash Adjustment
.
- Once backlash and differential side bearing preload is within specifications, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper alignment between the ring and pinion gears. Refer to
Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection
.