Install the carrier, bearing caps,and adjusters. Be careful not to cross thread the adjusters in their bore. They should turn by hand if the threads are clean and lightly lubed. Move the adjusters until the proper backlash is reached. Usually around .005" to .006" minimum backlash for most rearends. In this picture you would loosen the left adjuster and tighten the right adjuster to decrease backlash. Always make your first adjustment with the right adjuster to ensure that it will not move under load. The last movement with the right adjuster should be in to move the bearing not away from the bearing. Then preload can be set using the left adjuster one or two holes onthe adjuster at a time. I ususally tighten the left adjuster until there is resistance to movement and then force it to move one more hole. Preload keeps the pinion gear or case with ring gear from moving under load, even after the bearings wear in. Not enough preload and the whole thing will be to lose after the bearings wear in. To much preload and the bearing will wear to fast. You may need to go from side to side several time to get backlash and preload set properly.
|
