Reply To: Worm drive axle Reassembly

[Bill Lyons]

Next, you need to set the preload on the rear tapered roller bearings. I don’t have a spec, but I will try to look one up. Basically what you are doing is taking up any play in the bearings and putting a little pressure on them so that when they expand with heat they don’t get too loose.

To do this you need to mount the shims, 2 gaskets (.009″ each) and the rear cover plate. Tighten the plate until you feel drag when trying to turn the shaft. (This is where the spec comes in). Determine the clearance with a feeler gauge and add/subtract shims until there is no end play and the shaft turns with the correct resistance.”