Spicer Tandem Drive Axle Dual Range & Double Planetary 34,000-45,000 lbs - Manual (Page 23)

Differential Bearing Preload and Ring Gear
Backlash Adjustment
Correct differential bearing preload insures proper location of these
bearings under load and helps position the ring gear for proper gear
tooth contact.
(Follow procedures in numerical sequence.)
Adjust Diff. Bearing Preload
1.
Lubricate differential bearings.
NOTE:
Ring gear position for rear
3.
Loosen the bearing adjuster
IMPORTANT:
When installing
axle is illustrated. on the same side as the ring gear
bearing caps and adjuster, exert
teeth until its first thread is
care not to cross threads.
visible. /
2.
Install adjusters and bearing
caps. Tighten bearing cap screws /
finger-tight. If this is difficult,
use a hand wrench.
4.
Tighten the bearing adjuster
on the back-face side of the ring
gear until there is no backlash.
This can be tested by facing the
ring gear teeth and pushing the
gear away from the body while
gently rocking the gear from side
to side. There should be no free
movement.
Rotate the ring gear and check
for any point where the gear may
bind. If such a point exists,
loosen and retighten the back
side adjuster. Make all further
adjustments from the point of
tightest mesh.
Adjust Ring Gear Backlash
To
add
backlash: Loosen the
adjuster on the teeth side of the ring
gear several notches. Loosen the
opposite adjuster one notch.
Return to adjuster on teeth side of
the ring gear and tighten adjuster
until it contacts the bearing cup.
Continue tightening the same ad-
juster 2 or 3 notches. Recheck
backlash.
5.
At teeth side of ring gear,
tighten adjuster until it contacts
the bearing cup. Continue tighten-
ing adjuster two or three notches
and this will preload bearings and
provide backlash.
6.
Measure backlash with a dial indicator.
USED GEARING —
Reset to backlash recorded before disassembly.
NEW GEARING —
Backlash should be between 0.006” and 0.016”.
If backlash is incorrect, proceed as described below to readjust.
To
remove
backlash: Loosen the
adjuster on the teeth side of the ring
gear several notches. Tighten the
opposite adjuster one notch.
Return to adjuster on teeth side of
ring gear and tighten adjuster until it
contacts the bearing cup. Continue
tightening the same adjuster 2 or 3
notches. Recheck backlash.
Moving adjuster one notch is the
movement of the lead edge of one
adjuster lug to the lead edge of the
next lug past a preselected point.
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