I bought a 14b ff axle at the junkyard recently and just checked the backlash, which is about .013-.014in. How do I adjust the ring gear to lower the backlash?
Ok, here is the basic setup, NOTE this procedure covers most models but NOT ALL it is intended to give you an idea of the process. The setup assumes that you have already disassembled and cleaned the carrier and bearings. SETUP 1. Install 2 bearing cups as tagged to side bearings. Install differential case assembly inside housing. 2. Install 2 bearing caps in their original positions with 4 new Iockwashers and bolts, Tighten bolts just enough to hold bearing caps in place. Loosen right side adjusting nut and tighten left side adjusting nut until ring gear contacts drive pinion gear without binding. This is zero (“O”) lash.Back off left side adjusting nut approximately 2 slots. Install left side adjusting nut lock, washer, and bolt to left side bearing cap. Tighten bolt to 20 Ib.-ft. (27 N.m). Tighten right side adjusting nut until differential case assembly is forced into solid contact with left side adjusting nut, Loosen right side adjusting nut until it is free from bearing contact then retighten until contact is re-established. 3. When in contact, tighten right side adjusting nut 2 slots if side bearings are reused or 3 slots if side bearings are new. Install adjusting nut lock, washer, and bolt to right side bearing cap. Tighten bolt to 20 lb.-ft. (27 N.m). 4 . Tighten 4 bolts (5) to 135 Ib.-ft. (183 N.m). NOTE At this point, side bearings are preloaded. If any additional adjustments are required, ensure that preload remains as established. If 1 adjusting nut is loosened, the other must be tightened an equal amount to maintain this preload. 5. Mount dial indicator on housing and measure backlash between ring gear and drive pinion gear. Rock ring gear back and forth to measure backlash. Backlash should be between 0.003-0.012 in. (0.076- 0.305 mm) with (0.1 27-0.203 mm) NOTE If adjusting nut 0.005-0.008 in.preferred, requires adjustment, bolts must be loosened. Once final adjustments have been made, bolts must be retightened to proper torque. 6 . If backlash is more than 0.012 in. (0.305 mm), loosen right adjusting nut 1 slot and tighten left adjusting nut 1 slot. If backlash is less than 0.003 in. (0.076 mm), loosen left adjusting nut 1 slot and tighten right adjusting nut 1 slot. Remove dial indicator from housing. NOTE If ring gear and drive pinion were replaced, perform steps 10-13 to check for proper gear tooth contact pattern. 7. Wipe any lubricant from housing and clean each tooth of ring gear. 8. Using a medium stiff brush, sparingly apply prussian blue dye to all ring gear teeth. Area of drive pinion tooth contact should be visible when drive pinion is engaged by hand. NOTE Excessive turning of ring gear is not recommended. Ring gear should be turned only enough to provide tooth contact pattern. 9. Apply load until it takes a torque of 40-50 companion flange so that ring gear turns 1 full revolution in opposite direction. Ib.-ft, (54-68 N.m) to turn drive pinion. Turn 1 full revolution, then reverse so that ring gear Hope this helps
Well, I already seen those exact directions when I posted this, what I didn't really understand was how to tighten and loosen the adjusting nuts. But once I saw the tool I needed it all made sense. I already set the backlash to about .008 and checked the contact pattern, which looks pretty good to me.:7 Thanks for your help though -Craig
