Agh didnt realise there was a crush washer in the diff

[simmo6490]

Hi All,

 

After some advice.  Just put my diff flange back on my 1600E after having it at the prop builders.  Without even thinking i just whacked it on and tightned it up (using stanard ratchet with handbrake on)  Not realising these were not fixed tube but a crush sleve.

Can anyone tell me if this suggestion is the done thing:

Buy a Spring Balance
Remove Flange nut and reseat it
set up the preload using Spring balance

Or am i going to have to replace the washer etc now?  If so what is the easiest way to replace this.  Thanks All

[aden]

depends how much you have tightened it mate, the correct way is to set up the preload on the pinion bearings with the crown wheel assy out etc but the way I have always changed the pinion seals is to mark the nut, undo it and retighten to the same position, if u haven't crushed the washer any further when u tightened it you may have got away with it, if u can feel a bit of backlash when u rock the propshaft back and forth you might be lucky,  especially as u have only done it up with a ratchet

[simmo6490]

ill have a look tomorrow.  what the best way to set it up properly on these. as i have not really looked at the axle, does the whole axle drop out or can you pull it from the front plate?

[aden]

1600e im pretty sure should be an English axle, drop the half shafts out and prop off undo the ring of bolts that hold the diff into the axle and out it comes, mind the oil though, as for setting it up properly prob best to speak to the specialists on here ie WPE or ashton mobile, both got there own rooms on here mate

[rallyesport04]

feel the back lash never had no probs myself with diffs an never use any special tools if it feels wrong or is noisey remove it stick some engineers blue on the teeth an have a look at the contact if your unsure get someone to do it for you from our sponsors 

[iandq]

the pinion nut has got nothing whatsoever to do with the backlash, or indeed the contact pattern between the crown wheel and pinion, this is controlled / adjusted by pinion shimming and side bearing adjustment/preload. as per the earlier post i would think that it is unlikely that you have overtightened the nut by using a normal ratchet against the handbrake ( unless of course you were heavy handed with it ). i would road test the car for a few miles and listen for any undue noise, and feel the pinion housing for any heat buildup. if you are in any doubt then the diff will need to come out, have the crownwheel and diff carrier removed then the pinion preload can be checked and rectified if needed with a new crush sleeve, then the diff carrier refitted and the preload / backlash re set.

depending on your diff ratio ( the popular ones are expensive ) and the condition / anticipated mileage the car will cover, you may find it easier and cheaper to get another diff and fit that.

best of luck, ian.