Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 HiI'm in the early stages of a mild restoration of a 1500 and have removed the body from my 1500 (thanks again for previous help re hidden bolts :B), and stripped the rear end except for the diff and propshaft.All seems okay except perhaps for the diff. I've read various threads on here re diffs but they don't exactly describe what my diff shows, so I'm hoping for a bit of advice/opinions as to what to do.The output shafts are smooth and have no discernible play. The pinion has about 1.5 - 2 cms (perhaps 1/8 turn) of rotational slack and when I lift the propshaft next to the diff, both propshaft and pinion flanges, and the pinion shaft, move up and down perhaps 2-3mm. (There is additional slack in the prop UJ but I'm a bit clearer on what that needs).Is this amount of movement acceptable? If it isn't, what is my best course of action?Many thanksDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 I would say that it needs attention. I have had them in similar condition, still quiet, but when you consider that that bearing pair is supposed to have some preload...... 2-3mm sidefloat does not sound good! Have you ever driven the car?If you are lucky it should just need bearings - suggest getting someone like Mike Papworth to take a look and overhaul as needed.Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 Thanks for response Nick,Didn't get the chance to drive it before buying - just a look over and getting the engine running, so can't comment on whether it's noticeable when driving.Did you have (similar) ones fixed, or did you drive them for a while? Presumably if I don't get it sorted I risk doing worse damage? Is it an MOT issue?More questions if you (or anyone else) knows the answers....... trying to weigh up risk versus cost and also what's sensible when body is off (within limited budget).ThanksDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefertoo Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 if you take the prop and try and tighten the big nut up on the end of the diff flange,sounds like its loose,i've been lucky in the past and its been ok with no noise etc.(i know they are supposed to be set up by a specilist etc) if it then feels nice and smooth i would try it but if it feels like a bag of sand the bearing's probably bust.craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 Thanks Craig.Sounds a possibility, given it may need to be sent away anyway.CheersDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefertoo Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 p.s forgot to mention you should torque the nut up,not swing on it with an extremely long bar ;). it might tell you how much in a haynes manual. otherwise i would take the play out then no more than 1/8 turn to put some preload on. go easy on it as if its too tight and the bearing is toast is could well sieze alltogether :(craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 As this is probably a late enough diff to have a crush spacer between the bearings (should have a cap over the nut) then it is possible that tightening it will remove the play.If trying this the first thing is, tighten small amounts at a time and keep checking the play (end float/side to side motion, not the backlash between crownwheel and pinion) and when you have just removed the play, stop there. If it still feels sweet you may be ok..... Second thing is that this play is caused by the hardened surfaces of the bearing races wearing away, so it is unlikely to be a long-term solution. Better to have it properly seen to IMO.RegardsNick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 Craig - OK, thanks for the warning - will need to borrow a stronger torque wrench as 115Nm is more than mine goes up to!Assuming the free play is much reduced and the movement is smooth, and I take the risk, will it still be a candidate for an MOT failure? Do you know what tolerance an MOT inspector gives?CheersDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 Nick - thanks also - makes sense. I have little experience of these so experienced opinions all helpful. :)Has anybody used Chic Doig for anything like this? (It's a lot nearer to me, so I could take it in rather than post). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefertoo Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 as far as i know as long as the prop isnt dropping off then it isnt part of the mot anyway. craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 OK, thanks again Craig - I've had other cars fail because of loose joints in other things but this is my first car with a rear diff and propshaft, so I've no idea what the rules are re this.CheersDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 Chic is very well regarded.Clive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxer82 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 Thanks Clive, I'll weigh up the options and perhaps give Chic a call. CheersDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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