very little pinion play

[88k5blazin]

I got everything back together on the third member for replacing the crush sleeve. Before I go any further I wanna check in. It has a bearing pre load of 7 in lbs at the moment and there is a very very small bit of wiggle on the pinion. Is that normal play between the bearings or should it be completely snug. I know the rating calls for between 5 and 15 in lbs but it feels pretty snug when I spin freehand. Is that normal or should it be able to spin a little on its own. Thanks for any advice

 

[wasted wages]

"Preload " to me implies that the bearings have been brought to zero play....and then "preloaded" with an additional amount of force....

I would assume zero play or wiggle would be what you are looking for.....

When I would pack old style wheel bearings, I would tighten the spindle nut until there was a significant amount of drag on the hub...insuring that all slack had been removed...the spindle nut was then loosened,,until a preload was still on the bearings.....and then locked in place....

the pinion bearings are no different....

 

[sweetk30]

what axle for the record ?

this might help get you a tip or trick better on checking that.

and new or used bearings ?

 

[88k5blazin]

what axle for the record ?

this might help get you a tip or trick better on checking that.

and new or used bearings ?

14bff used bearings

 

[sweetk30]

check your other post for reply to this.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Are you reading the amount of force it takes to keep turning the pinion or the amount of force it takes to START turning the pinion?

You want the first.

 

[sweetk30]

yep turning force NOT break away start turning force.

 

[88k5blazin]

I got the little bit of wiggle out and now I have a rotating force of 5.5 in lbs. Do u guys think that will suffice?