9 replies to this topic

[grahama]

Hi all,

I took the diff apart the other day and found that one side had shims and the other didn't





Are the shims solely to set clearance for the diff end plates when the crown wheel is positioned??

Thanks,

Graham

[Asphalt]

They are there to set the preload for the bearings, that's why they are only needed on one side.
If you fit new gaskets and/or bearings, check the preload - a how-to should be covered in any remotely good repair manual

[Guess-Works.com]

or in the FAQ's

and yes only on one side ( the nearside for standard differentials )....

Be aware there are two types of differential bearings, THRUST bearings which will have THRUST written on them and full steel rollers which don't...

Thrust bearings need a preload of 4 thou, Full steel rollers don't require any preload, but you must shim the diff end cover to locate the diff.

Those in your pictures are thrust bearings.

[dklawson]

John, I have a question about semantics, not preload.

This is the second or third post where I've heard members talk about shimming the "nearside". To me, nearside means the driver's side. For me (left-hand-drive) I have always shimmed the nearside, the side closest to the radiator. That would be the farside for someone with a RHD car wouldn't it? Please let me know because I've either shimmed the wrong side for years or need to refresh my terminology!

[Ethel]

Nearside is nearest the kerb, so the left in the UK, the other side is the offside. It's a good point, perhaps clutch side or radiator side would be better?

[dklawson]

Thanks Ethel. That explains a lot. Now knowing what you guys mean... I think I'll stick with radiator and clutch end like you said so I don't get it wrong in any of my posts. Good information to have.

[Ethel]

It wouldn't be a bad idea if we all used something more "location neutral". Not everyone in the UK gets n/s o/s let alone left 'n right, especially if your engine is sat on the garage floor at the time.

We're sticking with bonnet, wings & boot though

[MRA]

You mean like left and right maybe ...

[Cooperman]

You mean like left and right maybe ...

Yes, and 'as you look at it from the back'.

[Asphalt]

Thrust bearings need a preload of 4 thou, Full steel rollers don't require any preload

Funny, how everyone tells a different story To my knowledge; 'thrust' = 0.5mm, steel cage = 0.025-0.05mm preload(!)...?