5 replies to this topic

[grahama]

Hi,

I keep hearing about end float. Have only heard it in relation to VW beetles tho. Can someone tell me what it is please and if it is a problem on minis??

Graham

[Dan]

End float is a term used by engineers to describe the amount of free play there is along the axis of a shaft fixed in any part of any machine. You can't simply say end float is a problem or isn't, that would be like saying fastener torque is a problem. It's an engineering term, it can't be a problem in itself. End float is a description of the running clearance a shaft and its bearings have and all shafts need to have different specific amounts. Having the wrong end float or something that wears out quickly and so gets a reputation for having too much end float would be a problem. It's like all the Max Power kids who say they want their car to have camber. Camber is an engineering term, all suspension assemblies have camber but how much of it you have is what's important.

Important end floats to check in a Mini are the crank, the cam, the primary gear and idler and all the parts of the gearbox. More or less the same as in any car.

[myredmini]

End float is a term used by engineers to describe the amount of free play there is along the axis of a shaft fixed in any part of any machine. You can't simply say end float is a problem or isn't, that would be like saying fastener torque is a problem. It's an engineering term, it can't be a problem in itself. End float is a description of the running clearance a shaft and its bearings have and all shafts need to have different specific amounts. Having the wrong end float or something that wears out quickly and so gets a reputation for having too much end float would be a problem. It's like all the Max Power kids who say they want their car to have camber. Camber is an engineering term, all suspension assemblies have camber but how much of it you have is what's important.

Important end floats to check in a Mini are the crank, the cam, the primary gear and idler and all the parts of the gearbox. More or less the same as in any car.

Perfect explanation !

[grahama]

Great explanation Dan, ta. However, how do I measure them and what should they be. Are they listed in the Haynes manual as I have this !!

Graham

[greensilver mini]

a DTI (dial test indicator) will do the the job thats what we used at college to check end float

Edited by greensilver mini, 03 July 2011 - 06:54 PM.

[Dan]

Depends on exactly which shaft you are measuring as some are inaccessible once assembled and so must be indirectly measured but all the procedures and tollerances are indeed listed in Haynes. A DTI on a decent stand will deal with most of them, feeler gauges are needed for some, and special procedures for others.