2 replies to this topic

[SolarB]

Re-building the gearbox from the '84 A+ engine over the weekend and noticed quite a bit of in-out play in one of the differential output shafts. I think I'm being stupid, but I can't find the information for the clearance required for the thrust washers. I can see there are two different sizes available (.048 and .035) but I don't know what clearance to aim for.

 

It looks like the fiber type washers are fitted, some advice would be appreciated.

[Spider]

There is no specified clearance because in use, the output shaft only thrust out. So no, you are not 'being stupid'. On the inner side, the shafts butt up against the centre block, which for quite a while in Metro Production, they didn't fit at all, so when assembled and everything was 'right', these shafts had quite a bit of float in them. They only fitted the centre blocks again as it was found when servicing the Pot Joints, they could be difficult to get to clip back in on the shafts.

 

Usually when one has a lot of play it's from the thrust on that shaft having disintegrated, which I seem to find on nearly every stock diff I come across.

 

The fibre type thrusts are all that is available these days, however, the very early cars has Brass thrusts, if you can find a set of them, you'd be better off, or you maybe able to find some brass shim washers of a similar size to use. If purchasing fibre thrusts, it will likely be the 0.035" types you'll need. The 0.048's are replacements for the Brass types.

[SolarB]

Thanks for the information. I'll see if the washers are still intact and go from there.