No rear axle end play is acceptable, right?

So if you have a tiny bit of axle end play when you cinch everything up for a test fit of the shims, you need to use fewer or thinner shims, is that correct?

And you need to keep reducing the thickness of the shims until all of the end play is eliminated?

(quoted from post at 11:26:33 03/28/17) So if you have a tiny bit of axle end play when you cinch everything up for a test fit of the shims, you need to use fewer or thinner shims, is that correct?

And you need to keep reducing the thickness of the shims until all of the end play is eliminated?

Click to expand...

suppose that if you could possibly and exactly hit ZERO, that would be OK, but it is more likely that you will end up with the axle ends binding if you try that. Some minimal clearance (play) is desirable, even if just a few thousandths of an inch. Did you find out where gasket 8N 4290 went?

Thanks!

8N4290 is the cork one that goes between the seal retainer and the brake backing plate, right? It doesn't really seem to fit around anything, so you have to glue it in place with gasket cement?

(quoted from post at 13:29:18 03/28/17) Thanks!

8N4290 is the cork one that goes between the seal retainer and the brake backing plate, right? It doesn't really seem to fit around anything, so you have to glue it in place with gasket cement?

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escription sounds correct, but I believe the number for that gasket is 8N4225. It looks like 8N4290 is about 1/2" wide paper & I can only guess that it is a result of a revision at some point or possibly for tractors after S/N 486,752 which used a different seal arrangement & no seal retainer plate???

The end play/ preload has to be done with both rear wheels off because will get false reading on end play.

You will need either a dial indicator and magnetic base or a helper to measure preload/end play. Without the dial indicator, you need to spin one axle and look at what direction the other axle is spinning (this is where the helper is needed). If they spin in the opposite direction, most likely you do not have enough preload/too much end play. Remove shims until both axles are spinning in the same direction. They are spinning in the same direction because you are pressing the ends of the axle shafts together. Now you have zero end play/too much preload. Increase the shim incrementally until they are no longer spinning in the same direction. You may even have it where the other axle stays stationary (this is ok). At this point, the preload/end play is "roughly" where it should be.

(quoted from post at 21:26:33 03/28/17) So if you have a tiny bit of axle end play when you cinch everything up for a test fit of the shims, you need to use fewer or thinner shims, is that correct?

And you need to keep reducing the thickness of the shims until all of the end play is eliminated?

Click to expand...

When you are satisfied don't be skeered to add one extra shim if using paper shims... If for nuttin else it will keep you from having to pull it apart and add a extra shim.. Paper will compress when you nail it down BTDT.. One extra shim is not a deal killer

Two taint either...

(quoted from post at 16:26:33 03/28/17) So if you have a tiny bit of axle end play when you cinch everything up for a test fit of the shims, you need to use fewer or thinner shims, is that correct?

And you need to keep reducing the thickness of the shims until all of the end play is eliminated?

Click to expand...

Don't just remove shims until it feels good. Remove shims until it's too tight, then add until it feels good. That assures you've taken the slack out of everything.

Most excellent, John!

I have taken this axle assembly apart and re-assembled it so many times to set the pre-load correctly that I am 100% sure that I've gotten the slack out of it!

After I do the other axle, I am going to run the checks of the hydraulic pump that you outline on your site.

(quoted from post at 11:03:01 03/29/17) Most excellent, John!

I have taken this axle assembly apart and re-assembled it so many times to set the pre-load correctly that I am 100% sure that I've gotten the slack out of it!

After I do the other axle, I am going to run the checks of the hydraulic pump that you outline on your site.

Click to expand...

f you were going to do both sides, you could have saved a lot of time with all that assy.disassy/etc., because when you set either side, you have done them both! Now, when you do the second side you have to repeat all that, that is unless you put back the same thickness shims & gaskets. But at least, you have the routine down good now!