TO 20 Axle shims

[37chief]

Here is something I can't explain. the shims on one side were tore up when I removed the backing plate. It looked as if the shims were trying to turn. The nuts holding it together were tight. Any thoughts? Stan
 

[Jason S.]

Was there silicone on them or the actual gaskets?
 

[37chief]

couldn't tell what was on them, they were so beat up. What was left showded they had turned somehow, pulling past the studs. Are you saying not to use silicone? Should the shim side have a gasket? Stan
 

[Graeme(Aust)]

Advice I receive from John(UK) on shims and gaskets on rear axles was as follows:

"The correct order for gaskets and shims is:- starting at the axle:- shims/gasket/brake back plate/gasket/Hub.

Don't use gasket cement of any kind as the axle never fully tightens and moves slightly, this will wear away the cement over a period of time. Same applies to the gasket if you don't check it frequently, but it is much better and lasts longer than cement."

That is: there are 2 gaskets, one each side of the brake back plate. Shims next to the axle housing. No gasket cement. Axle studs need to be tightened every so often.
 

[Jason S.]

I am saying don"t use silicone. I redid my seals a while back on my TO20 and I used the correct paper gaskets. It had been siliconed by a previous owner and I put it back like it is supposed to be and I have no leaks. John(UK) knows these tractors inside and out and he will tell you not to use silicone. I agree with him. You have to torque those bolts. How do you torque something covered in silicone? It"s kind of hard to because the silicone will keep compressing, and because it keeps compressing and giving, eventually your bolts will loosen. My were in my tractor when I went to take them loose. My advise is this...if your axle bearings are good, I would pack the bearing full of grease,install sure seals, put it back together with the paper gaskets and torque it down and check the clearances just to be safe. When the axle bearings go bad then you can cut the collar off and replace the original outer seal. But what are the odds that your shaft is perfect where the original seal has ridden for the past 60 years. You may replace the outer seals only to find that it still leaks and you have to take it back apart to put sure seals in to stop it from leaking.