8N rear axle

[cuby]

Not all that familiar with these. On this one there are shims on the back side of the backing plate that goes against the axle tube. Is this normall and if so what is their purpose. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Smokeonthewater]

The shims set the preload on the axle bearings

 

[JMOR]

The axle/wheel bearing clearance (rollers to race) is set by the distance between left bearing retainer & right bearing retainer. Shims on left or right or both are used to set this clearance.

 

[cuby]

Should there be shims between race retainer and backing plate? Thanks

 

[Smokeonthewater]

Edit: nm... had a brainfart

This post was edited by Smokeonthewater on 08/24/2021 at 04:58 pm.

 

[Jim L WA]

According to the my parts manual and the FO-4 service manual there is a shim or shims between the backing plate and axle tube and also between the retainer and backing plate.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 17:26:18 08/24/21) Should there be shims between race retainer and backing plate? Thanks

oes not matter which side of backing plate that shims are on....end result is same.

 

[History Buff (MN)]

Last fall I spent quit a bit of time going after my leaking axle seals on my 8n.
I used the repair manual along with John Smith's instructions.
https://fordtractorcollectors.com/rear-axle-seals/

I used the paper gasket (along with blue RTV) between the backing plate and the axle housing.
https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ford-8N_Rear-Axle-Housing-Gasket-Outer-Pack-of-10_9N4130.html

Then used the steel shims when installing the bearing retainer, to set the bearings (again using some blue RTV in-between all surfaces).
https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ford-8N_Shim-for-Bearing-Retainer_183261M1.html

This post was edited by History Buff (MN) on 08/25/2021 at 06:07 am.

 

[wore out]

(quoted from post at 12:47:51 08/24/21) The shims set the preload on the axle bearings

Pay attention to what the manuals tell you, there is NO "preload"
on the axle bearings, but (quite the opposite) 0.001" to 0.003" of ENDPLAY as measured at the end of either axle shaft.

WHY do some of you guys always say "PRELOAD"?

 

[Smokeonthewater]

I stand corrected... My manual is a home printed version of the 1953 manual from an online source.... I missed the second page of the axle bearing section... The shimming procedure they describe, they state will hold endplay to .002-.006...

I still don't like their procedure but yes endplay, not preload

I chose to set mine to what feels to my hands (but not measured) like 0 endplay with no extra drag.

Edit: added pics

This post was edited by Smokeonthewater on 08/25/2021 at 07:26 am.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 01:45:17 08/25/21)

(quoted from post at 12:47:51 08/24/21) The shims set the preload on the axle bearings

Pay attention to what the manuals tell you, there is NO "preload"
on the axle bearings, but (quite the opposite) 0.001" to 0.003" of ENDPLAY as measured at the end of either axle shaft.

WHY do some of you guys always say "PRELOAD"?

woreout asks, "WHY do some of you guys always say "PRELOAD"?"
Answer; because they do not know what 'pre-load' is, or they are misapplying it to 8N rear axles. Hey, the term sounds intelligent.

 

[DonTheNewby]

(quoted from post at 05:44:30 08/25/21)

(quoted from post at 01:45:17 08/25/21)

(quoted from post at 12:47:51 08/24/21) The shims set the preload on the axle bearings

Pay attention to what the manuals tell you, there is NO "preload"
on the axle bearings, but (quite the opposite) 0.001" to 0.003" of ENDPLAY as measured at the end of either axle shaft.

WHY do some of you guys always say "PRELOAD"?

woreout asks, "WHY do some of you guys always say "PRELOAD"?"
Answer; because they do not know what 'pre-load' is, or they are misapplying it to 8N rear axles. Hey, the term sounds intelligent.

WOW, this is timely for me! Just started working on the same over the weekend..

Was getting ready to ask some of the same questions, of course my questions would have made no sense!