Axle Question

[Jimmy in Northern NC]

I removed both axles from my TO 30 to replace the seal. I noticed when I stood the axles on the hub end that the bearing retainers would drop down about 1/4 of an inch. Is this normal? Or has someone replaced bearings in the past and didn"t seat the collars? With this play, I can"t see how I can accurately shim the axle at reassembly.

 

[ohiojim]

i'd say you were right, shouldn't be any play in bearing

 

[John UK)]

Yes it is correct, the bearings are tapered and when you fasten everything together in the axle the bearings are pulled into the taper, and the ends of the Axle shafts butt up against each other. You can shim the Bearing and housing using shims and gaskets quite safely, it is correct.If it was fitted incorrectly, the rear wheels would be moving in and out by that amount and making a clonking sound...we have had that before but not recently.It is the Bearing Housings and the outer bearings that are dropping down not the actual bearing which is fast on the axle with the Collar. If you need more info about this, email me..John(UK)[email protected]