Driveshaft bearing clearance?

CalMI

CalMI

Member
Last summer when I got my '36 on the road for the first time since restoration, I noticed a driveline vibration. I didn't know where it was coming from except that it was not in the engine. last week I pulled the rear axle back to get the transmission out to fix a jumping out of second problem and I discovered the the driveshaft front bearing has some side to side play. I guess I ignored the issue when I put it together. It seems to have about 0.060 movement. Is this excessive and could this be a source for vibration? How much slop can be tolerated? Now is the time to fix the problem while I have the rear end out. Can the drive shaft be welded up and turned down. I understand the the journal DIA is supposed to be 1.090. Thanks for your help.
Cal
I don't have time to do things right, but I have time to do things over.
 
that bearing has a removible sleve in the torque tube are you sure its there . some one may have replaced the bearing & didn,t install the sleve
 
Well I know there is a bearing sleeve installed.
I was hoping someone would give me insight into how much play is too much and how to repair the shaft.
 
Your drive shaft "U" joint is most likely low on grease. If you use a high temperature grease the "U" joint will cut out a hollow inside of the grease and run dry. You need a low melting or low drop temperature grease. The lower temperature grease melts when it gets warm and the "U" joint dips into the melted grease. It could also be low on grease, it takes over a full tube. This will also lube the bearing and speedometer drive gear. G.M.
 
i just took it apart last Saturday. The u-joint had plenty of grease. I used the John Deere corn head grease too. I would like someone to tell me how much play is acceptable.
 
The last one I put together with a new bearing and sleave didnt have any side to side motion . I would definately take a look at changing it and dont forget the seal also.
 
I replaced the front bearing on my'36 driveshaft last summer, it had a lot of radial play (I didn't measure how much since I knew I would replace it). As with Ken/Alabama, with a new sleeve/bearing there was minimal play

Adam
 
I too had a vibe problem on my 33, I measured the play in the front driveshaft bearing and by selecting ,the best shaft,and NOS roller bearing and sleave got .005 up and down play.
Lawrie
 
Thanks guys. I am going to pull the torque tube tomorrow and see what i can do about the play.
Cal
 
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