Pinion preload again

roddyb34

roddyb34

Senior Member
I have a question regarding setting pinion and side bearings preload,,do we do it dry and clean ,,meaning no lube ,,as lube changes the drag feel ,,thanks ,,
 
I do it with a little oil on the bearings. I don't like the idea of them being dry for even the setup.
Others will have their say too but I don't expect any to say "do it dry".
 
roddyb34 said:
I have a question regarding setting pinion and side bearings preload,,do we do it dry and clean ,,meaning no lube ,,as lube changes the drag feel ,,thanks ,,
Click to expand...


Lube should not change the "drag feel" enough to matter. The bearing (-if good quality) should have come from the factory with a light lube anyway just to keep any rust from causing damage. This will be enough to eliminate any galling from occurring during preload testing. I am unaware of any Ford-issued specification for inch-pound rating on bearing preload either. The sole intent of that preload is to compensate for future bearing and cup wear which would allow the pinion to move out of alignment with the ring gear.
 
I use engine oil, because that's what I have in my squirt-can. I have an old Motors Manual that states "light drag on used bearings, heavier drag on new bearings", whatever that is? I don't use really heavy drag and believe that a decent used bearing is usually better than a new one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top