rear diff crownwheel help

[Willie_P]

In a misguided adventure early in my restoration, I loosened (but did not remove) the crownwheel bolts from the diff carrier.

is it safe to tighten (retorque to the proper spec) or should I replace?

thanks, wp

 

[CJD]

Just re-torque. As long as the mounting surface has no dirt on it, it will center itself as you tighten the bolts.

If you want to double check, once installed and ready to close the "hatch", you can coat each tooth on the ring gear with a thin, consistent layer of white grease. Then, while holding some load on the carrier, turn the pinion through 4 complete turns. Check the grease pattern as it was rubbed off by the pinion gear. It will show the contact patch for the 2 gears. It sould be consistent and near (not necessarily exactly at) the center portion of the ring teeth.

If the ring went on crooked, the patches will change as you look around the "wheel"

Good luck,

John

 

[TR3driver]

However, I might consider replacing the lock washers (or tabs) and using some Loctite on the bolts.

 

[Guest]

Loctite!