Free play on 420c axle

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Lowly
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Free play on 420c axle

Post by Lowly » Tue May 01, 2018 9:40 am

Hey guys,

I'm rebuilding the final drive on my 420c and just finished installing the axle. According to the service manual I should be able to add shims to achieve a bearing preload of .004 to .007. Instead, with all the shims in and the cover torqued down I still have .023" of free play

I pressed the outer bearing cone on to the axle to 5 1/8 as they show in the book.

So I guess two questions;

Any thoughts on why I can't take up the free play and get a preload?

Is the free play unacceptable and should I take it apart and start over?

Thanks for any help.

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Lavoy
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Re: Free play on 420c axle

Post by Lavoy » Tue May 01, 2018 3:42 pm

There isn't really such thing as all the shims, it may have been all you had, but not all you need. Assuming you don't have anything wrong inside, you need more shims.
The 5 1/8" axle measurement in the book is only a guideline for initial installation, and has no real effect on shims. Bearing needs to be firmly seated against the side of the axle spacer. If not, the bearing will gradually move over and preload will be lost. I hit outward on the axle flange with a large hammer to ensure that the bearing has moved in place.
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Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
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