Rear pinion bearing play

archwayanimal · May 6, 2013

Was under the Disco (2003 TD5) the other day replacing the XYZ switch, so we took the opportunity to replace the diff pinion seals as there was a slight leak from each. The front was straightforward, and after my mate made a puller to remove the pinion flange, the rear was not a problem either. However we did notice that there was some play in the pinion, and concluded that it would be worth replacing the bearing. Does this sound right, and is this straightforward or do you have to take the diff apart to do so? Many thanks!

jamesmartin · May 6, 2013

its best to replace both pinion bearings if ones worn ,which does require removing diff carrier

archwayanimal · May 6, 2013

thanks James - I assume there should be no play there at all?

jamesmartin · May 6, 2013

non ,if bearings arent bad in may just need a thinner shim

archwayanimal · May 6, 2013

and that's where you lose me - not exactly sure where/what the shim does and goes! Can't seem to find the right info in the Rave manual either. Is there a diagram of the diff or a guide you are aware of to assist?

jamesmartin · May 6, 2013

on the pinion on the inside of outer bearing often comes out stuck by oil to the bearing

archwayanimal · May 6, 2013

So effectively a large washer and replacing that could solve the problem? If you wanted to just replace the outer bearing, can this be done without dismantling the diff?

jamesmartin · May 6, 2013

no a small ring ,not easily
Ashcroft Transmissions - Rover Diff Shim Kit

archwayanimal · May 7, 2013

James, I noticed on another forum that someone suggested that the front bearing can come forwards when you remove the flange and that explains the movement in the pinion. Does this make sense to you? He suggested replacing the flange, tightening back up and seeing if the play has gone. There is no obvious sign that the bearings have gone, no noises coming from the diff etc..

jamesmartin · May 7, 2013

roller part of bearing can but goes back when you refit flange ,race wouldnt as is pressed in reasonably tight , if you fit flange correctly and tightly and its got end float ,bearing is worn or diff set badly

archwayanimal · May 8, 2013

thank you - new outer bearing (Timken) arrived yesterday so will replace that and see how it is looking. New inner bearing on order if also required.

jamesmartin · May 8, 2013

timken ?only use timken ,especially if you replace inner otherwise pinion height might well be altered

archwayanimal · May 8, 2013

saw you gave that advice to someone else, so also ordered Timken for inner. Hope that we can sneak the outer one out without having to dismantle the diff, and that sorts the problem.

Rear pinion bearing play

archwayanimal

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jamesmartin

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archwayanimal

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jamesmartin

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archwayanimal

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jamesmartin

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archwayanimal

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jamesmartin

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archwayanimal

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jamesmartin

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archwayanimal

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jamesmartin

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archwayanimal

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