Is this pinion as bad as I think it is?

[TerryMason]

I've been having a whine from my jeep on the highway. When on the gas it would scream when I got up to 50+. I had originally thought it was my transmission, but no, it's the Ford 8.8 rear end. Pulling the rear driveshaft and driving around and it's whisper quiet (well .. a TJ whisper).

So, I begin poking around and see this:

I'm thinking that I need new gears (ring and pinion), and to learn how to install them.

Assuming that's the case, am I doing anything dumb by trying to just tighten the pinion nut a bit? Maybe the crush sleeve became worn and a bit more pressure will pull the pinion back in. I changed the fluid about a week ago, and didn't see much glitter - it's got a limited slip, so there was some filings that I assumed were clutch material.

 

[superj]

What is the amount you are allowed for backlash?

I am not sure but i think the in and out play (end play?) Looks excessive. If you cam get the nut to tighten anymorr, and it eliminates that in and out, maybe it will also eliminate the whine

 

[TerryMason]

I'm trying to think it through while watching all the videos I can on youtube. My guess is that to set the backlash I need to pull the carrier, as having the carrier / axles / tires all in place would make getting a reading impossible. To answer your question, I believe it is 0.008 to 0.012. I've ordered a drive beam torque wrench and will play around with it.

 

[JPNinPA]

The axels still turn the pinion with the rear drive shaft pulled. There is no force driving or slowing the pinion without the drive shaft.

The movement in the video is both rotational and in and out.
Does it move in and out without twist/rotation. Does it move up and down or left right without rotation?
Any leaks?
Control arm bushings good? No slop in loading or unloading the rear?


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

No slop in the control arms - one was loose, but I tightened it up.
There isn't much movement straight in and out, requires a twist.
No leaks that I've seen.

I'll pull the shafts and try and read the backlash with my new amazon beam torque wrench

 

[JPNinPA]

Not to freek you out…. But!
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Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

I think the forum software screwed up again, and that link doesn't work.

 

[JPNinPA]

Sorry I don’t think I could find it. It came up when mindlessly scrolling.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[JPNinPA]

Check this out.

Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

That is exactly what I'm experiencing! Sound on acceleration, but nothing when coasting.

The last of my parts arrive today, and I'm going to tear into it. The only problem is that it just hit 21 degrees outside, and my garage is too small to work in. Hopefully it warms up soon.

 

[superj]

we are havung a similar bummer cold spell. 35 because of the wind and the bmw is blocking the garage

 

[mark sr]

Cold here too and while I've spent most of my life working outside this year I got half of my barn's floor concreted. Between that and a wood stove it's not too bad working in there in bad weather. Might not get it toasty but still nicer than outside. Last Friday me and my grandson replaced an axle U joint. 25° outside but close to 50 in the barn.

Before concrete I was hesitant to work on a vehicle inside because the ground was just too dusty.

 

[TerryMason]

I'm trying my hand at taking these readings. Feels like more of an art than a science. Having said that, my backlash appears to be at 25 while the spec says it should be between 8 and 12.

I wasn't able to get a good reading on the pinion preload as it would spin freely without any real resistance. If I had to make a guess I would say 3 inch pounds. It should be between 8 and 14.


I'm going to pull the carrier and take a look at all the bearings. I'm going to guess that either the pinion bearings are worn or pinion nut backed off.

I did find it challenging to 100% secure the pinion while taking my backlash reading. I ended up using this yoke adapter. It worked okay, but if there's a better trick I'd love to hear it. The answer may be to get one of my kids to hold it still, but I think the smell of gear oil is going to chase them away.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

 

[superj]

Nah, that way looks fine