11.5 AAM Carrier Beraing Preload

GMC 08

Member
Aug 2, 2010
40
0
6
St. Charles, MN
I just installed 4.30 gears in my truck. What are you guys setting you carrier bearing preload too? I got the gears from Just differentials and they are telling me the adjusting nuts are just for setting backlash and there is no spec for the carrier bearing preload. Which I know is wrong. I found a tread over at DP. Anyone confirm this is correct? Thanks!

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76...in-2001-2010/462098-11-5-aam-torque-spec.html

I'm assuming by Slots they mean holes. Right now I went to zero preload and then went three holes/slots. It seems tight!
 

PureHybrid

Isuzu Shakes IT
Feb 15, 2012
3,326
362
83
Central OH
I set it by backlash, .002"

Run the adjuster on the LH side in until you get backlash at .002 less than desired. (You will have to keep tension on the carrier by hand because the RH adjuster should be loose). Once it's near .002" under desired backlash, run the RH adjuster in until you gain your backlash to where it should be.
 

S Phinney

Active member
Aug 15, 2008
4,011
18
28
Quncy, Fl
You have to start by making sure pinion depth is right before proceeding. Then adjust backlash. Preload is set with the crush sleeve. It's usually given in inch pounds. It can be done with a gauge for you rachet or using a string and fishing scale. Ultimately it's a resistance on the pinion bearing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

2004LB7

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2010
6,383
1,740
113
Norcal
when i did mine with 4.56s i was instructed to set the pinion first, then tighten the left/driver side adjusting nut until backlash is between 0.04~0.07 and watching for the correct pattern. it was a back and forth game of adjusting the pinion shims and carrier adjusting nuts until both the backlash and pattern looked good.

the idea behind tightening up the driver side adjusting nut to set the backlash was to force the carrier towards the pinion so under hard acceleration the gears don't push apart. apparently, there is no practical way to measure the carrier adjusting nut load.

the instructions stated when in doubt, go on the tighter side rather than loosening the passenger side carrier nut. it said it was almost impossible to make them too tight.
 

fc8464

Member
Jun 26, 2012
71
0
6
Fairbanks, Alaska
Axle Preload and Backlash SpecificationsApplication
Specification
Metric
English
Backlash, NEW Gear Set
0.08–0.13 mm
0.003–0.005 in
Backlash, Gear Set, General Range
0.08–0.25 mm
0.003–0.010 in
Backlash, Used/Broken-In Gear Set, Preferred
0.13–0.18 mm
0.005–0.007 in
Pinion and Differential Case Bearing Preload, New Bearings
3.4–6.2 Y
30–55 lb in
Pinion and Differential Case Bearing Preload, Used Bearings
2.8–5.1 Y
25–45 lb in
Pinion Bearing Preload, New Bearings
1.7–3.4 Y
15–30 lb in
Pinion Bearing Preload, Used Bearings
1.1–2.3 Y
10–20 lb in
Axle Shaft Endplay/Lash (axial lash) per side, max
0.31 mm
0.012 in
Axle Shaft Radial Lash (up and down)
0.051 mm
0.002–0.003 in
 

fc8464

Member
Jun 26, 2012
71
0
6
Fairbanks, Alaska
Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles)
Special Tools
Important:
  • Ensure that the side bearing surfaces in the axle housing are clean and free of burrs. If the original bearings are to be reused, the original bearing cups must also be used.
  • The differential side bearings must be initially preloaded in order to determine the backlash of the gear set. After the backlash is set, the final bearing preload is set.
  1. 661077.gif
  2. Measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion and differential assembly using an inch–pound torque wrench.
    Specification
    The rotating torque of the drive pinion and differential assembly should be 2.3–4.5 Y (20–40 lb in) for new bearings or 1.7–3.4 Y (15–30 lb in) for used bearings.
  3. If the rotating torque is too low, tighten the differential bearing adjuster nuts in 1 slot increments until the specified rotating torque is obtained.
  4. If the rotating torque is too high, loosen the differential bearing adjuster nuts in 1 slot increments until the specified rotating torque is obtained.
  5. If the specification for the rotating torque of the drive pinion and differential assembly cannot be obtained by adjusting the differential bearing adjuster nut, remove the differential assembly, measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion and adjust as necessary. Refer to Differential Replacement and Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement.
    6946.gif
  6. Install the J 25025-1 and the J 8001 to the axle housing as shown.
  7. Place the indicator stem of the J 8001-3 at the heel end of a gear tooth.
  8. Set the J 8001-3 so that the stem is aligned with the gear rotation and perpendicular to the tooth angle.
  9. Preload the dial of the J 8001-3. Align the needle and the dial face of the J 8001-3 to ZERO.
  10. While holding the drive pinion stationary, move the ring gear back and forth. Measure and record the backlash.
  11. Repeat the measuring procedure at eight points around the ring gear.
    Specification
    The difference between the backlash at all of the measuring points should not vary by more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in).
  12. If the difference between the backlash at all of the measuring points varies by more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in), inspect for the following conditions:
    • Burrs
    • A distorted case flange
    • Uneven bolting
  13. If the difference between all the measuring points is within specifications, the backlash at the minimum lash point measured should be:
    Specification
    The backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion should be between 0.08–0.25 mm (0.003–0.010 in) with a preferred backlash of 0.13–0.18 mm (0.005–0.007 in).
    694535.gif
  14. If the backlash is not within specifications, adjust the backlash by performing the following steps:
    1. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut retainers bolts.
    2. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut retainers.
    3. Remove the bearing cap bolts.
    4. Remove the bearing caps. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
    5. If the backlash is too small, increase the backlash by turning the left differential bearing adjuster in one slot and the right differential bearing adjuster out one slot using the J 24429 until the correct backlash is obtained.
    6. If the backlash is too large, decrease the backlash by turning the right differential bearing adjuster in one slot and the left differential bearing adjuster out one slot using the J 24429 until the correct backlash is obtained.
  15. Install the bearing caps.Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.
  16. Install the bearing cap bolts.
    Tighten
    • Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 185 Y (136 lb ft) (10.5 inch axle).
    • Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 207 Y (153 lb ft) (11.5 inch axle).
  17. Recheck the backlash following the steps above to verify that the backlash is within specifications.
  18. Install the differential bearing adjuster nut retainers.
  19. Install the differential bearing adjuster nut retainer bolts.
    Tighten
    Tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut retainer nut bolts to 27 Y (20 lb ft).
  20. Measure the drive pinion and differential case side bearing preload and adjust, if necessary following the steps above.
  21. Once the backlash and bearing preload is correct, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper alignment between the ring and pinion gears. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection.
 

GMC 08

Member
Aug 2, 2010
40
0
6
St. Charles, MN
I checked the rotational torque of the pinion and differential assembly this morning, I'm at 30 in-lbs. Looks like I need to tighten the preload on the differential a little bit.

Thanks for the info!!
 

fc8464

Member
Jun 26, 2012
71
0
6
Fairbanks, Alaska
Differential Carrier Assembly Assemble (9.25 Inch Axle)
Tools Required
GE-8092 Driver Handle Universal Driver Handle – ¾ in – 10
J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
J 36366 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
J 36599-A Side Bearing Nut Wrench
J 36603 Side Bearing Cup Installer
J 36609 Axle Tube Bearing Installer
J 36612 Output Shaft Bearing Installer
J 36614 Inner Pinion Bearing Installer
J 36615 Side Bearing Nut Wrench (9.25 inch axle)
Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder of the pinion gear.
Object ID: 651742Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion gear using the J 36614.
Install the new collapsible spacer onto the pinion gear.
Lubricate the inner and the outer pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
Install the outer pinion bearing into the differential carrier case half.
Object ID: 664080Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the oil seal by doing the following:
Install the differential carrier case half into a vise.
Place shop towels in the vise in order to protect the differential carrier case.
Install the seal using the J 36366. Ensure the seal flange is seated on the axle housing surface.
Apply sealant to the splines of the pinion yoke. Use the correct sealant. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
Install the pinion gear, with the inner pinion bearing and the new collapsible spacer, into the left differential carrier case half.
Install the pinion yoke.
Notice: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Notice.
Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
If the new pinion nut cannot be installed, perform the following steps in order to seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion so that the washer and new pinion nut can be installed:
Remove the pinion nut washer.
Install the old pinion nut.
Tighten the nut until a few of the shaft threads show through the nut so that the washer and new pinion nut can be installed.
Remove the old pinon nut.
Install the pinion nut washer.
Install the new pinion nut.
Object ID: 664065Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.
Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01.
Tighten
Tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut in order to seat the bearings.
Remove the J 8614-01.
Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0–2.3 Y (10–20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7–3.4 Y (15–30 lb in) for new bearings.
If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Y (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 Y (15 lb in) for new bearings, reinstall the J 8614-01 and continue to tighten the pinion nut.
Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0–2.3 Y (10–20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7–3.4 Y (15–30 lb in) for new bearings.
Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.
Remove the J 8614-01.
Assemble the right side differential adjuster nut into the differential nut sleeve until fully seated.
Object ID: 696522Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the right side axle shaft bearings into the differential adjuster nut sleeve using the J 36612  (2) and the GE-8092 Driver Handle  (1).
Install the left side axle shaft bearing into the differential adjuster nut sleeve using the J 36609 and the GE-8092 Driver Handle.
Install the right side differential adjuster nut assembly and new adjuster lock nut tab into the differential carrier case using the J 36609 and the GE-8092 Driver Handle.
Install the left side differential adjuster nut assembly into the differential carrier case.
Object ID: 696524Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the right side differential case side bearing cups to the differential carrier case using the J 36603 (2) and the GE-8092 Driver Handle (1).

Object ID: 1332716Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the differential case assembly into the left differential carrier case half.
Clean the sealing surface of each half of the differential carrier case and the inner axle housing to differential carrier assembly.
The surfaces must be clean of all the grease and the oil.
Apply a bead of sealer to one differential carrier case half sealing surface. Use the correct sealer. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.

Object ID: 1332738Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the right differential carrier case half to the left differential carrier case half.
If the carrier case halves do not make complete contact, use the J 36599-A in order to back out the right differential adjuster nut sleeve until the differential carrier case halves make contact.

Object ID: 1332740Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the differential carrier case bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the differential carrier case bolts to 47 Y (35 lb ft).
Install the differential carrier assembly into a vise.
Object ID: 680101Click here for detailed picture of the image.
While rotating the pinion yoke back and forth, turn the right side differential adjuster nut sleeve clockwise using the J 36599-A until 0.0254–0.0762 mm (0.001–0.003 in) of backlash can be felt between the ring gear and the drive pinion.
If the backlash specification cannot be obtained, turn the left side differential adjuster nut sleeve counterclockwise using the J 36599-A one notch at a time until the backlash specification can be obtained.

Object ID: 680888Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Turn the left side differential adjuster nut clockwise using the J 36615 in order to preload the differential side bearings against the differential side bearing cups.
Tighten
Tighten the differential adjuster nut to 75 Y (55 lb ft).
Rotate the pinion several times in order to seat the pinion and differential side bearings.
Measure the rotating torque of the drive pinion and differential assembly using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly should be 3.4–6.2 Y (30–55 lb in) for new bearings or 2.8–5.1 Y (25–45 lb in) for used bearings.

Object ID: 1332728Click here for detailed picture of the image.
If the rotating torque measurement is below 2.8 Y (25 lb in) for used bearings, or 3.4 Y (30 lb in) for new bearings, adjust the differential side bearing preload using the following steps:
Place an alignment mark between the differential adjuster nut sleeve and the differential carrier case, left and right sides.
Using the J 36599-A or the J 36615, turn the left and the right side differential adjuster nut sleeves in or clockwise one notch.
Measure the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly using an inch–pound torque wrench.
Compare the new measurement to the specification listed in step 34. If the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is not within specifications, continue to tighten the left and right side differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch at a time on each side until the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is within specifications.
If the rotating torque measurement is above 5.1 Y (45 lb in) for used bearings, or 6.2 Y (55 lb in) for new bearings, adjust the differential side bearing preload using the following steps:
Place an alignment mark between the differential adjuster nut sleeve and the differential carrier case, left and right sides.
Using the J 36599-A or the J 36615, turn the left and the right side differential adjuster nut sleeves out or counterclockwise one notch.
Measure the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly using an inch–pound torque wrench.
Compare the new measurement to the specification listed in step 34. If the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is not within specifications, continue to loosen the left and right side differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch at a time on each side until the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is within specifications.
Once the specified rotating torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.
Measure the drive pinion to ring gear backlash and adjust, if necessary. Refer to Backlash Inspection and Adjustment.
Once the bearing preload and drive pinion to ring gear backlash is within specifications, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check to ensure proper contact between the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection.
Complete the assembly of the differential carrier. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Final Assembly.
 

fc8464

Member
Jun 26, 2012
71
0
6
Fairbanks, Alaska
cklash Inspection and Adjustment
Tools Required
J-8001 Dial Indicator Set
J-36599-A Side Bearing Nut Wrench
J-36615 Side Bearing Nut Wrench
Remove all alignment marks made previously and re-mark the location of the differential adjuster nut sleeves in relation to the differential carrier assembly case halves.
Ensure that the notches can be counted when turned.
Object ID: 882920Click here for detailed picture of the image.
Install the J-8001–1 (1, 2), the J-8001–2 (3), and the J-8001–3 (4) as shown.
Ensure that the button contacts the outer edge of the pinion yoke and that the plunger is at a right angle to the pinion yoke.
Move the pinion yoke back and forth through the pinion yoke's free play while not allowing the ring gear to move.
Record the dial indicator reading.
To determine the actual backlash, divide the dial indicator reading by 2.
An actual dial indicator reading of 0.16 mm (0.006 in) means that there is actually 0.08 mm (0.003 in) backlash.
Specification
The backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion should be between 0.08–0.25 mm (0.003–0.010 in) with a preferred specification of 0.13–0.18 mm (0.005–0.007 in).
Important: When adjusting the backlash, observe the following:
Always turn the left and the right differential adjuster nut sleeves in equal amounts.
Turning the differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch will change the backlash about 0.08 mm (0.003 in).
If the backlash is too small, increase the backlash by turning the right differential adjuster nut out using the J-36599-A side bearing nut wrench , 8.25 inch axle, or the J-36615 side bearing nut wrench , 9.25 inch axle, and the left differential adjuster nut using the J-36599-A side bearing nut wrench until the correct backlash is obtained. For the late 8.25  “LOCK RING” design front axle, turn out the right differential adjuster nut in small increments using the J-36599-A side bearing nut wrench and the left differential adjuster nut in small increments until the correct backlash is obtained.
If the backlash is too large, decrease the backlash by turning the left differential adjuster nut out using the J-36599-A side bearing nut wrench and the right differential adjuster nut in using the J-36599-A side bearing nut wrench , 8.25 inch axle, or the J-36615 side bearing nut wrench , 9.25 inch axle, until the correct backlash is obtained. For the late 8.25  “LOCK RING” design front axle, turn out the left differential adjuster nut out in small increments using the J-36599-A side bearing nut wrench and the right differential adjuster nut in small increments until the correct backlash is obtained.
Recheck the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly and adjust, if necessary. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Assemble.
Once the backlash and bearing preload is within specifications, remove the alignment markings and place new alignment marks between the differential bearing adjuster nut and the differential carrier assembly case.
Continue the assembly of the differential carrier. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Assemble.
 

fc8464

Member
Jun 26, 2012
71
0
6
Fairbanks, Alaska
le Preload and Backlash Specifications
Axle Preload and Backlash Specifications
Application
Specification
Metric
English
Backlash
0.08–0.25 mm
0.003–0.010 in
Backlash (Preferred)
0.13–0.18 mm
0.005–0.007 in
Pinion Bearing Preload, New Bearings
1.7–3.4 Y
15–30 lb in
Pinion Bearing Preload, Used Bearings
1.1–2.3 Y
10–20 lb in
Pinion and Differential Case Bearing Preload, New Bearings
3.4–6.2 Y
30–55 lb in
Pinion and Differential Case Bearing Preload, Used Bearings
2.8–5.1 Y
25–45 lb in
 

fc8464

Member
Jun 26, 2012
71
0
6
Fairbanks, Alaska
I am copy and pasting off of SI dont know why it does not show pictures. Big thing is when measuring backlash off the the pinion youk it needs to read double of the spec. Example prefered is .005 in. measured at yoke would be .010 at yoke. Let me know if you have any questions. Fred :thumb: