>Without getting too technical, and without taking the diff
>to a specialist shop can anyone advise on the feasability
>and practicability of the following:
<snip> Is it possible that the drive shaft
>imbalance caused the pinion bearings to go>
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Possible, but not likely - more likely that it's just worn out. You
probably won't like rest of my assessment, but you did ask :-)
******************************
>If the bearing is gone:
>Can the front pinion bearing be replaced by taking the diff
>apart
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Yes - but not a good idea
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(but not the spiders and crown wheel assembly).
********************
No this assembly will have to come out also. No way to get the bearing
outer shell out with the pinion gear in the way -
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>is on a MK IV with the spacer washers to give the pinion the
>correct preload.
**********************
Doesn't really matter, in fact may be even more difficult because whenever
you change bearings, chances are you would have to change shims to get the
pre-load correct, and no you SHOULD NOT just tighten up the pre load. If
in fact it is out of spec, it's because it had WORN out of spec. Just
tightening it up would lead to a sure and rapid failure of the bearing.
Besides, if it has truly expired, then most likely the other bearings
aren't far behind, and since your in there anyway you might as well replace
them all. I mean it's a fair job just to get the darn thing out of the car!
***********************
>Can I do it myself, with the help of an experienced mechanic?
**********************
Well I don't know . . .I don't know your abilities. . . but just changing
the bearings wouldn't be anymore daunting than a gearbox rebuild although
getting the pinion head gear bearing off can be quite a challenge You'll
need a large split type puller and usually a press to get that one off-
Just mark the gear mesh pattern BEFORE you take it apart (used gears are
don't have the same pattern as new), and reassemble it with that same
pattern and you'll be fine.
Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
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