How much backlash should a diff have?

How much backlash should a diff have?

Keep the backlash variation under 0.005″ if possible. In a perfect world no variation would be the goal. However, even with a straight case the backlash can vary 0.005″ without any negative consequences, so this is an area where each assembler will have to decide how much they are willing to allow.

What happens with too much backlash?

This distance is application-specific* and is critically important on all differentials because insufficient backlash causes the gears to bind, while excessive backlash causes excessive mechanical wear. Note that both inadequate and excessive backlash can cause varying mechanical noises.

Can you adjust backlash?

The simplest and most common way to reduce backlash in a pair of gears is to shorten the distance between their centers. This moves the gears into a tighter mesh with low or even zero clearance between teeth. It eliminates the effect of variations in center distance, tooth dimensions, and bearing eccentricities.

Does pinion depth effect backlash?

Increasing pinion depth also decreases backlash and moves drive pattern slightly towards toe, and coast pattern slightly towards the heel. Decreasing pinion depth also increases backlash and moves the drive pattern slightly towards the heel, and the coast pattern slightly towards the toe.

How can I improve my backlash?

Use shims to move the ring gear closer to the pinion to decrease backlash. Use shims to move the ring gear farther from the pinion gear to increase backlash. Use shims to move the pinion closer to the ring gear to move the drive the pattern deeper on the tooth (flank contact) and slightly toward the toe.

What is the purpose of differential backlash?

The general purpose of backlash is to prevent gears from jamming due to contact occurring on both sides of the tooth at the same time. A minimal amount of backlash is important in order to allow a space for lubricant to enter the mesh and also allows for any thermal expansion of the gearing under load.

Why is backlash necessary?

Backlash is necessary to provide the running clearance needed to prevent binding of the mating gears, which can result in heat generation, noise, abnormal wear, overload, and/or failure of the drive.

How do you check gear backlash?

Turn the adjustment knob on the side of the dial indicator gauge until the gauge needle points to the “0” setting. Rock the ring gear back and forth with your hand while monitoring the gauge needle. The distance indicated on the gauge is the gear backlash.

How much does it cost to adjust pinion depth?

When changing pinion depth, make large changes until the pattern is close to ideal. Consider 0.005” to 0.015” a large change and 0.002” to 0.004” a small change. Intentionally, make adjustments that move the pinion too far at first.

What is normal backlash?

(2) Normal Backlash ( j n ) The minimum distance between each meshed tooth flank in a pair of gears, when it is set so the tooth surfaces are in contact. (3) Angular Backlash ( j θ) The maximum angle that allows the gear to move when the other mating gear is held stationary.