Diff spreader?

[mole42]

Does anyone know where I could borrow or rent an S101 tool to spread the diff? I've done it before without the tool, but if I haven't got one handy, you can be sure I'll need it.

[StagnJag]

I would say very unlikely you will need it. A couple of levers either side of the diff carrier and out it will pop. Mine took very little force when I did it a couple of years ago.

Regards

Dave

[FITCHETT]

Hi

Just a polite input.. Dont mix the carriers up just stamp one side so it goes back on that side

Anthony

[Mike Stevens]

I would say very unlikely you will need it. A couple of levers either side of the diff carrier and out it will pop. Mine took very little force when I did it a couple of years ago.

Me too when I replaced the sun/planet thrusts earlier this year. Much easier than I thought it was going to be.

Cheers,
Mike.

[mole42]

I think I remember that the crownwheel/diff carrier came out quite easily, but it's 20 years since I was rebuilding Triumphs, and in those days I had most of the required tools for differentials.

Any thoughts about the need for the pinion setting tool if I replace the bearings with Timken ones?

I looked at the diff today, I thought it might need some oil but it was quite full which is odd considering it's been leaking oil for about 15 years (I have an old garage bill which notes that the diff leaks oil...). The oil that flowed out when I topped it up contained particles of bronze which I expect came from the thrust washers. The bearings are making the sort of noises that make me drive very gently and there's a bit too much backlash so I'll have it out very soon and rebuilt. Chris Witor has Timken bearings which seem the best bet, I think I'll phone him tomorrow and order all the parts I might need. I hope he'll do some sun & planet thrusts on SOR so I can set it spot on.

[StagnJag]

you might find this useful: http://www.donkennedy.co.uk/Diff/Diff.htm I found it invaluable when I rebuilt my diff a couple of years ago. It was the first bit of precision mechanical work I had done. It took an age, but it's survived 10k+ so far so it can't be far off!

Regards
Dave

[Mike Stevens]

I can't remember which is which but one of the pair (planet/sun thrusts) are fixed size, with only the other pair selective - and they have the original size stamped on them! Putting it back to the original sizes (with new fixed size ones) made the diff very tight with no clonks at all. With some oil and 'bedding in' rotation it has come out just fine. Mind you, it's not back in the PI yet.....

Cheers,
Mike.

[mole42]

The last one I rebuilt was for a PI, haven't seen that car for 15 years so I've no idea if it's still good! The planet shims are available in various thinknesses and do tend to wear. I've just bought a few bits - a Timken bearing set and the oil seals. The bank manager has just phoned to ask for a meeting!

I wanted to do the job in a day, but I'm going to strip the diff, examine the thrust washers and measure up the shims I need so I'll have to wait for the new ones to be delivered. The CWP is quiet so I'm really hoping that new bearings and planet gear shims will fix the noise and clonks.Then I've got a nice propshaft man who will build me a replacement propshaft for £170 inc VAT and fitting.