Differential Center Pin
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,118
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Differential Center Pin
I'm trying to figure out why the center pin has some scars on it (aside from the obvious that the side yoke tips are rubbing on it). Is it an indication of yoke collar wear, or is that just the way it is with this design? How much wear can the pin take and is it something to be overly concerned about?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Differential Center Pin (Chris81)
Chris,
I can't provide the exact answer your looking for. This is all I have to offer.
I don't know why but my center shaft obviously didn't rotate freely enough thus allowing the side yokes to wear flat spots into it.
This picture shows one side of the differential cross shaft from my car. The wear on the other side looks just like this side. Combined, the wear on both sides of this shaft was equal to .025". Replacing this shaft eliminated all of the end play that existed before I rebuild the differential. .014" (left side) and .015" (right side)
As you probably know, there doesn't seem to be ANY published specification on the amount of allowable side yoke/shaft end play.
I have completed setup of the 3.73:1 gears in my DANA 44 http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=193247
I can't provide the exact answer your looking for. This is all I have to offer.
I don't know why but my center shaft obviously didn't rotate freely enough thus allowing the side yokes to wear flat spots into it.
This picture shows one side of the differential cross shaft from my car. The wear on the other side looks just like this side. Combined, the wear on both sides of this shaft was equal to .025". Replacing this shaft eliminated all of the end play that existed before I rebuild the differential. .014" (left side) and .015" (right side)
As you probably know, there doesn't seem to be ANY published specification on the amount of allowable side yoke/shaft end play.
I have completed setup of the 3.73:1 gears in my DANA 44 http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=193247
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
Re: Differential Center Pin (MIKER)
That link shows some good stuff! I've got the entire rear end out, mainly to finish repairs on the battery box and replace a chewed-up diff support member. The pin in mine is not as bad as in your pic, and evidently it was rotating since it's consistent all around. I didn't notice much play before I pulled the side yokes out. I'm also replacing the yokes, halfshafts and spindle flanges to accommodate the larger u-joints (as in the manual tranny setup), and also have some half shaft loops from Dragvette to go in. Wow... sounds like I've got a fear of shearing another u-joint, doesn't it!
Having never rebuilt a differential, is it a pita to just replace that pin?
[Modified by Chris81, 11:59 PM 10/21/2002]
Having never rebuilt a differential, is it a pita to just replace that pin?
[Modified by Chris81, 11:59 PM 10/21/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Differential Center Pin (Chris81)
[QUOTE]...is it a pita to just replace that pin?[QUOTE]
To replace the pin, you have to remove the differential case from the housing, remove the ring gear from the differential case and THEN you can replace the pin.
No adjustements would be needed after re-assembly.
Can you post a picture of the pin so we can see what the wear looks like?
To replace the pin, you have to remove the differential case from the housing, remove the ring gear from the differential case and THEN you can replace the pin.
No adjustements would be needed after re-assembly.
Can you post a picture of the pin so we can see what the wear looks like?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: Differential Center Pin (MIKER)
The old style pin has been revised.
The old one:
As you can see, mine was scuffed too and turned blue from way too high temperatures.
The new pin is smooth w/ only grooves for the clips.
The old one:
As you can see, mine was scuffed too and turned blue from way too high temperatures.
The new pin is smooth w/ only grooves for the clips.
