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Help with Dial Indicator

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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 06:45 PM
  #1  
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From: Hilliard FL
Default Help with Dial Indicator

As I am setting up my rear wheel bearings, i relized that I did not know how to read the dial indicator.

I know that the play should be between .001 and .008. I think this says .0013, I just want to be sure.

Could someone please clue me in on the readings.

I calibrate the dial to Zero and lift up on the trailing arm and this is the reading that I get.

Thanks in advance.

:confused:
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 07:01 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (Blue73Red)

After studying it a while longer, I see that this is actually .013 which is too much movement. Here we go!!!
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 07:34 PM
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (Blue73Red)

You are correct .013"
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 07:53 PM
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (Blue73Red)

Push on the axle flange and the reading should go back to zero. If it doesn't then take that reading, pull on the flange and take another reading. The difference between the two numbers is the play in thousands of an inch. The dial indicator base must also be firmly attaced to the trailing arm. If the base wiggles at all the reading is not acurrate. I usually C clamp and piece of angle iron to the trailing arm then put the magnetic base on the angle iron.
If the readings are not repeatable then they are inacurrate.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 08:54 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (Blue73Red)

Your project looks outstanding. Great work you are doing so far. Keep it up!!
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 04:16 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (79VetteMike)

Thanks Mike, I have really enjoyed working on it. The only thing I plan to have someone else rebuild is the rear end and the TH400 Transmission. :steering:
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 08:14 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (norvalwilhelm)

Push on the axle flange and the reading should go back to zero. If it doesn't then take that reading, pull on the flange and take another reading. The difference between the two numbers is the play in thousands of an inch. The dial indicator base must also be firmly attaced to the trailing arm. If the base wiggles at all the reading is not acurrate. I usually C clamp and piece of angle iron to the trailing arm then put the magnetic base on the angle iron.
If the readings are not repeatable then they are inacurrate.
:iagree:
Norval speaks the truth... Sometimes it can be a pain in the neck to get the base to stay put while you push/pull on things... At least if you have a cheap import base like mine :rolleyes: Of course if you can get the base close enough to where you are working, it shouldn't be a problem, the angle iron suggestion is good, I think I'll try that next time I need to get a good reading and can't get the damn thing to line up properly...
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:20 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (dath)

Can someone explain how you got .013". Is it that the arrow moved 13 marks to the right 13 x .001in = .013"? Does the arrow always go to the right or did it go left to 87.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:32 PM
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Default Re: Help with Dial Indicator (Skyhigh)

Can someone explain how you got .013". Is it that the arrow moved 13 marks to the right 13 x .001in = .013"? Does the arrow always go to the right or did it go left to 87.
Skyhigh, you can get a plus or minus reading when using a dial indicator. Just watch the movement of the indicator while moving the part you are measuring and you will see if it moves .087 or .013.
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