Rear axle washer in SOR kit. Put it in?

[slambson]

I bought the SOR kit to rebuild the axles after a leak in the rear drum on my 92. The kit came with a rear axle washer that was not in the axle originally. SOR's drawings show this going in before the bearing while the FSM shows nothing of a washer. SOR's tech service is now closed till Monday and I'd really like to get this back on the road this weekend as it sat on jack stands for the past week and a half.

Some concerns with using the washer would be that it may move the axle seal and bearing further out on the axle. There is a small groove in the axle most likely there from wear of the seal but could have been designed into the system. I'm afraid I'm in a serious quandry. slambson@ida.net

 

[PHAEDRUS]

slambson,
the sor kit is probably for 87-92 trucks with the semi float rear. possibly the 62 series needed it so it is included in the kit. not sure here just a thought.
Dave

 

[slambson]

Yep, fits 74-92 semi's. The inside of the axle has a ~3mm step to retain the bearing from going in too far. The axle diameter is 1.875" and the washer is 1.900" ID and ~2.75" OD. Putting the washer in would appear to shield the bearing from lubrication to some extent. I just don't get it unless it's suppose to move the bearing and seal out the .065" thickness to provide a new wear spot.

 

[slambson]

For the Archives here is SOR's response. I still don't get it. Why they don't show the washers in the FSM? Oh well, I went ahead and rebuilt the rear end with no washers so..... No leaks so far.


All the Semi Float axles had these originally. Many do not have them now as
they were removed and not replaced on previous axle bearing replacements.
It does not seem to make a difference in driveability if the washer is
installed or not.
Regards,
Tech