Worn transfer case output flange? (1 Viewer)

[earl]

The rear flange on my transfer case has some up and down movement, but when I move it up and down, the visible end of output shaft appears to stay still and not move. The washer behind the nut also moves... so it appears that the nut isn't tight against it.

Does this mean my flange/splines are maybe worn?

I've looked at the manual, and read a few posts describing how the rear bearing retainer and shims determine the preload/tightness of the output shaft bearing. I may still not fully understand correctly?

 

[simonliew]

yes,the shims behing the bearing race determine the bearing preload,lf the flange is loose and not the outputshaft,then the nut is loose.
tighten the nut to the specified torque and turn the flange,if it is hard to turn,then the preload is too tight and yo uneed to remove shim/s,if if is easy to turn,try to move it up and down,if you can move the shaft up down,then the bearing preload is loose and you need to add shim/s.
Don't forget to stake the nut after you tighten it.
Simon

 

[earl]

That worked perfectly. I torque'd it to spec and checked that the flange turned freely.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

Assuning you have a 1985-1989 split-case . A loose T-Case output flange may mean your bearing races are worn out - as my were. The rear shaft will wobble causing the bearings to wear out.

To check the pre-load, disconnect drive shaft flange, drain T-Case oil, put in neutral and measure output shaft torque to the FSM (6.1-10.4 inch-lbs used bearing, 13.0- 21.4 inch-lbs for new bearing specifications. Use a good fish scale - with dial, string and measure shaft diameter to calculate you inch-lb. pull.

If too loose, pop out bearing races and add shims ( see FSM), if too tight replace bearing shims, replace bearing race, bolt back bearing retainer and remeasure until its right. This is so awkward I think no one ever sets the pre-load properly, leading to premature bearing failure

Alternative take it to someone who knows s the split-case

 

[earl]

Thanks for the additional info Glenn-BJ74. It turned out the output shaft wasn't loose, just the flange because of a loose nut. Maybe someone replaced the seal, and then tightened the nut loosely thinking that it set the preload.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

It may not be that simple. If you have driveline problems you should check that bearing pre-load - to eliminate it for sure. There have been 3 problems with Coastal Cruiser BJ74's with that rear output bearing.