[Kindersuprise]

Hey guys.

Just had new wheel bearings fitted to the rear. The long side axle went right in with a bit of a tap . The short side is sitting out and I cannot get axle to go the whole way in. I have done some research, and the wheel bearing kit it for sierra up 1990 model widetrack. They say that from 90 on, the bearings use a 21mm spacer. It is beginning to appear that I required the spacers also. But this doesn't explains how one axle went in and the other didn't. If anyone can elaborate or simply confirm I got sold the wrong kit that would be great.

Cheers.

[mrw82]

Bearing on the wrong way around perhaps? The inner race of a WT bearing has a spacer/shoulder built into it approx 5 or 6mm wide. This spacer should be installed on the wheel side of the bearing when on the axle.
If your bearings don't have the shoulder built into it on either side then you have NT bearings, which are the same size but run a separate spacer

[Kindersuprise]

Thanks heaps. P

[Kindersuprise]

Another question. I cracked the shits and sat there belting the hell out of the axle to get it to go in. I have now realised it was probably sitting hard against the cross pins and bouncing off them? Can anyone tell me if I there is anything in there that. Oils have been easily damaged with a force like this? I just had the thing fully rebuilt! Got to stop doing things myself, I lose patience too quick!

[SierraDan]

If you were hitting the crosspins the axle wouldnt be hanging out and you would have other issues..

Show us a pic.

[Kindersuprise]

Thanks dan. Will snap a pic tonight. The bearing is sitting 20mm out of the housing and will go no further

[zukmeista]

You sure you got the axles round the right way? Haven't put the short side in the long side of the housing?

[Kindersuprise]

Thought I would update this. Got the correct bearings out on. Got the rebuilt diff in with locker. Dusted off the cobwebs and took her for a spin. Some off the most horrendous noises I have ever heard coming from the rear end. Nearly bought a tear to my eye. I assumed I damaged something when I was belting the axle with a sledgehammer. I know lockers are meant to carry on a bit, but this was so a serious crashing clunking and banging.

[mrw82]

Is it an autolocker?

[Kindersuprise]

Yeah spartan mate

[Marko_SJ]

Kindersuprise wrote:

Yeah spartan mate

Describe said noises.

Mine can make a clunking, if you let off halfway through a corner. It can also make a loud "snap" when it loads up and then unlocks.

Once it wears in a bit, and you get used to driving it, only a gentle clicking can be heard.

[SierraDan]

Spartans are tight and rough at the start. Good after a while then need shimming.

Lockrights are good out of the box with a little shim touch up.

[Kindersuprise]

Thanks dan. But so tight the diff sounds like it's going to go bang every time it disengages? The whole car moves a bit even.

[SierraDan]

Yep my Spartan and another zook i know did the same thing.

[Kindersuprise]

Wow thanks for the replies. I am struggling to see how metal on metal can't break before it has to wear in. It sounds horrendous. So one more question, do I leave the diff in and just keep driving it?

[SierraDan]

I did. And 6-8months later i pulled it out and put some shims behind the side gears. Forget the thickness, but it was only a tickle.