Front spindle needle bearing depth setting
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Cross-Country
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Front spindle needle bearing depth setting
I am changing the needle bearings and seals inside the front spindle on my 1984 F250 4x4. The bearing bore does not have a stepped shoulder to seat the bearing against. The manual only says to use the ford bearing install tool but does not give the depth setting for those not using the special tool. It will seat against the tapered shoulder in the spindle but that seams too deep. Common sense would say press it in just enough to get the seal in flush.
What is the correct way to set the needle bearing depth?
What is the correct way to set the needle bearing depth?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
It is not the original bearing in there. I don't think it was seated down to the taper though. It was an INA needle bearing with caged rollers, and it all looked good and the spindle just pulled(wobbled) off by hand. I have to change the outer U- joint on the front passenger side axle so everything is getting refreshed so it never needs to come apart again.
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How is your slip joint on the pass side? They like to wear out also and if it is, you have to buy a new axle on that side. And get ready, when I did my axle u-joints I didn't think they were coming apart. Had to take them to a shop press and they didn't think they where coming apart either. But they finally did with a huge bang.
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Cross-Country
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Would anyone have an old axle shaft and spindle laying around to take a measurement from the shoulder to the end of the polished bearing surface minus the plastic washer thickness?
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Posting Guru
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IIRC, the bearing is just installed deep enough in the spindle to leave room for the seal to be installed.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
It makes sense to install them just deep enough for the seal to be installed. This would also ensure the seal stays square as the rubber seal just pushes in with your fingers.
I wish Ford would give a depth spec instead of "use the Ford special bearing setting tool"
I wish Ford would give a depth spec instead of "use the Ford special bearing setting tool"
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Orlando area
Yeah. I think the special tool they refer to is just a "stepped driver" not really for the purpose of setting a specific/critical depth.
I have a bushing installer set for installing bushings and bearings. The tool just keeps the bearing/bushing straight while installing. I think this is all Ford's does - I won't be surprised to see the same Ford tool mentioned in other parts of the service manual where similar sized bushings/bearings are being installed.
I have a bushing installer set for installing bushings and bearings. The tool just keeps the bearing/bushing straight while installing. I think this is all Ford's does - I won't be surprised to see the same Ford tool mentioned in other parts of the service manual where similar sized bushings/bearings are being installed.
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Cross-Country
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
I thought the stepped driver would not only drive the bearing in straight but the second step would set the depth.
From the Benny's web site:
DANA SPICER 707043X
From the Benny's web site:
DANA SPICER 707043X
- SPINDLE
- Replaces old number Dana Spicer 41929
- Comes with Dana Spicer 706527x spindle bearing, spindle seals and 36364 seal retainer
- Ready to bolt in....Inner spindle needle bearing has been pressed in place at the proper depth
- Fits Ford F250 with Dana 44 IFS front axle
- 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
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"Proper Depth" may just mean far enough in to allow room for the seal. IDK
I did replace the bearing on my Dana44HD and did not use the Ford tool. It's been a year or two now and I haven't had any issues with it. So if there is a proper depth I either got lucky and hit it, or its isn't that critical.
I did replace the bearing on my Dana44HD and did not use the Ford tool. It's been a year or two now and I haven't had any issues with it. So if there is a proper depth I either got lucky and hit it, or its isn't that critical.
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IT probably isn't that critical because all the do it your self youtube guys show them hammering them in till they stop. It just doesn't look right to me and I will measure the axle shaft stack ups next time and set the bearing to ride the machined area of the shaft. I use a press and driver and like to do things right from a design point of view. Not that I haven't screwed up many a time and had to redo the job over again, like now!
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
I have taken rough measurements and although not ideal, if your press the needle bearing into the spindle until it stops, the rollers should contact the machined area of the spindle, but the axle shaft would have to be pressing outwards (against the thrust washer) to remove all clearance to make it. I pressed a new one in til there was enough room for the seal.
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