Spicer Single Drive Axles Service Manual: 34DS, 34RS, 38DS, 38RS, DS340, RS340, DS380, RS380, DS400, RS400, DS3 - Manual (Page 32)

Adjustments
29
Adjust Pinion Bearing Preload for Axles with "Slip-fit" Outer Pinion Bearings
Procedure -
1. Lubricate bearings and assemble the drive pinion, bearings, and pinion bearing cage as recommended in the assembly section
of this manual. Use the pinion bearing spacer removed from the axle during disassembly. If the original spacer cannot be
used, install the nominal spacer recommended in the adjacent chart.
Note: Forward axle pinion is equipped with helical gear, For easier disassembly during bearing adjustment procedure, use a
dummy yoke (if available) in place of helical gear.
2. Apply clamp load to the pinion bearings. Install the yoke (or helical gear) and torque the nut to specification or use a press to
simulate nut torque by applying pressure to the assembly (see chart below).
Vise Method - If the yoke and nut are used, mount the assembly in a vise, clamping yoke firmly.
Press Method - If a press is used, position a sleeve or spacer so that load is applied directly to the back-face of the outer
bearing cone.
3. Measure Pinion Bearing Preload - Use a spring scale to test the assembly rolling torque. To use the spring scale, wrap soft
wire around the bearing cage, attach the scale and pull. Preload is correct when torque required to rotate the pinion bearing
cage is from 15 to 35 in. lbs. This specification is translated into spring scale readings in the chart below.
Nominal Pinion Bearing Spacers
Axle Model Spacer Thickness in (mm)
Forward Axle
D340, 380(P), 400-P 0.638 (16.205)
D341, 381(P), 401-P, 402(P), 403(P),
451-P 0.492 (12.497)
Rear Axle (all models) 0.638 (16.205)
Measuring Bearing Preload with Pinion in Vise