Spicer Single Drive Axles Service Manual: 34DS, 34RS, 38DS, 38RS, DS340, RS340, DS380, RS380, DS400, RS400, DS3 - Manual (Page 30)

Adjustments
27
Final Pinion Bearing Preload Test
Procedure -
1. Assemble the complete pinion bearing cage unit as recommending the assembly section of this manual.
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 bearing cage assembly. Either install the yoke (or helical gear) and torque the pinion nut to
specifications or use a press to simulate nut torque (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.
Measuring Bearing Preload with Pinion in Vise
Measuring Bearing Preload with Pinion in Press