Chevrolet Front Differential Set Up: Reusing Old Gears
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- In this video I bring you along on my process of setting up the front differential in a typical GM front differential. They are a little different than an old style solid axle but the same principals apply. -Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.
N0. 1 automotive repair channel
Hands down
Airman I’ve learn a lot from Eric. Definitely the best
Best mechanic ever!! Ive also learned so much!
Call me weird, but I find these videos very therapeutic lol
Same, very calming but motivational.
Better to be weird than " normal "
ok your weird.. i watch to kill time.. just waiting for death
I'll call you weird if you want, but I don't think it's weird. I'm the same way.
I can't call you anything but normal. I sometimes go back to older SMA videos for therapy. Cheaper than a shrink.
I can't imagine that a lot of mechanics would be this precise when they are doing their job. This is like watching a true professional do a job most others would 1/2 ass.
You don't half ass differential adjustments, lesser techs would just buy a new diff.
Yes because a half ass setup will come back to bite you rite quick🤓
@@dakotataylor7909 if you are a LESSER so called tech. You are not a Tech by any means.
This particular video is way out of my wheelhouse in terms of taking care of my family cars, but, man, I think I'd watch Eric rebuild a pocket knife in a windstorm. I'm learning stuff and I don't even realize it. Thanks, Eric!
Yeah me too,
A 58 minute video and I only have 30 minutes for lunch break. Guess the boss is going to be mad.
Your vids are like a true 1 to 1 session - as if your communicating with me directly - great camera work and patience - and always a great result - cheers Eric - from Wales (UK)
My wife asked, “is there any car Eric O can’t fix? I’ll bet he doesn’t film those.”
The divorce is final Thursday.
HAhahaha That's just wrong.... but yes... it is time to move on Jeff...
Probably VW's.......
your better off Jeff ,, got my divorce in 2005 , years later i am still yet to even date a woman again.. and couldnt be happier and i just turned 46
Those are costly. Best to be best friends living together just to keep things even when minds decide to wonder on the financial side.
Ooh that’s harsh are you sure you can’t move that up to Wednesday?
So glad I don't live near SMA. I'd be so broke. Would probably never turn a wrench on any of my cars again and just take them to the shop at the slightest issue to let Eric O figure it out.
Me too. I would let Eric do all of my work.
Me too. And I’d drink Eric’s coffee. And “help” in the shop. And , get in the way. OMG. I’m such a UA-camr. 😂😂😂😂
It will get so bad you will start sabotaging your own car just for a reason to have him work on it.
Yep!!
Me three.
When a mechanic has the ingenuity to fabricate a tool to negate a price gouged OEM tool. You know that mechanic knows his "kibbles and bits".
Home mechanics do it all the time, too. We have a former open end wrench that is now a U shape for removing the CPS on certain 3800's. Many other examples but the second you own a welder, scrap metal becomes specialty tools
@@michaelkrenzer3296 Too true. The old 3800s are good engines. But changing the spark plugs in a 90s GM is murder unless you've got the chutzpah to tie the engine block to a solid point or remove the rear mount and tilt the engine forward (speaking for a 92 Regal).
Thanks Eric for giving us the gears. You " crushed" it with your" fluid" technique and meshed it all together little backlash...SMA
Smooth Meshing Achieved😎👍
Wow! Love the bearing at 1:35. What a work of art. How beautiful. At 50:35 Eric says, "we only do that if the internet tells us". I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and went to a specialist doctor for treatment. He walks in and the first thing he says is, "Do you want the shot or the surgery?" I am stunned, "You are the expert! Why are you asking me?" He says, "Every patient Googles it and tells me what they want." OMG. Not my hands I don't. This doctor trained for TEN years after high-school, and clearly has 20 years experience. Like Eric and brake jobs, this doctor must have treated 10,000 people by now, and I am NOT going to Google it to decide what treatment I need.
Whether transmissions or diffs, gearing repairs always struck me as a "speciality" in the world of auto mechanics. You're impressive in the depth AND breadth of the work that you can execute professionally!
Yesss! I’m off today! Coffee and SMA.
good times!!
This video calmed me down durning a bad day.
Glad to see one guy cares about his work.
Very interesting video Eric.
As a purely amateur mechanic, I have dealt with issues on cars and motorbikes over forty odd years, ranging from brake jobs to engine re-builds. Never dared to touch a differential though.
Your video shows that if you have the correct information and the right tools, the job is relatively straightforward.
As a 60 yr old, I think you taught me something today.
Thank you.
As one senior, (64 y/o), amateur to another, also be mindful of metallurgy. I've never ventured in to a diff myself but have witnessed several swaps and can say that the pattern can sometimes be perfect yet there's still a bit of whine. Not screaming but with the windows up and the radio/HVAC blower off, still audible.
@@watajob It could be an axle bearing you are hearing.
That phone is going to get some flying lessons today!! 😂😂😂
Why do youtube people think it's ok to call Eric at the shop. If he won't say it, I will. Stop it.
Great video and information. I was able to completely replace all the bearings and seals on my 99 GMC Sierra Z71 1500. The measurement information and how you did it was absolutely crucial. My first attempt I had watched another video where a professional that does this for a living left out all the measurements and tool required to do the adjustments. He put the axle retaining ring on the axle first then installed it into the diff. This will not work with a normal GM retaining ring, new or otherwise. The retaining ring must go in the carrier groove, not on the shaft. I ruined 3 new bearings and seals following his directions. Same goes for the other side, put the retaining ring in the gear first, not on the shaft. So again, I really appreciate that you took the time to make this video. After doing all the adjustments my diff is working perfect, 2nd go around!
Lots of engineering must have gone into establishing backlash, dial indicator and torque numbers! Great video on something purely mechanical. I had no idea those kinds of jobs could be that complicated. Thank you for taking time out to do the video.
So good to hear REAL shop sounds (people, phones, doorbells). Great video! Thanks for taking time to make it.
Thank you for this video. I've never repaired a diff like this. Diff's are a speciality all their own. My hat's off in salute to those who do that work. Great video, Eric makes it look easy. It’s also great the carrier bearings have their own adjustments instead of add-a-shim units.
Nice job Eric, enjoy your videos. I worked for Chrysler for 18 years and overhauled a lot of differentials, one of the comments I have is replacement of bearings. I always replaced both the pinion bearings and the side bearings, even if they looked good. For the little extra expense, it was a policy that served me well on the repairs. It was just so much extra work to replace bearings, especially pinion bearings, if they were noisy. On this particular differential, I don't know how the pinion dept is set, it is usually by shims behind the pinion bearing cup or cone. We had special tools which we used to make this important adjustment. We usually didn't change the original shim if we just did a bearing change. The only time we change the original pinion dept shim was with a new gear set or the original shim was destroyed if the bearing had spun on the pinion. Again, thanks for all your videos, really enjoy your work, your are a credit to the trade. A fellow mechanic from Canada.
SMA - a great way to start my Monday, before it escalates quickly! Thanks, Eric.
hey eric love your videos so much I always come back to watch videos on how to fix my subaru impreza and Ive learned how to do my own wheel bearings and rear shoes on my car without any major issues. As Im learning mechanics myself you are a great online mentor could not thank you enough🙏
Makin' special tools brings that tiny little smile -- it's just like cheatin'!
I've made a bunch of them over the years. But, what other choice is there? Pay the ridiculous C note plus price tag or go get a Craftsman/Harbor Freight/NAPA socket and make your own for just a couple of bucks.
I like the key way notion. All the special tools I've made in the past involved whittling away at the metal of the donor socket. Gonna have to keep the key way solution in mind should it ever be needed on one of my projects.
Yes if lucky enough to have a shop, dividing head, some fixturing, welder, and for fabricating and cutting stuff that need lathe and a milling machine. Otherwise a lot of precision filing by hand. It can be done.
I'm a DIY'er so time is a commodity of abundance. Grinder, cut-off wheels, die grinder, file, old-school stick welder: One can certainly make-do most of the time with such simple implements.
Got no time to make a a tool.Must call Snapon
Those Amsoil bag are great, made refill my rear diff very easy, especially since I wasn't using a lift.
A piece of 5/16 brake line in a standard qt jug through the nipple small hole kinda by the handle rubber tip blow gun gentle air pressure comes right out.
@@Leroys_Stuff or I could just stick the tip that comes with the amsoil bag, into the diff. Fill plug and squeeze it until its empty.
DapimpBDSD I agree but some of us can’t get the bags lol
It would be rare to find a mechanic as thorough as you in Australia 🇦🇺 Eric. I love the care and attention to detail you put into your work. Nice 👌🏻
I am so jealous of your knowledge, intuition, tools and attention to detail. I have a 1999 4WD Chevy Tahoe, 5.7 liter with towing package, full leather interior and only 62K easy miles, which is absolutely perfect in every way.....and I just love it. If I had your talent, this truck would remain mechanically perfect and in my possession until the day I die. No reason in my mind to ever replace a trusty, reliable vehicle if you know every aspect of its functionality, are capable of obtaining parts, and are eager to implement full repairs as needed. Eric O. at SMA Repair is living proof of that concept.
What PITA job! Glad I never had to do one of those diffs.
You are a master of patience.
Thanks for sharing.
"Well, that escalated quickly"...every plumbing project I attempt.
you saved the owner a lot...that may have went bang on him or her
Was an America Axle employee for 13yrs (95-08) Built this axle. White sealant was applied to inner splines of pinion flange. Beige thick grease kept t-clips in place during pressing. As far as adjusters, 'tube' side was ran in with ratchet until locked up, then backed off til pinion freewheeled in one direction, lock in other (Like a Sprague clutch). Otherside was ran in until backlash was achieved. A yellow grease paint was used to look at drive/coast patterns. Newer vent plugs were white plastic with an Aluminum weighed vent. 2 case halves were sealed with red loctite. Cast iron tube & case was blue loctite (dissimilar metals).
Smashing repair :-D
You were so careful in getting everything within it's sweet spot, it's good for a looooong time now :-D.
Being a GM Tech. I do those all the time . Gravy job. Complaint is always poping snaping sound coming from front . If it looks like anti seize when you pull the drain plug. You replace all the bearings and seals with new locks . 45 min job once its out of the truck.
I was shouting "check the gear pattern before you bend that tab" but I guess you couldn't hear me over the noise of the phone.
Chris Hartley tough to get a good drive side pattern defined on a used gearset. Sometimes you can see the coast pattern on a used set, sometimes not. But you are correct, you always check the gear contact pattern.
@@wdsracer howling gears they'll be, 20% chance at best lol
@@throttlebottle5906 but howling doesn't do any damage more than normal tho, right?
It's all practice practice...if you work on them day in day out it becomes not a chore
Funny how I got a notification of this last comment but not the previous one.
The howling gears will most certainly suffer more damage, it isn't properly aligned which is why it howls, but difficult to say how significant it will be.
The damage to eardrums could be more worrying. 😁
Super Awesome Show . Love watching the show . everything broke Down so understand what going the trouble shooting and how make the repair
Vent torque spec: tighten until you hear the crack, back of 1/2 turn.
Much better than watching brake jobs. I physically can't do what I used to but watching you gives me a feeling of accomplishment. You remind me of my mechanic. Honest and reliable. Also expensive, LOL. I don't mind paying for a job well done. South western Connecticut prices are high!
How do you tell a man is right handed? When his left hand is the scratchpad! LOL
I love automotive repair. I can watch someone else do it all day!
Screw adjustment ring gear !! Easy piesy compared to early internal shim placement on ring AND pinion punkins that could take you all day to dial in and get gear mesh correct. Got to the point I could "feel" correct backlash ...........
Second that whole comment!
Best way to learn em too, not having to do all that heavy lifting
Ford had the better Idea for years
Some guys love doing gears, I'm not one of them! You did it right and many do not. Honestly, I was just watching this to see if you would make a mistake, but as expected, you nailed it. When I'm too old and sittin in one of them rolly chairs, I'll just pay you to fix my crap. Till then, cheers man 🍻.
Look forward to these videos every week
I did my first gm ifs front differential rebuild when I changed my gears . It was pretty miserable. I feel your pain with this one. I had to make a tool to tighten the nut also. Mine had two teeth. Yours was way better. It would be so much better with at least three. good job.
Me too! I made a two tooth tool as well.
Support from south Mississippi!!!! Keep doing what you’re doing man!
I've seen this preload and mesh/backlash done before, but never on the split case front end. Thanks for the show.
Please do NOT say at the end of this video....if I can do it you can do it.....cause you have shown me that I have absolutely NO business messing around with this kind of repair
start off of something more simple like a ford 9". Take your time and use your brain, you'll be fine.
I did my Ford 1 ton in my F250. I am not a mechanic, but I got it done right. I had to buy a few tools (bearing puller, dial indicator, inch pound torque wrench, 3/4" ratchet, etc). I swapped in 4.11 gears and a Detroit locker, so you can do it. You just need to take your time; there are _many_ install/measure/tear apart cycles. Also, crushing a crush sleeve on a one ton required a 3/4 ratchet and 6 ft cheater bar.
Which is how he gets paid
Couldn’t have said that better myself Ray.
In my early days at John Deere (1970's) running a manual turret lathe, that bluing was used in a much different way. Somehow every so often my hands would end up solid blue because some one thought it was funny to put a blob of that stuff on one of my machine handles during lunch time. That stuff does not wash off and will be on your hands for a long time!!!! Those were the good ol days!!!!
Thanks for doing the video on this, I’ve always stayed away from diffs because of the setup.
Watching this gave me flashbacks do a Nissan Maxima 5-speed transmission I rebuilt a few years ago. Bolted together, take it apart, bolted back together, take it back apart again, repeat process, seal, and then done...ugh.
Pictures of my OCD job on my Facebook page.
I love the lipstick lock tite! Only goes exactly where you want it. I feel like with the traditional liquid formula i end up with more on my bench and floor then ever ends up on bolts! To each his own. As always, excellent work and thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
It works, it's easy to "control", but it costs a king's ransom.
The best video I've seen for this front diff by far, and I've watched a few of these! Disassembled mine about three months ago. One of the famous "as long as I'm fixing this (insert any) part might as well do this (insert any other part) at the same time" lol! Been tryig to figure out how to put mine back together for a couple of days on & off, after watching your video I'll have it done today thank you! And that socket with the welded key stock on it is a great idea too! I make my own tools like that, my nephew says it's an old farmer thing!
“Honestly I just want this out of my life” But look how much you leaned, not to mention how much you taught us. I would take it on now, had my doubts before I saw this.
I have no idea what you're doing there, but the artistry and the end result is a pleasure to watch. Kinda like watching a knee replacement that I saw on you tube.
Getting ready to do rear end in my 72 El Cam. Hadn't done one since late '70s. This is a nice review with great little tips. Thanks.
I love the homemade tools. Improvise adapt and over come! You give me inspiration to do better. Thanks Eric O.
Differential work is a closely guarded voodoo secret
I remember studying the lash pattern that he was talking about. So many adjustments to worry about.
They should make a voo doo doll, and use it for the maggot, that designed this P.O.S.
Another better late than never comment: I've never witnessed this kind of work done myself so this very interesting to me. I certainly had no idea there was so much involved making these kinds of repairs. Super interesting. I would like to see more of this kind of video. As always, Take Care, ASH
When I rebuilt the rear diff in my WJ i ordered three crush sleeves to be safe, i used two:) that last 3in-lbs goes fast
When I did this for the first time on a D35 from a explorer I started with 3 crush sleeves. I got it right on the 3rd one.
One day you're fixing a broken speed sensor wire on a just out of warranty GM product (that GM screwed the owner on). The next, you're doing deep-dive on a differential, using DIY specialty tools you fab'd, totally diligent attention to detail. I'm very impressed, hopefully your kind of mechanic keeps coming along, or we'll be in trouble.
I truly enjoy your videos! thanks for taking the time to make them and explain with such detail! also the extra commentary is priceless! an expert mechanic and an entertainer! keep the vids coming sir!
The manuals always say don't use impact for setting bearings on crush sleeves.
Dana factory tour shows them setting everything with impact.
I measure old sleeve and use solid shims - set with impact - works every time.
Nicely done. I've watched my local Chevy dealer service mechanics do all this with impacts! Motors too. Said they never had any come backs doing it that way. Glad to see you doing it the right way. Probably why it failed in the first place. Too tuight.
Damn.. So humble ase a guy with mad mechanical skills. That was super impresive rebuild..
bearings always match the race, mixed up or where flipped at some time
my thoughts exactly, either the customer did some "extra" work, or another shop took it apart and just put it altogether haphazardly.
See this kind of damage a lot in drivetrains tbh. The big chunks missing is rare though. But I've seen just the carrier and the inner and outer races come out by themselves and the rollers/balls are nowhere to be found. Or the races just chewed to bits and the rollers/balls are just fine, guaranteed never mucked about with by customer transmissions and rear ends. Once these start vibrating and rattling they go bad right quick in a hurry.
Highly unlikely, 99.9% of the people would not drop the differential and tear it apart. Very few even change the gear lube. The bearings were most likely damaged from moisture contamination either from condensation or from water entering through the vent and or the axle seals from driving in deep water probably a combination of all of them.
@@fredhankes5608 My thoughts exactly, Fred.
@@fredhankes5608 Fred I have to agree with you, couldn't figure out why front diff bearings would fail seeing how they get much less use than the rear. moisture it is.
Good job, I know where you are coming from making special tools, keep showing us the actual mechanic work.
Always was curious how those came apart and now I know! Thanks Eric O!
Eric you really glazed over making that tool like it was no big deal. in reality it was genius. i would never of thought to use keyways, I'd be there for hours trying to file slots into a pipe, and it most likely wouldn't have worked nearly as well.
I could have sworn I smelled 90 wt while watching this
Me too. But then I realized it was just my shirt.
Synthetic doesn't smell likes regular gear oil.
Made my day Eric. You remind me of my mechanic. Old old school as hell. Can problem solve make bend and fix a car sometimes growling. But will put our local dealer mechanics to shame. More than once had to fix there mistakes.
Neutral drop told me you recommend to use flex seal to seal head gaskets. Thanks man
Eric, a short piece of pipe added to the inside of your custom side adjuster socket to center it in the needle bearings will make it easier to use . Mine has served me well on dozens of units .
Like your gear pattern.👍
Enjoyed this video way too much! Wife asked what you measuring. Told her "can't get it too deep or too shallow, gotta be just right". Got that smirch look.....
Now we are getting into the nitty gritty detail! What kind of lubricant was used and how often was it changed?
Right Lane Hog
Probably factory and I’d guess it never was.
I have never and will never tear apart a gm front axle yet I watched a 50 min video on it just cause it’s south main auto. Just in the off chance I k ow someone who needs to do this job I can tell them to watch this video and they will have a really good idea of how to tackle the job
Load the video as soon as it's live, watch the entire thing, and there's already 370 likes and 48 comments. Damn UA-camrs!
Great idea GM. Hell of lot easier than setting up with shims, especially under the carrier bearing.
Wait, what? We've been lied to!
How could you, Eric? You said you gon use some good ol' brake clean on the housing before the prep, got us all pumped out, drooling... and then you just skip it on us!
Sheesh that was rough fella ;)
I agree with Webster Kollie. I sit here at work watching these while waiting for my charges to get done treating.
Great video I learned alot and appreciate what you do for people, which brings me to the next comment about rude people disliking these videos
To those people I wish they would consider the time and effort that goes into this channel combined with the obvious skill of Eric that is teaching. The next time you're trying to get free information and decide to dislike it...call your local dealership and see if they make you and hour long video for you ungrateful dumb bastards!
Sorry Eric...I love the channel and appreciate you immensely! Soon I'll help on patreon.
People click dislike for lots of reasons. I’d bet half the dislikes were just worried about the impact on the pinion yoke
It's always a pleasure to watch you work, your commentary always makes me laugh. Say hello to the lovely Mrs O and your kidlens, from Ken in beatifull Durham ( West Grey) Ontario, Canada ...Cheers...!!
Had a buddy get a summer job at GM assembly plant and his job was to set up differentials. I wouldn't trust this guy to change a light bulb.
For me, working on GM 10 & 12 bolt rear ends of even truck rear ends. I don't know why the gear sellers make a big deal about pinion depth. The dimension you need to know and work from is the face of the bearing that the pinion gear fits into. Figure the split, measure to the face of the bearing, calculate the needed shim and put it together. Knowing where the face of the bearing is from the center line of the diff solves your problem, take it apart, try again is nuts.
Learn something new every time I watch .....now I know if Eric can do it (probably 5times quicker 😅 ) I can do it ..your a wealth of information ..keep it up
Treat it like a lawyer would.
"Can you tell me how to fix my car?"
"Sure,. My rates are $125 an hour. Two hour minimum. Payable in advance."
Borkzilla
No ask for a 5,000 retainer in advance and give back what left! Haha 🤣
A real corporate law firm is a little more expensive, the standard for an associate is $450 per hour, prices for a senior associate are lots higher, prices for a partner are ridiculous, the sky's the limit. It's routine for companies to rack up $150,000 bill in a single week for an average matter.
Suits.....
@@davidnull5590 And they say politicians are crooks ?
Bill
You do realize most career politicians are lawyers right?
Getting ready to drop new gears do my ‘98. This will be my first front diff. Hopefully what I learned here will get me thru it. Love your videos, brother.
More like "ask for two, buy 10"
Maybe they are sold 'by the bag': nobody needs 2 (bags); send him one (that should hold him for awhile).
Go try to buy the silver tire caps from the Jeep dealership. $5 each in a pack of 5!!! $25 total
I didn't understand the side to side adjustment until you showed the wear pattern on the gears, then the light came on. Thanks for doing what you do!
"And here we have another Chevrolet! Definitely not a sponsor"
@@cccspokesmanandcofounder Oh, for sure---GM and Chrysler keep mechanics working
I've seen this channel get about 12k subscribers in the past few weeks. That's awesome, and thank you for sharing your expertise with the innerwebs.
NAPA...."Not A Participating Association"
Crush washers - Rotational force measurements! If I learn any more from this channel I think my head will explode! Really interesting stuff! Of course my wife (when I point out how interesting this is) just rolls her eyes and looks at me like I am from the planet Xantar.
It's good to see that even professional mechanics fabri-cobble specialty tools.
Eric, that looked exhausting. Doing precision work like that, along with answering calls and being constantly interrupted by one thing or another, really is a testament to professionalism. I understand why you get to work early and are there some weekends. You want to get work done, but it's also time to enjoy being focused and uninterrupted.
Love to watch the show and learned quite a bit already . Thank and keep it up .
These are the types of repair videos that impress me.
A consciences master tech, taking the time and not skipping any steps ensuring the job is done right 👍🏽
Amazed at all the knowledge and experience Eric has. Realized that when we watch this in 20yrs time these machines will seem grossly antiquated compared to what we will be driving. Tesla does over the air fixes today for example. Enjoyed the video and of course Eric's comments! 👍
You can’t change brake pads ‘over the air.’
Sadly, in 20 years, vehicles will probably be share leases, they’ll be recycled instead of repaired, and gasoline will cost $20/gal due to low demand, totally defying the economic law of big supply = low price
Diesel trucks will be the only place mechanics will be needed.
20 minutes into the video I seen enough. Some things are best left to real mechanics. Definitely not a DIY at home. Great work Eric! I do have one of these Chevys, but you'll often catch me watching one of your repair jobs on a vehicle I don't even own.
Your special socket fix was a good one. That's plain old engineering gone wild!!!