365 Gearbox Diff Bearings

[Dilkris]

I am finally finished with the Engine (TCS) and am now looking closely at the transaxle, (365). I don't want to dig too deeply inside here as tbh this is not my comfort zone - I see nothing untoward internally but I do see evidence of wear to the taper roller bearings either side of the crown wheel/diff assembly, (see photo) - personally, whilst these bearings work hard, I think this wear is probably more attributable to incorrect bearing pre-loads when previous owners have changed the oil seals.
My first question concerns these bearings - I thought they were the same - but apparently "no".
I read 30207A FRANCE SNR on the non pinion side and 30207VQ(or maybe an O?) SNR  B13 on the pinion side. A lotus specialist supplier here in the UK quotes one of the bearings being almost 3 times the price of the other - is this correct.??
Can someone please advise maybe bearing equivalents here and what is the actual difference (if any) between the 2 bearings.
Finally, anybody got a simple "quick fix" solution for turning the output shaft nut/collars ?? (Yes there is evidence of the dreaded punch being used in the past... )
Thanks in advance. 

[jbcollier]

The bearings are the same dimensionally but have different load ratings.  Usually when you buy replacements they just supply the higher-load bearing for both sides:

http://www.mecaparts.com/Cinematique/page.php?lang=0&sortie=html&col=A110&page=16

(MP1630)

The bearings are showing normal wear.  These are high load bearings.  In theory you could re-use the bearings you have but I would fit new ones myself, both the cone and cup.  Remember the pre-load spec is higher when you fit new bearings.

A common 4wd hub tool works.  Just chasing down the number and I'll post back later.

[jbcollier]

Performance Tool W1270

https://www.amazon.ca/Performance-Tool-W1270-Wheel-Drive/dp/B0002KNZVO

[Dilkris]

Many thanks for this info John - especially the link.

I agree I "could" leave the existing bearings, in (the destiny of the car is light road use only), but with the bearings accessible it seems unwise not to change them.

So same bearings both sides - and I am assuming you would recommend the higher load ratings correct? (Or could I "get away" with the lower rating and save some money?) After following your threads closely, I have a horrible feeling what your reply to this will be.....

I intend establishing the preload, as per the manual, with 1st and 2nd motion shafts removed, measuring the torque required to turn the crown wheel, then reassemble and measure backlash of pinion/crown wheel adjusting accordingly - correct?

Interested in this 4wd hub tool - again, many thanks, will check out availability and cost in the UK     

[jbcollier]

No, you can't use the lower load bearing on both sides.  In fact, it would be better not to change them rather than fit the lower load bearings to both sides.

38 euros each (Meca Parts) seems pretty reasonable to me.  Again, I would change them myself.

I've set up dozens and dozens of diffs in my day so I set mine up with the transaxle assembled.  It's not as accurate but it's close enough.  You can feel the difference between when the bearings are preloaded and not.  That way you can set the preload and backlash at the same time.  It's the last thing you do then and there's no need to dissemble and reassemble it again.

[Dilkris]

John - I hear you. 
Very difficult to disagree with someone who is right !!!
I'll post later with an update - I have a horrible feeling I may have more questions.

[TurboFource]

Will that tool fit the 352 etc tranny also?

[jbcollier]

Please at least remove the rear cover and check on the condition of 5th gear.  That's the weak link in these transaxles.  Oil runs low through side seal leaks and 5th is the first gear to run dry.

[jbcollier]

Yes, it fits them all.  One proviso though: it doesn't contact all the teeth so it may not work if you have a very tight seal nut.

[TurboFource]

Thanks!

[Dilkris]

Please at least remove the rear cover and check on the condition of 5th gear.  That's the weak link in these transaxles.  Oil runs low through side seal leaks and 5th is the first gear to run dry.

5th gear all ok - unless I missed something you can't split the main casings without first removing the rear 5th wheel cover, 2 gearsets and adapter plate. Gearbox shows evidence of being apart before so possibly overhauled and all good - except wear on the diff bearings. Guess I'll find out for sure when she goes down the road....!!       

[Dilkris]

Just a brief update regarding removing the output shaft seal holders - JBC very kindly pointed me in the right direction regarding the technically correct way of doing it, (Thanks again John), but for me this was going to be one of those "Spend money, use it once and then look at it" moments in the rebuild. (I am recording every expenditure on this rebuild for which I intend to post, per section, when complete in the hope that it may be of value to persons about to take on their own rebuild....  )
Anyway every picture tells a story so see the attached. It worked well as the 2 pins "articulate" exactly into the indents of the collars. (Note: I  already had the C Spanner as we call them in the UK amongst my tools)
Trawling the forum plus links I appreciate there are some alternative approaches to this fix - so I just offer this post as "another one". 

[BDA]

Very clever! Your C Spanner looks like what would be used to adjust spring perches on a shock but look too wide for that.what are they used for?

[jbcollier]

You can buy adjustable pin tools:



These work fine as long as nothing is reluctant to move, or, too much force is not required to tension the bearings.  This tool concentrates the load on only two points so it is easy to break the "tangs" instead of turning the seal-nut.  You'll probably be ok.  Just something to keep in mind

The tool I linked to spreads the load across more points.  The best tool is the one made for the job which spreads the load across all the points:

[BDA]

Unfortunately, the seal-nuts on the NG3 have a different fin arrangement so r.d.’s  tool would not help me.