2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Pinion bearings hot

[Makensmoke]

I replaced the pinion and carrier bearings recently in my Dana 70 rearend.



Not being an axle mechanic by any means, i'm concerned that it is too tight, which is why after 10 miles the case around the pinion gears is plenty warm, almost hot to touch. I'm hoping things will "run in", loosen up and cool down... ? Any advise is welcome!



I should add that when up on jack stands in drive the case feels good. I can feel movement, but no grinding... clunking or other bad feelings. Driving is quiet and smooth as well. Before I got the axles in to hold the carrier so I could torque the pinion nut it was so bound I couldn't spin it, barely. After torquing it with a 2' cheater on a 3/4 rachet until I thought i'd break the gears in the rachet it got alot better, but it is still plenty tight to spin by hand.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Sounds too tight if its hard to turn by hand. You should have 20-40 in. lbs. of rotational preload on new pinion bearings in a Dana 70. If the carrier is in there it will be more but not a lot more. Sounds like you need to changes the pinion preload shims around unless its the carrier dragging bad. I use a small 1/4" drive beam type 0-60 in. lb. torque wrench to check them.