Spicer axle type 27 - shims rh or lh side

BarryS · Dec 10th, 2013, 19:04

I need some informed advice please.

Having tackled drive shaft seal renewal on our ’64 122S with Spicer Type 27 axle, I was surprised to discover shims and gaskets between the brake backing plates and the axle on both sides of the car when taking everything apart.

My understanding is that there should be no gaskets between the brake backing plates and the axle, only between the backing plate and the felt seal retainers on the brake side of the backing plate.

My Volvo Green Book, Part 4 (46) Rear Axle (Spicer) reference indicates no shims to be fitted to the RH side, only the bearing retainer plate/spacer, and the book goes on to state that drive shaft axial play is adjusted using shims on the LH side. I have followed these instructions. The spec/intro pages of this Green Book covers Spicer 23, 27 and 30 axles.

I have, however, now discovered another Green Book, Part 4 (46) Rear Axle (Spicer Mod. 27), and the instructions within are different and contrary to the above. It definitely states shims and drive shaft axial adjustment only on the RH side.

I am now unsure as to whether my reassembly is right and so am hoping that someone will confirm which is correct for the 27 Spicer – shims/adjustment LH or RH side?

Thanks, Barry

123GT-AMAZON · Dec 10th, 2013, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryS

I need some informed advice please.

Having tackled drive shaft seal renewal on our ’64 122S with Spicer Type 27 axle, I was surprised to discover shims and gaskets between the brake backing plates and the axle on both sides of the car when taking everything apart.

My understanding is that there should be no gaskets between the brake backing plates and the axle, only between the backing plate and the felt seal retainers on the brake side of the backing plate.

My Volvo Green Book, Part 4 (46) Rear Axle (Spicer) reference indicates no shims to be fitted to the RH side, only the bearing retainer plate/spacer, and the book goes on to state that drive shaft axial play is adjusted using shims on the LH side. I have followed these instructions. The spec/intro pages of this Green Book covers Spicer 23, 27 and 30 axles.

I have, however, now discovered another Green Book, Part 4 (46) Rear Axle (Spicer Mod. 27), and the instructions within are different and contrary to the above. It definitely states shims and drive shaft axial adjustment only on the RH side.

I am now unsure as to whether my reassembly is right and so am hoping that someone will confirm which is correct for the 27 Spicer – shims/adjustment LH or RH side?

Thanks, Barry

i tend to put things back as they were bit like the camber shims on the front crossmembers they are all different and must be set up correctly which would have been done in the factory to as close as they could get so using this rule of thumb ( unless others have altered it before you so you know its wrong ) then i would keep it as it was

how did/ does it drive does it warrent the need for this ?

i know over the years play may be present but i would go down this route as a last choice but im sure others may have some experiences they wish to share i will follow this thread to see if i can learn something new ..

kind regards

robert

BarryS · Dec 10th, 2013, 21:12

Robert

Thanks for your comment. I am absolutely positive that this axle has been "reconditioned" by a previous owner of the car due to parts evidenced by service history. It definitely is not as it left the factory and so I would like to get it right.

Barry

123GT-AMAZON · Dec 10th, 2013, 21:35

argh ok that makes sense then and i can see why you would want to check it all is correct

your on the right path by checking the manuals but it sounds funny they would say one thing and then another ? very odd
i will see what i can find out and report back on that , but if anyone can shed some light on this would be great a learning curve thats for sure

regards
robert

Derek UK · Dec 11th, 2013, 11:33

In the 1962 Green Book it states that with the "late production cars", the RH side shims have been replaced by a single 1.5mm thick shim. If you have no shims at all that side, fit one of those or the half shaft will go too far into the diff. It may not cause damage but will mean that the LH side adjustment will be compromised. If adjusted properly, the LH side will have a shim selection which adds up to something around the 1.5mm figure, could be more, could be less. Shaft must have some in/out movement. Minimum is 0.02mm which you might not be able to feel/see without a dial gauge but the maximum of 0.12mm should just be noticeable by feel. Unfortunately you have to select the shims and then torque down the back plate each time before you check/recheck the figure. Patience is needed. If you put the nut on tightish you can get a better grip on it when pulling it in and out. A very light tap with a plastic mallet will get it to the full in position before you give it a tug.
LH side shims are available in 1mm, 0.35mm and 0.1mm so the thick RH one should be obvious but a 1.5 could have been used on the LH side as part of the shim pack if the total needed was over 1.5mm. I have a set which I believe came from the same axle which comprises 1 x 1mm, 2 x .35mm, 2 x .1mm, which totals 1.9mm.

BarryS · Dec 12th, 2013, 09:17

Thanks Derek

I definitely had a spacer (thick shim) on the RH side and with this fitted there is no perceptible axial play at the RH drive shaft.

With shims fitted to the LH side, I can discern some axial play but gut feel tells me this is more than the green book specified 0.007-0.2mm. I'll re-adjust the shimming to reduce the play.

Interestingly, the photograph of the shims and backplate being offered up to the axle in both of the green books I refer to above, fig17 in the former and fig 32 in the latter, are the exact same image and from the brake shoe and handbrake cable configuration they are obviously the LH side which makes me think that the text "... adjustment should only be carried out on the right-hand side ..." in the book specifically stating (Spicer Mod. 27) in the front cover title is wrong!?

Regards, Barry

Derek UK · Dec 12th, 2013, 11:39

As you say, these illustrations are re used in various green books over time. They are in a 1967 issue I have too. That one also shows the 140 axle with the disc brakes on the axle. There is a small Volvo number under each picture for identification. Typos are around too but these books are written for the Volvo garage mechanic not us amateurs!
The 1.5mm shim gets the RH shaft in a ball park position and as noted the clearance play is adjusted on the other side. In the centre of the diff the ends of the shafts butt up against a thrust block. This is floating so whatever clearance you set with the shims will be shared by both sides. It wouldn't be too difficult to set it up with no clearance at all or even with a tiny minus figure but that would mean the shafts would rub continuously from both sides. Not good for wear of the block but it would generate heat and cook the oil until something galled or seized. Better a fraction too slack than too tight.

222s · Dec 12th, 2013, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek UK

The 1.5mm shim gets the RH shaft in a ball park position and as noted the clearance play is adjusted on the other side. In the centre of the diff the ends of the shafts butt up against a thrust block. This is floating so whatever clearance you set with the shims will be shared by both sides. It wouldn't be too difficult to set it up with no clearance at all or even with a tiny minus figure but that would mean the shafts would rub continuously from both sides. Not good for wear of the block but it would generate heat and cook the oil until something galled or seized. Better a fraction too slack than too tight.

Ah - always wondered why it was only set on one side... So does that mean that it's nothing at all to do with the setup of the rear wheel bearings?

Derek UK · Dec 12th, 2013, 21:41

No, it does set the bearing clearance, although Volvo, in their wisdom, don't mention that in the section on shims. In the Description at the front of the section it says...........

"Each axle shaft is journaled at its outer end in a taper roller bearing. Bearing clearance is adjusted by means of shims under the brake backing plate".

As Spike Milligan said in the Goons "It's all rather confusing, really".

ciderman · Aug 17th, 2016, 09:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek UK

No, it does set the bearing clearance, although Volvo, in their wisdom, don't mention that in the section on shims. In the Description at the front of the section it says...........

"Each axle shaft is journaled at its outer end in a taper roller bearing. Bearing clearance is adjusted by means of shims under the brake backing plate".

As Spike Milligan said in the Goons "It's all rather confusing, really".

Yes, but if I want to reduce play of 1mm do I add or subtract a shim on the left side?

Dec 10th, 2013, 19:04	#1
BarryS Junior Member Last Online: Jul 15th, 2024 14:45 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dorchester	Spicer axle type 27 - shims rh or lh side I need some informed advice please. Having tackled drive shaft seal renewal on our ’64 122S with Spicer Type 27 axle, I was surprised to discover shims and gaskets between the brake backing plates and the axle on both sides of the car when taking everything apart. My understanding is that there should be no gaskets between the brake backing plates and the axle, only between the backing plate and the felt seal retainers on the brake side of the backing plate. My Volvo Green Book, Part 4 (46) Rear Axle (Spicer) reference indicates no shims to be fitted to the RH side, only the bearing retainer plate/spacer, and the book goes on to state that drive shaft axial play is adjusted using shims on the LH side. I have followed these instructions. The spec/intro pages of this Green Book covers Spicer 23, 27 and 30 axles. I have, however, now discovered another Green Book, Part 4 (46) Rear Axle (Spicer Mod. 27), and the instructions within are different and contrary to the above. It definitely states shims and drive shaft axial adjustment only on the RH side. I am now unsure as to whether my reassembly is right and so am hoping that someone will confirm which is correct for the 27 Spicer – shims/adjustment LH or RH side? Thanks, Barry

Dec 10th, 2013, 21:35	#4
123GT-AMAZON 1800necwinner Last Online: Yesterday 13:13 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: East Anglia ,Suffolk , uk	argh ok that makes sense then and i can see why you would want to check it all is correct your on the right path by checking the manuals but it sounds funny they would say one thing and then another ? very odd i will see what i can find out and report back on that , but if anyone can shed some light on this would be great a learning curve thats for sure regards robert __________________ I grew up on classic volvos hence my passion for them born and breed into the lifestyle !

Dec 10th, 2013, 21:12	#3
BarryS Junior Member Last Online: Jul 15th, 2024 14:45 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dorchester	Robert Thanks for your comment. I am absolutely positive that this axle has been "reconditioned" by a previous owner of the car due to parts evidenced by service history. It definitely is not as it left the factory and so I would like to get it right. Barry

Dec 11th, 2013, 11:33	#5
Derek UK VOC Member Last Online: Jul 25th, 2024 12:01 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chatham	In the 1962 Green Book it states that with the "late production cars", the RH side shims have been replaced by a single 1.5mm thick shim. If you have no shims at all that side, fit one of those or the half shaft will go too far into the diff. It may not cause damage but will mean that the LH side adjustment will be compromised. If adjusted properly, the LH side will have a shim selection which adds up to something around the 1.5mm figure, could be more, could be less. Shaft must have some in/out movement. Minimum is 0.02mm which you might not be able to feel/see without a dial gauge but the maximum of 0.12mm should just be noticeable by feel. Unfortunately you have to select the shims and then torque down the back plate each time before you check/recheck the figure. Patience is needed. If you put the nut on tightish you can get a better grip on it when pulling it in and out. A very light tap with a plastic mallet will get it to the full in position before you give it a tug. LH side shims are available in 1mm, 0.35mm and 0.1mm so the thick RH one should be obvious but a 1.5 could have been used on the LH side as part of the shim pack if the total needed was over 1.5mm. I have a set which I believe came from the same axle which comprises 1 x 1mm, 2 x .35mm, 2 x .1mm, which totals 1.9mm.

Dec 12th, 2013, 09:17	#6
BarryS Junior Member Last Online: Jul 15th, 2024 14:45 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dorchester	Thanks Derek I definitely had a spacer (thick shim) on the RH side and with this fitted there is no perceptible axial play at the RH drive shaft. With shims fitted to the LH side, I can discern some axial play but gut feel tells me this is more than the green book specified 0.007-0.2mm. I'll re-adjust the shimming to reduce the play. Interestingly, the photograph of the shims and backplate being offered up to the axle in both of the green books I refer to above, fig17 in the former and fig 32 in the latter, are the exact same image and from the brake shoe and handbrake cable configuration they are obviously the LH side which makes me think that the text "... adjustment should only be carried out on the right-hand side ..." in the book specifically stating (Spicer Mod. 27) in the front cover title is wrong!? Regards, Barry

Dec 12th, 2013, 11:39	#7
Derek UK VOC Member Last Online: Jul 25th, 2024 12:01 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chatham	As you say, these illustrations are re used in various green books over time. They are in a 1967 issue I have too. That one also shows the 140 axle with the disc brakes on the axle. There is a small Volvo number under each picture for identification. Typos are around too but these books are written for the Volvo garage mechanic not us amateurs! The 1.5mm shim gets the RH shaft in a ball park position and as noted the clearance play is adjusted on the other side. In the centre of the diff the ends of the shafts butt up against a thrust block. This is floating so whatever clearance you set with the shims will be shared by both sides. It wouldn't be too difficult to set it up with no clearance at all or even with a tiny minus figure but that would mean the shafts would rub continuously from both sides. Not good for wear of the block but it would generate heat and cook the oil until something galled or seized. Better a fraction too slack than too tight.

Dec 12th, 2013, 21:41	#9
Derek UK VOC Member Last Online: Jul 25th, 2024 12:01 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chatham	No, it does set the bearing clearance, although Volvo, in their wisdom, don't mention that in the section on shims. In the Description at the front of the section it says........... "Each axle shaft is journaled at its outer end in a taper roller bearing. Bearing clearance is adjusted by means of shims under the brake backing plate". As Spike Milligan said in the Goons "It's all rather confusing, really".

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