ltoolio

So...currently going through a R&R of a rear half axle, and I've been relying on my favorite documenters - Dwayne and Sharkskin

As I was going through the reassembly process, I've noticed a difference between Dwayne's and Sharkskin's writeups regarding the alignment of the bearing cage - Dwayne's shows the beveled side of the cage being outward and Sharkskin's shows it inward. I'm having a problem comprehending this. The beams of light have crossed, there's a disruption in the force. The world is coming to an end!

Got pics below. The grainy picture from the WSM *looks* like Dwayne has his alignment right, but just looking for a sanity check.

Sharkskin - showing the beveled side of the cage being inward:


Dwayne - showing it outward:


WSM - seemingly showing it outward:

GlenL

Bevel on cage, ring on housing and groove on inner gear towards the outside. That is, the identifying feature on each points towards the outside.

jeff spahn

I set mine up like Dwayne's when I did mine.

Chalkboss

Are you sure the first pic is not an optical illusion? The center piece could be above the outer cage. It's hard for me to tell from that viewpoint. I think you have your answer though...

Daniel5691

Wow, that first photo really is at a tricky angle.
I think the bevel is facing the same way as the WSM, but since the image is perfectly
face-on, it looks like it is receding backing into the assembly maybe?

ltoolio

The other/outside picture shows a bit more clearly-no bevel.

http://members.rennlist.com/sharkski...gShaftSide.jpg

Ad0911

Well, I'll have to check that one again! I just put the axles in but now they'll have to come out again. I wasn't aware of this.

ltoolio

Did you follow Dwayne's or Sharkskins?

Ad0911

What happens if the bevel is not on the outside? It seems the holes are in the middle --> no difference. What am I overlooking?

GlenL

Good question. I always thought it looked symmetrical as well.

GregBBRD

Nothing.

You will find them assembled both ways, on virgin axles.

It actually makes more sense to put the biggest bevel (both sides have a bevel) to the inboard side, so that the cage doesn't hit the axle quite as soon at the extremes of travel.

docmirror

The Ferrari V8s of similar vintage use the same Lobro joint. One of the insider 'tricks' is to reverse the joint bevel when the axle is serviced to prolong the utility of the races in the inner and outer bearing housing. So, it would be inside and after servicing with new boot it would be outside. The only caveat that I'm aware of is the ability of the axle to swing it's full travel of suspension without binding, and for the Ferrari it's never been a problem. Don't know about the travel on a 928, but pretty sure it'll be ok. Can be tested in situ with the car on the lift, and the suspension at full down travel by rotating the axle assembled but not attached to the outer hub.