In what may be a futile attempt to rid my Spit of vibration (and a nasty
pinion seal leak) I have apparently worsened the vibration problem. After
noticing the pungent odor of gear lube on the tailpipe, I decided to drop
the differential to replace the seal. While I had the driveshaft off I took
it to the local driveshaft specialist for balancing. Which he did; he had to
add two weights to bring it in to balance, one in front and one in the rear.
I replaced the pinion seal and bearing. I tried to replace the output seals
but didn't have access to a proper collar-type puller so they went unchanged
(they weren't leaking anyway). I did notice however, that there was a piece
of gasket-looking (fiber) material resting on what must be the left
differential side bearing cap. I removed it and couldn't find a trace of the
remainder of it, on either side. Reassembly, followed by the
anxiety-stricken test drive revealed a different vibration, one that feels
more frame-borne than before, and this one doesn't appear to go away at a
higher speed. It becomes noticeable around 50mph. After stopping a few times
to take in a sensory load, there were no leaks but the differential felt
very warm (I'm in central Florida and it was in the low 90s) and I know the
exhaust runs directly below it, but I was still wondering how hot should it
be. After about a thirty minute drive I was unable to hold my hand on it for
more than three to five seconds, it was sizzling hot, but it was hot. Any
ideas?
Flustered in Florida
(Jeff Burns)
76 Spitfire FM 46763 UO
http://home1.gte.net/jburn/index.htm
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