Measuring Rear Hub End Float

[SprintMWU773V]

I need to measure the end float on my rear hubs. Looks like a I need a dial indicator to do this but virtually all the stands I have seen are magnetic and I cannot see how this would be useful due to the shape of the backplate. I have seen one which you basically bolt to the hub but alas it was in a video rather than actually for sale.

The one I have seen can be seen in this picture https://www.prod.facebook.com/trailerfi ... 3868121193 but Paddocks no longer sell one.

Any ideas on the best way to measure the end float or perhaps where I might get such a mount for a dial indicator?

[soe8m]

A magnetic one is the best to buy because you can use it for many purposes. If it does not clamp enough on the backplate you can clamp a piece of iron with some grip pliers to the backplate first.

Jeroen

[Dolly-Nut]

I found after driving the car the clearances totally change anyway.

[PaulB]

Hi Mark,

Why can't you clamp the dial gauge mount to the backplate?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quality-0-10m ... 20e7927554

I have also used a heavy steel plate placed next to the axle and clamp the magnetic base of the dial gauge stand to it. It heavy enough not to move. You are welcome to borrow some bits if it helps.

[SprintMWU773V]

I wasn't sure it would work. However I should be picking up a dial indicator and magnetic stand tomorrow so I should be able to find out! I think on reflection I will be proven wrong and should be able to work it all out without too much difficulty.

[James467]

Mark, I have the machine mart one and managed to mount it to the area that the cylinder sits.

[tony g]

Why not mount the mag part to the hub end and put the probe onto the back plate? Same movement.

Tony

[SprintMWU773V]

Well I've had a tinker with my new tool this afternoon. First impressions are that it easily fits where it needs to which is good. I'm not 100% happy with my shimming yet but don't think it's too far off.

I've had to swap one half shaft as it had the smaller earlier studs on it. Fortunately i had a spare one and even more handy was it was the same hand. I know they're not handed but I have heard suggestions that it might be better not to swap them from side to side.

[SprintMWU773V]

So how many shims have people typically used? The one side I have done took one thick shim of about 0.8mm to achieve 0.012mm of end float. Contrast with what I took off which seemed quite a lot, probably about 1.6mm. Unfortunately I forgot to measure the end float on either the original axle or the one I am using but both had a number of different shims on them.

Either I've done something wrong or the person who set it up before didn't know! I can't see how you can get it wrong but there you go. If you over-shim you just end up with loads of movement surely?