Play in differential

[spinneman]

I'm a recent spider 1974 owner (France) and in full process of discovering and restoring the car. There's a vibration, I think it's the driveshaft center bearing. It's a grinding feeling in the seat at 'take off' and a vibration when riding at low speed (20 km/h, in all gears). I will replace the bearing, but when examining the driveshaft I noticed there's play inside the differential when I turn the driveshaft by hand. Is this normal?

Thanks for your answer.

[Alfapaulic]

Welcome to the Alfa BB. Yes there should be clearance in the gear set. just a small amount. The flange should not wiggle up and down though. Good luck.

Paul

[Roadtrip]

With an axle that old, you're going to have some significant wear in the pinion bearings. They seem to do just fine like that, however. I wouldn't mess with the axle or try and "tighten" the pinon nut. The bearing clearances are set by shims. If the bearings are worn, tightening the pinon nut to specification will likely make the bearing preload MUCH too tight. If you must replace the pinion oil seal, note the force it took to remove the pinion nut, then replace it with the same amount of force . . . NOT normal nut torque.

[spinneman]

Thank you very much for your answers.
I'm reassured!

Spinneman

[Sprintman27]

I have the same problem. What is the normal play or rotatation of the propshaft before taking up drive??

Mine will rotate about 60 degrees resulting in a clonk when taking up drive

From the manual it looks difficult to adjust. Easier to replace??


Many thanks

[Alfapaulic]

60 degrees seems alot. I have not overhauled an alfa diff but the price of used ones seem cheap enough to just replace the whole thing.