Doing the semi annual service on my 1924 Depot Hack, following checklists I have seen on this forum, but I need some reassurance on a few items:
1. Rear axle nuts torqued to 100? Mine were considerably loose, so I wanted to make sure there weren't variations based on the type of axle or something.
2. Front wheel bearings are tightened like you did back in the 60's...a little over finger tight?
3. Rear axle oil level. The plug seems pretty low on the axle...is the oil level supposed to be there? Don't see anything higher that would be a fill plug.
1. Hub needs to be squeezed to the tapered axle very tightly.
2 I tighten mine with a wrench while spinning until it restricts the spin, then back off til spins freely with no slop pulling and pushing on the top of the wheel.
3. I can't think of anything that could be mistaken for the filler plug. Use the right clinging 600w oil and that's plenty. Overfilling will go out the axle shafts and on your brakes and tires and sling all under your fender.
Bob -- Yes, 100# on the rear axle nuts. Don't forget the cotter pins.
The front wheel bearings are a bit tricky to get right. If you adjust the bearing itself to be free of play, when you tighten the nut the bearing will be too tight. Back the nut and bearing off a bit until the wheel turns free with everything tightened up but there is no play in the bearing when you push and pull alternately on the top and bottom of the tire. The wheel/tire should settle freely to its heavy side after you spin it. You don't want to pre-load the bearing.
Just wanted to say thanks for this thread.
Bob
The first time I checked the fluid in the rear axle, I had exactly the same response that you did: "that's too low !"
But nonetheless it is correct, fill till it just begins to dribble out. Differential gears must use sort of a splash oiling system similar to the engine. Fill too much and you'll have oily brakes.
Cheers
schuh