Play in driveshaft

[mattyc]

I'm replacing the water pump - this is the first time I've ever had the LU off. With the water pump out of there (bottom housing off too) I am quite surprised by the play in the driveshaft. It has some play in all directions -- both laterally and vertically. Is this normal?

[MadTing]

What type of gearcase? A pre-load has a pin on top.

[mattyc]

It's on an '87 XR2.

-matt

[MadTing]

A preload gearcase will have some movement sideways and vertically, especially with the waterpump base removed. press down on the shaft and rotate while pressing. if you feel any roughness or hear any metal grating, the upper bearing may need replacing. You should not get any sideways movement either, else the upper bearing is worn, and the gearcase will have to be torn down.

[Greg Moss]

It has to do with the way the gears are cut. You should not have a pin on top of the drive shaft with that year motor,your will be of the Alpha type. When you start the motor the gear cut forces the gears apart and that take the slop out of the drive shaft you feel. when the gear force themselves apart it pushes the bearing hard into the race. Pull up on the drive shaft and turn it. It should feel ok that way. On the pin load it works just the opposite.

[mattyc]

Thanks for the info guys. I didn't want to ignore something that seemed a little suspicious.