front axle play in 1100D

cootbruce · Apr 13, 2006

I noticed the other day that when I turn my steering wheel, my front axle assmeble moves a small amount. the pivit bolt that holds the axle to the frame appears to have some (very small) play in it. My manual is not specific on just how much play ought to be there. But it is enough that I can see the axle assemble move and notice the drive shaft move. I guess something less than 1/2 inch. I was going to take it apart and add shims to it, but thought before that, maybe greasing it would tighten up the play, now I can't find a grease fitting on it, though I see it has been greased in the past......Any thoughts or comments on how much play is permitted in the area??

It is a 1100D import model I guess 1980

Thanks

Bruce

buppy69 · Apr 13, 2006

There should be very little play if any in the pivot. I certainly don't think you should be able to notice it. If the pivot pin is wore out it will be a fairly easy fix.

Eugene

Cord · Apr 13, 2006

I made this exact repair to my 1110. The axle pin is retained with 4 bolts in front. The back end of the pin sits loosely in the sub frame. My pin was under cut from flexing in the frame so it was no longer tight. A new pin is a special order from Japan. 30+ day lead. I made a new one using a piece of custom turned 4140 bar stock welded to the existing retention plate. Luckly the back hole wasn't badly worn. To repair the rear hole would have required the removal of the subframe, redrilling the hole and inserting a bushing of some type. Note, that it will be very difficult to properly mount the subframe into a drill press. I also found some wear in the axle housing. There are two bushings in the housing which are lubricated by oil splashed off the ring gear. There is no provision to grease the bushings. Unfortinatly, poor maintenace (low oil) and time will result in these bushings wearing out. They were a easy special order from my local bearing supply house. The bushings are simply held in place by friction so a few taps had them out of the housing. I went with a oil impregnated bushing for longer life.

Also check each of the ball joints for wear. There are 4 of them. Then tighten the sector shaft in the steering box. There will be a allen screw and jam nut on the side. With the front tires off the groung, tighten the screw until you start to feel resistance in the wheel. Tighten the jam nut (not allowing the set screw to turn) and you are done.

Jagmandave · Apr 13, 2006

You are talking about side to side play and not up and down right? Cause mine has about 1/2" of verticle travel - that's normal........

Cord · Apr 13, 2006

Any play at the pivot is NOT normal. The axle should rock on the pivot, but have no slop.

Jagmandave · Apr 14, 2006

Right, rock on the pivot - that's what I was talking about........

cootbruce · Apr 14, 2006

My axle moves forward and backwards as the steering wheel is just turned. If I turn the wheels to the right, I notice the entire axle housing turns, very slighly to the right before the wheels turn.

Bruce