Reducing Backlash/Slop In Drivetrain

[supermoturd]

I've noticed that the backlash in my drivetrain has increased as the gears and shafts have worn. Tonight I shimmed the flats in my upper portal gears in order to reduce some of the backlash.

To begin with, I cut a 1 inch x 2 inch piece of aluminum foil.

I then folded it lengthwise 2 to 3 times at a width that was about the same as that of the flat on the portal input shaft. I trimmed the excess and trimmed the folded strip so that it was just a bit narrower than the flat on the shaft.

I then inserted the shim strip into the portal gear and folded it up at each end to hold it in place against the flat.

I then inserted the portal shaft, being careful to hold the shim strip tightly in place by pinching the folded tabs against the faces of the gear. With the shaft in place, I trimmed the tabs off with an exacto blade.

You may have to experiment with the thickness of the shim strip to prevent it from tearing when the portal shaft is inserted.

 

[MaFoDes]

That is a great trick. Gonna try that!

 

[Natedog]

Great write-up, thanks for sharing! An easier and more permanent fix would to clean everything real good with degreaser and assemble with Loctite Sleeve Retainer or Red Loctite. Only downside is you have to let is set for couple days to be sure Loctite properly hardened and it would require heat to the get the gear off the shaft later.