replacing diff pinion bearing

[Prey]

looking for some advice on my options with a diff with a dead pinion bearing, half of who i speak to say its no biggy, half say dont touch it - anyone know exactly whats involved? or is there a diy i've missed somewhere?

[dot]

It can be done you need the tool or some accurate spring scales to work out the preload on the pinion bearings and when taking the differetial bearing carriers out make note what side the spacers came from as this sets the back lash, also you will need a tool to press the pinion bearing on which can be made if you don't have one, I can't remember the preload for the pinion bearings

[Prey]

i dont mind making tools etc just cant get my head around how you measure the preload does this need to be done before the diff comes apart and then rebuilt to the same?

[dot]

That is one way of doing it but if bearings have worn it could well be different to what the pre load is when new, I looked on line and found set tolerances is has to be between I had the info on a old mobile which broke so was unable to recover it, I'm sure you can find the calculation on the net for working out the pre load then you just covert it to lb ft/NM, remember you have to replace the crush spacer on the pinion when you take it apart