Shawn...Do not tighten the "big nut thingy" on the side...
The nuts are for backlash and preload of the Ring/Pinion and usually do not
affect anythng you can feel on the flange. There is always some bit of play
at the flange and some of what you might feel is internal diff gear wear.
Any up down movement will eventually cause a seal leak but in/out movement
wont usually hurt anything. If your diff bearings are worn enough to cause
play, they would likely be noisey...The pass side flange usually has more
play than the other side due to the diff construction and wear patterns.
Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
1-877-377-0773 toll free
425-788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy WBXTurbo

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shawn Wright" <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 5:09 PM
Subject: Axle flange sloppiness

> When encountering a 4 speed transmission with one axle flange that has
> some
> side play (driver side only), but no other symptoms of problems (good
> shifting, perfectly quiet), is there a recommended fix?
> Can I tighten the big nut thing around the flange without screwing up
> other
> things, or does this nut only affect the preload on the ring & pinion?
> What
> are the dangers of leaving it alone - leaks, bearing wear?
>
> thxShawn Wright
> http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
> '85 Jetta D
> '88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
> (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
> '82 Diesel Westy
>