Backhoe Ford 555 front axle wanting to seperate from the block

Opti-Mist · Jan 28, 2015

It could be thread crush. Swarf from the manufacturing process could contribute to "false" torque values on first tightening. The solution in the past has been to torque them up then remove completely and reinstall and retourque.

RickB · Jan 28, 2015

The parts catalog specifies grade 8 hardware and no washers, either flat or lock. Lock washers are a bad idea, USS spec washers probably won't fit flat on the castings. I was thinking that two of those bolts should be surrounded by hollow locating dowels, but I can't find them in the parts catalog. If they are required but missing, that is likely to be a large contributing factor. If you are re-using old bolts, toss them and get new ones. Tighten things up and measure the joint with a feeler gauge to see which, if any, shims are required. usually there are none in this location. Keeping this interface tight normally is not problematic.

bestes1206 · Jan 28, 2015

RickB said:
The parts catalog specifies grade 8 hardware and no washers, either flat or lock. Lock washers are a bad idea, USS spec washers probably won't fit flat on the castings. I was thinking that two of those bolts should be surrounded by hollow locating dowels, but I can't find them in the parts catalog. If they are required but missing, that is likely to be a large contributing factor. If you are re-using old bolts, toss them and get new ones. Tighten things up and measure the joint with a feeler gauge to see which, if any, shims are required. usually there are none in this location. Keeping this interface tight normally is not problematic.

Are they true 3/4" x 2.75"
If you happen to have the bolt size from the parts catalog that would be great if you could share

byronlj · Jan 29, 2015

How about wire lock bolts? You could even tie them to each other to cancel forces.
Dave

bestes1206 · Jan 29, 2015

Like a bolt with a hole drilled through the head for a wire / cotter pin ? not sure if there is such a thing

I have noticed that the size of bolt that it appears to take is not standard at .75 x 2.5

Winmac · Jan 29, 2015

I think you are on the right track. If it indeed is missing shims the bolts will never stay tight, not all assembly's required shims.
To apply the torque properly it would be best to have the machine raised so that the front is not carrying any weight.

Also have a look at the axle pivot joint, excessive play here can cause all sorts of trouble.

trmechapt · Feb 1, 2015

New Holland lists the bolt as gr. 8 3/4-10 X 2 3/4". It also shows a flat washer and 5 different shims that could go in between the support and the oil pan. The bolts that go through the block have nuts. There I would use gr 8 locknuts and locktite.
Gary