Knowledge Builders

what do axle shims do

by Magdalena McGlynn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

What do axle shims do? Axle shims are thin pieces of metal that are placed between an axle and a leaf spring to adjust the pinion angle of the vehicle’s axle. Axle shims are thin pieces of metal that are placed between an axle and a leaf spring to adjust the pinion angle of the vehicle’s axle.

The axle shims are used to correct the pinion angle to eliminate vibrations in the driveline. This is caused by the increased angles in the driveshaft after installing a lift kit. They are recommended in most cases for 2" rear lifts and above, typically the shims will be installed on the bottom.

Full Answer

What is an axle Shim?

Axle shims are thin pieces of metal that are placed between an axle and a leaf spring to adjust the pinion angle of the vehicle's axle. Axle shims are thin pieces of metal that are placed between an axle and a leaf spring to adjust the pinion angle of the vehicle's axle.

Where do axle shims go on a leaf spring?

Commonly offered in 2- to 8-degree angles, axle shims are designed to be bolted to the bottom of the leaf spring pack and held in place both by an interference fit between the spring and spring pad on the axle, as well as the center bolt of the spring pack.

What kind of axle shims do you need for Jeep?

Jeep Steel Axle Shims Steel shims help keep driveline angles correct to help with vibration, prevent U-joint binding, and help fight spring wrap if your pinion is sticking up a bit too high. We carry different sized shims for different needs.

What are drive shaft shims used for?

These are used on leaf spring vehicles in order to adjust pinion angles and achieve proper drive line geometry. Our shims are 2.5" wide, machined from steel, and include a new set of 3/8" diameter center bolts. Select size (in degrees). Click here for information and photos showing how to measure drive shaft angles.

image

What is the purpose of leaf spring shims?

Steel shims to go between your leaf springs and your spring perch. These are used on leaf spring vehicles in order to adjust pinion angles and achieve proper drive line geometry.

Do I need leaf spring shims?

The rear depends on how it's been set up. If it's running a transfer case drop and a shim in the rear then you need the shim. If it's running a SYE with cut and rotated spring perches then you shouldn't need a shim.

Where do you put pinion shims?

7:5915:21How to install Pinion axle shims Episode 448 AutorestomodYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith it sitting in the level position. And then put some kind of cone. Or something up in there thatMoreWith it sitting in the level position. And then put some kind of cone. Or something up in there that sits inside of the plate on the top of the axle. And then goes up into the axle plate itself.

What is a degree shim?

Description. Degree shims are constructed of alloy aluminum designed to help align driveline angles when lighted springs are used.

What is the purpose of shims?

Plain and simple, a shim is a tapered wedge used for making slight adjustments to home elements, such as door frames and windows, to make them plumb and level. The most common shims are wood (often cut from cedar or pine) and serve well for almost any interior adjustment.

What is the difference between a spacer and a shim?

While shims typically feature a thin profile, spacers are designed with a much wider range of thicknesses from several inches to several feet depending on application requirements. Spacers can also be purposed as sleeves, bushings, axles, or pins.

What does shimming a differential do?

"Shimming the diff" refers to placing small spacers (look like washers) behind the gears to set the correct gear mesh. As the gears wear down the gap between them increases. If you place the shims properly you regain the proper mesh and increase the life of your gears.

Can wrong pinion angle cause vibration?

Pinion angle is one of the most important considerations on a lifted vehicle, but sadly it is often overlooked. The wrong angles can lead to horrible drive line vibrations, as well as premature failure of U-joints, driveshafts, pinion bearings and even transfer case output bearings.

How do you use shims properly?

0:000:35How To Properly Use Shims #shorts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you screw in your door jams without using shims your doors are gonna have a nasty app here's howMoreIf you screw in your door jams without using shims your doors are gonna have a nasty app here's how you use shims proper way to use shims is to put the fat side on the outside.

How thick is a 4 degree axle shim?

Aluminum Pinion Angle Leaf Spring Shims Note:4 Degree - Shim thickness at tall end is . 551" and . 191" thick on the short end. Note: 2 Degree - Shim thickness at tall end is .

How thick should a shim be?

Usually stamped from shim steel (1045 – 1075). Standard sizes generally 0.25 – 1.0 mm thick, though range is 0.15 – 1.9 mm.

How thick is a 6 degree axle shim?

These shims are 2.5” wide, and work with 2.5” wide leaf spring packs.

How do I know if I need starter shims?

If you start your car without a shim, your car may sound like starter cranks and loud sound. You need to use a shim to avoid noises that the starter emits. There may be the many reasons for the starter noise including the starter may be too far or too close to flywheel teeth, loose mounting bolts and much more.

Are alignment shims necessary?

Alignment shims are used to correct misaligned components when it's not necessary or even recommended to replace these components. If your alignment cannot be brought back to spec with alignment shims, you may need to replace other components before your vehicle drives straight and true.

Are leaf spring bumpers necessary?

They are rather important. They serve as the jounce (up-stop) cushion for the suspension. Without them, if the suspension were to bottom-out you could break something expensive like a shock mount.

Do you have to use shims on a door?

While it is possible to hang a door without shims, you do need to secure the door to the rough frame while keeping it level and plumb. Shims are the most common solution, although some manufacturers also make metal brackets that perform the same function.

1.Axle Shims: Correct Pinion Angle w/ Axle Shims - Rocky …

Url:https://www.rocky-road.com/axle-shims.html

32 hours ago Description. Degree shims are constructed of alloy aluminum designed to help align driveline angles when lighted springs are used. What do axle shims do? Axle shims are thin pieces of …

2.what exactly do the shims do? | Mercedes-Benz Forum

Url:https://www.benzworld.org/threads/what-exactly-do-the-shims-do.1177028/

20 hours ago  · Axle shims are thin pieces of metal that are placed between an axle and a leaf spring to adjust the pinion angle of the vehicle's axle. Commonly offered in 2- to 8-degree …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9