Transmission oil shields
 

Are the oil shields next to the main bearings the same? I've opened up a later transmission that does not have one at the rear bearing.

Re: Transmission oil shields
 

The oil baffles associated with the front and rear ball bearings are two different sizes. The front is larger than the rear.

Also keep in mind there is an early set and a later set. The early set were both slightly smaller in diameter that the later set. The reason for the change is because the housing was changed from a machined bearing stop to a snap ring stop. Ford then saw a need to make the baffles slightly larger in diameter to control oil leakage.

This has created a problem within the Model A hobby. It is difficult to tell the difference between the early and the late baffles. If you install the later baffles in an early housing with the machined stops it will jam up the transmission. And beware! Suppliers only sell the later baffles.

Most people overhauling a transmission today install sealed bearings, so there is actually no need for the baffles to control oil. However, they should always be installed for dimensional reasons.

Tom Endy

Re: Transmission oil shields
 

Thanks Tom. This is a later transmission with the snap rings.

Re: Transmission oil shields
 

If you use the original style bearings with no seal be sure to install the baffle facing the correct way. If they are installed backward the transmission will leak more oil than the Exxon Valdez.

Re: Transmission oil shields
 

If you install the baffles backwards regardless of what bearing you install, the outside diameter of the baffle will be grinding against the bearing and dumping metal particles into the oil. When installing a baffle make sure there is a nominal space of 1\16" around the outside circumference of the baffle and the bearing. If the baffle is distorted run a putty knife around to make certain there is clearance.

Tom Endy