What is this ?

[gerradiuk]

While fitting a new speed sensor this fell down, the old sensor would not budge so I had to take the casting off that the sensor screws into ,that is when this came off. What is it for ?

[pmessling]

looks like the locking tab that goes into the drive shaft side bearing. see if i can find a picture

[scotty_d]

That belongs to speed sensor bracket set up. Can't find any pictures of how it fits in but it is the diff/speed sensor assembly.

[Cerbieherts]

pmessling said:

looks like the locking tab that goes into the drive shaft side bearing. see if i can find a picture

It is indeed. The lager hole hooks under a bolt securing the speed sensor bracket in place

[gerradiuk]

pmessling said:

looks like the locking tab that goes into the drive shaft side bearing. see if i can find a picture

Cripes does this mean the bearing can fall out ? From this angle it looks as though it can be adjusted?

[Tanguero]

Probably not actually fall out, but without it there is nothing preventing the bearing retainer from undoing its self. I would NOT drive the car without it in place. You run the risk of destroying the diff.

[Cerbieherts]

The bracket is secured to the back of the Diff with a small bolt which must have been missing from your car, hence it falling out when you released the speed sensor bracket.This is what it looks like when it is fitted to the car:

[gerradiuk]

I see,so the "fork" hooks into the edge of the diff, does it fit into a recess there ?

Cerbieherts great pic, thankyou!

[Cerbieherts]

Yes, the forks fit into one of the teeth that are around the apperature in the diff flange.

[Tanguero]

Yes, the bearing retainer has a ring of "teeth" one of which the prongs of that plate hook into to stop it working loose. That's why the plate has adjustment slots, so the retainer can be tightened to the correct torque and then the plate adjusted to fit that position and bolted down to lock it all in place.

[gerradiuk]

Will sort this out over week end thanks for all your help, can't beat the help here !