Posted by Brian in Oregon on Friday, October 26, 2001 at 2:46AM :
In Reply to: Re: RZEPPA joints in front axel posted by casebro on Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 9:55PM :
You're right on the counts on the balls.
The Bendix-Weiss has four large balls that are semi-exposed, with a fifth center ball.
The Rzeppa (pronounced Cheppa) has six balls that are almost hidden in the assembly. No center ball.
The Bendix-Weiss requires adjustments, via different sized balls, of which there are seven sizes from .003" under to .003" over, in .001" steps. Beats me if they are available anymore. Anyone scrapping a front axle should keep the universal assembly for those who may have parts worse that what you salvaged. There are install adjustments that have to be made as well.
The Rzeppa does not need different size balls. There are some shim adjustments, though, but they are simpler than the Bendix-Weiss.
I do not know which system is stronger. But the Bendix Weiss appears to be easier to make from a production standpoint. A few grindings on large forgings. The Rzeppa requires quite a bit of grinding of numerous complex surfaces.
TM 10-1153 dated 1941 and listing the WC-21 through WC-41 shows both systems. Some of the earliest manuals only showed the Rzeppa. I think, but am not absolutely sure, that the WC-7 or thereabouts were the last Rzeppa equipped trucks.
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