Official Answer
Answer
Using a wave spring for 'axial take-up' involves selecting a spring with a free height greater than the maximum possible gap and a spring rate high enough to hold the components in place under dynamic loads. The 'Shim' requirement is determined by the formula: $Shim_{thick} = (Gap_{max} - Gap_{min}) + \delta_{preload}$, where $\delta_{preload}$ is the deflection needed to reach the minimum required load. However, the wave spring itself often eliminates the need for manual shimming, as its elastic range accommodates the tolerance stack-up of the gearbox housing, bearings, and gears. The engineer must ensure that even at $Gap_{min}$, the spring is not compressed to its solid height, which would cause rigid transmission of shocks.
