[Mg-t] Axle or Differential

[Brian & Jan]

Stuart

Sounds like the same thing that happened to me when I first put my car on 
the road. My right rear axle snapped and the car would not move. In my case 
it snapped right at the gear set and while I thought this was a mjor item, 
it turned out to be a fairly easy fix. Once the rear end is drained you will 
end up pulling both axles as you will probably need to pull the good one to 
get the stub of the broken axle out and it is a good time to examine the 
condition of the axle anyway. I have heard of individuals changing an axle 
on the side of the road but..........far better in the shop. The axles are a 
weak spot so I am told but upgraded axles are available on ebay from time to 
time. Check the archives on the TD BBS as well and you will find a great 
deal of info.

Brian
1950 MGTD
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stuart C. Keen, Jr." <simbafish at comcast.net>
To: "MG" <mg-t at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 8:07 AM
Subject: [Mg-t] Axle or Differential


> While in my driveway yesterday, I started the engine, then placed the TD
> into reverse - resulting in a LOUD BANG and no movement. Jacked up the 
> rear,
> and with engine running, put transmission in gear. The drive shaft appears
> to be rotating properly, and universal coupling to the differential seems
> good - but neither rear wheel rotates. In fact, with engine off, I can
> freely rotate both rear wheels. Previously, there was always considerable
> drag and it was difficult to rotate either by hand.
>
> What has snapped or broken? From this layman's point of view, it is either
> the differential (ring or pinion) OR the axle.
>
> I cannot pull either of the rear wheels outward which I suspect might be
> possible if the axle was broken (or is there something preventing the
> outward movement?). Also, if it was the axle, then would BOTH wheels be
> affected, not just one?
>
> I am looking for some enlightenment before I drag the TD off to the 
> British
> repair shop - or, if simple enough, do it myself.
>
> Stu Keen
> 1951 MG TD Mark II
> _______________________________________________