[Spridgets] Halfshaft Repair, Now - Diff OK?

[Guy R Day]

Whilst you are playing around  :-)  make sure the brakes aren't a bit stiff 
or catching on one side stopping the wheel from turning freely.  If you can 
turn that wheel

Back end up on jackstands, engine off.  If you are in gear and not turning 
the engine over the other wheel should rotate in the opposite direction the 
same distance you are turning one rear wheel.  If the back end is up then 
stuff a long screwdriver through the u/j to jam it up and turn either wheel 
by hand.  Any movement in MUST equal movement out (if everything is working 
properly).

If the drive shaft is allowed to turn, dependant on the friction generated 
in the gearbox either the drive shaft will rotate or the other wheel will 
rotate or they both will.

If you are driving the rear axle with the engine you may just get movement 
on one side but that shows there is either a friction problem with the side 
that isn't turning or, the diff or other side halfshaft isn't working as it 
should.  That side shouldn't be able to move freely, the diff should supply 
some drive to it.  Try braking the wheel on the drivers side (use a long 
piece of wood as a lever against the tyre tread - but be careful!) and the 
drive should go to the other side.  If the engine is just ticking over in 
1st gear you should be able to stop and hold the drivers side wheel with 
gloved hands and see the other side turn.  If that happens fairly freely - 
no problem.

All the best

Guy R Day




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bud Pazur" <bpazur at excel.net>
To: "Team Thicko" <team-thicko at autox.team.net>; "Spridgets" 
<spridgets at autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 8:26 PM
Subject: [Spridgets] Halfshaft Repair, Now - Diff OK?


>I just completed putting another halfshaft in. I put the wheels on, left it 
>on
> the jacsktands, started it up and put it in gear. In both 1st and Reverse,
> only the driver's side wheel turns. Is this normal? I never noticed it 
> before,
> or if I did as far as I can remember. The passenger side wheel is not 
> stuck; I
> can turn it easily in both directions while the driver's side wheel is 
> turning
> in gear. I did nothing to the diff except clean it out w/ gasoline. 
> Thanks.
>
> Bud Pazur