[Spridgets] axle or pinion problems?

[Jim Seippel]

It is likely to be an axle. If it was anything else, it would likely be
accompanied by lots of noise. 

There are two points of axle failure. If you are cornering hard with tires
that have good traction, it is probably broken at the outside by the flange.
The single roller bearings have a certain amount of movement. That allow the
axle to flex at the flange. Eventually, the flange breaks off. Since the
differential transfers power to the side with the least resistance, the
broken axle turns, but the power is not transferred to the wheels.  

The other spot they break is at the splines adjacent to the differential.
This is usually caused by tires that are spinning and then suddenly get good
traction. An example would be having the tire spin on ice then suddenly get
traction on dry pavement. The twisting motion fractures the axle which then
breaks at an inopportune time. 

It first happen to me on my way to drop my Dad off at work on my way to
school. I knew immediately what had happened.  I walked to the local BMC
dealer about a half mile away. I picked up an axle and got them to take me
home to get some tools. I pulled both axles and used a piece of rod from the
florist next door as a drift to knock the broken spline out of the
differential. A magnet pulled the piece out of the axle housing. The whole
repair from the break to finish only took about an hour. I made it to first
period about 15 minutes late. 

A couple of months later, I was working for the dealer.

Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: spridgets-bounces at autox.team.net
[mailto:spridgets-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Chris Manuel
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2011 5:48 PM
To: spridgets at autox.team.net
Subject: [Spridgets] axle or pinion problems?

Well that was interesting drive this afternoon...

Without any warning, I suddenly lost all forward (and reverse) while driving
on the interstate.  

My speedometer still works, and I can change gears with no problem, but it
doesn't move at all.

Is this the symptom of a broken axle? I'll jack it up later and do the spin
the wheel test.

Do these go without warning?  It was running great and there was no warning
with odd noises or a massive oil puddle.

Thanks
Chris

66MKIII
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