How to check used axels
- Thread starter A31Woody
- Start date
H. L. Chauvin
Well-known member
First, if any are painted, remove the paint with paint remover & you could possibly see cracks covered up with paint.
Next, inspect carefully for cracks -- that is all I ever did, some will naturally recommend having them checked further.
Next, inspect carefully for cracks -- that is all I ever did, some will naturally recommend having them checked further.
Tom Endy
Well-known member
If we are talking about Model A rear axles, besides checking all the above, look to see if the key slots are wallowed out, Clean and check the inboard end on both sides of the key slot for a hair line crack starting right at the end of the key slot. If one is detected it means the axle will eventually break.
Tom Endy
A31Woody
Senior Member
Yes, Model A Rear Axels. Are there any wear points that should be measured with calipers?
Kevin in NJ
Well-known member
Seal surface needs to be smooth.
No cracks in the key way.
Good threads that do not look abused too far.
The taper should not be all scored to hell.
The bevel gear needs to be decent, not too pitted. Lots of wear here along with worn spider gears and a worn housing will allow for a lot of in out play.
No measuring that is critical. Mostly visual. Problems with the taper, keyway cracking and bad enough threads are probably the big reasons for the axles to become tent stakes.
No cracks in the key way.
Good threads that do not look abused too far.
The taper should not be all scored to hell.
The bevel gear needs to be decent, not too pitted. Lots of wear here along with worn spider gears and a worn housing will allow for a lot of in out play.
No measuring that is critical. Mostly visual. Problems with the taper, keyway cracking and bad enough threads are probably the big reasons for the axles to become tent stakes.
Steve Plucker
BANNED
Some farmer told me once that if you were to put a peice of wire in the hole on the axle nut end and hold it, then with a hammer...hit it. If it has a nice ring to it it is ok...if it has a thud sound to it, it is cracked...Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Pluck
Pluck
Joe K
Well-known member
Similar basis for "sounding out" rivets in riveted boiler construction.
Also the underlying basis for ultrasonic weld inspection. Although like looking at a sonogram of a baby in Mommy's tummy, you can learn more with a little bit more "focus."
Joe K
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
Sounds like we should ring some GOOD axles to get the sound in our heads. I've been told, after you get the ring of a good flywheel housing in your head, you can always tell the "THUNKY" sound of a cracked one!
I'm afraid to try the "test" on my head---------Bill W.
RockHillWill
Well-known member
If the axles have passed the above tests, here is an option to check for straightness. I made eight tapered cones that tighten up on four straight rods. If you lay the axle down on a flat surface, it become very clear, very soon how straight the axle is (or not).
