Phil Noonon
Member
How far should the axle key extend toward the backing plate in the axle slot? Should most of the key be in the hub, axle, or about evenly divided between the two?
Thanks!
Phil
Thanks!
Phil
O.K. how far should the axle key
- Thread starter Phil Noonon
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Phil Noonon
Member
Thanks Mitch, since writing the post I looked at the hub and axle more closely. I think I have an understanding about the key and the hub.
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
Phil, once I decide where to locate the key, I hammer a slight "ding" on each edge of the keyway & tap the key down into the keyway, so the key doesn't slide as I slip the drum onto the axle. If the key gets pushed up into the shallow end of the keyway, the whole mess will WOBBLE like a DRUNK!
hic! Bill W.
Phil Noonon
Member
Thanks Bill, that ought to insure a tight fit.
Chris in CT
Senior Member
Hi Phil,
If you have an original axle, then the key slot was cut with a rotary cutter. At the beginning and end of the key slot, you get the profile of the rotary cutter. The key should be inserted so that the tapered ends of the key fit nicely into the tapered bottom of the keyslot cut. If your key is the correct length, then there really is no option of how far up or down to put the key, it will really only fit one way into the key slot. From your description, I suspect a key that is too short... Happy Motoring!
If you have an original axle, then the key slot was cut with a rotary cutter. At the beginning and end of the key slot, you get the profile of the rotary cutter. The key should be inserted so that the tapered ends of the key fit nicely into the tapered bottom of the keyslot cut. If your key is the correct length, then there really is no option of how far up or down to put the key, it will really only fit one way into the key slot. From your description, I suspect a key that is too short... Happy Motoring!
Phil Noonon
Member
Chris, I think you maybe correct about slot length. You said tapered ends (plural), I think the key was tapered on only one end. So should both ends be tapered and the tapered part would go face down into the slot?
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
The only way my key would fit is with the tapered end in the axle and toward the center of the car.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
Minor survivalist find...there is a bin marked "axle keys" in the Home Depot fasteners aisle. It contains keys of the right section for Ford 1928-48! They are a touch too long and will need 30 seconds on a grinder to shorten and taper...but there they are!
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
If making up a key from long stock, remember to make it as long as you can. A SHORT key is NOT as strong as a longer key. Tighten the nut at least to 100 or 125 FT.LBS, so the taper can do it's job of gripping! Bill W.
(A looong time ago, I had 1 axle that had a wobbled out keyway & the key would rock sideways in it. I used some Loctite Stud & Bearing Mount goop & it never gave trouble. Fortunately, I NEVER had to remove that drum again! I always wondered how the next owner got it OFF!! +*#^%$#@ Probably had to heat the hub with a BIG ROSEBUD TORCH!) Bill W.
(A looong time ago, I had 1 axle that had a wobbled out keyway & the key would rock sideways in it. I used some Loctite Stud & Bearing Mount goop & it never gave trouble. Fortunately, I NEVER had to remove that drum again! I always wondered how the next owner got it OFF!! +*#^%$#@ Probably had to heat the hub with a BIG ROSEBUD TORCH!) Bill W.
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