Axle shaft threaded end (a real thinker!)

flatheadfan

flatheadfan

Well-known member
Guys-

I have a '36 rear wheel that has a pronounced wobble. I have swapped wheels thinking it was a wayward wheel but it appears it is the threaded axle end that is bent. The axle shaft does hold the axle key without a problem and seems to rotate freely by hand without binding. Question: Am I looking at a change in axle shaft? If so. I do have another axle shaft (used) and it also has a slight bend (note pictures).

A lathe would be a good check for run-out but I live in the "sticks" and access to a lathe is virtually impossible.

I suspect the "bends" are the result of improper removal of the drums over the years.

Thanks for the helps.

Tom
 

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I haven't had a car with one of these old Ford tapered axles for the last 15 years, but I would think that if the taper (which is the important part) is ok, the slight bend on the threaded part would be of little consequence. I would think it would straighten itself out under 200 ft/lbs of torque, or break, making another completely different problem. If it was mine and I had brake drums rertainers, I'd try to run it.
 
Yes, it's the taper that determines whether it's straight. It can really only be the rim, or maybe if the nut was really loose and the drum was flopping around on the axle, but that would be very noticeable.
 
The HUB flanges (drums on '36-39s) can bend easily when removed using an improper puller, which results in a wheel-mounting surface which of course.......wobbles. DD
 
Could have been loose.. I was horrified the other day I witnessed someone who I admire and respect put a drum back on without cleaning the taper or inside the drum, he did the nut up with just a 12 " shifting spanner.. I said as much as I could at the time :eek:
 
I agree with V8COOPMAN. It's probably the drum that's out. The bent thread in the pictures looks like it's been caused by someone beating on the end of the axle to break the taper loose. The pin hole is squashed as well.
 
If it is a bent hub flange, can these be straightened? I would think NOS flanges are probably as rare as the Hope diamond. Attempting to buy a good used one would definitely be a "shot in the dark."

Tom
 
If you put a dial indicator on the axle as it is in the car, you may find whether the axle is bent...

As others have mentioned, it's likely that the drum is bent. I have had success with using a press to straighten new drums (installed carefully, that had too much runnout to machine). I imagine that would be worth a try on yours.

You may be able to ship your drum to a shop nearby...

I have a drum that's machined way to far to use, if you need a "roller". It's probably a 37-39 drum.

Karl
 
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