Rear Axle Replacement

B

Bergy

Member
I need to replace both rear axles on my inherited '29 Roadster, due to bad keyways. The rest of the rearend seems ok (no strange noises).

I have sourced some new (old) axles with good keyways. Can I change out just the two axles (using new axles with existing ring/spider gears), or is it better to change out the whole existing axle assembly (2 axles, ring gear, & spider gears), with the new sourced assembly (which I do not know its running history as it was a junked parts car).?

Any other heads ups would be appreciated as I'm new into this ongoing process of finding things that need fixing. I'm hoping to not have to rebuild the whole rearend if possible.
 
I replaced an axle with poor threads with a good used axle in one of mine. I didn't have to replace any other parts. If the carrier bearings look good and the races are tight in the housing and not pitted. you should be ok , unless the back end had been making noises or something obviously bad was found, replacing the axles could do the job.
 
If the threads are OK just have new keyways machined (broached). This is very viable. You should not have to replace all the other parts unless they turn out to be bad when you disassemble the rear end.

Go to
http://www.ocmafc.org/Tom%20Endy%27s%20Technical%20Articles.htm

to read up on Tom Endy's very detailed methodology for properly setting up a Model A rear end. It is tedious no matter how you do it, so you may as well do it right. The alternative is dropping the rear axle down again which is not fun.

I just finished setting my axle up using his methods and it is way better than the book I followed 20 yrs ago (Schild's book).

There is a reason for everything he says, so do it exactly as he describes.
He suggests using a dial indicator type inch pound torque wrench, which is fine if you can borrow one (they are expensive).

You cannot use the click-type, which happens to be readily avail. at Harbor Freight etc.

You CAN use a beam type wrench, and can get one for about 30 bucks from a bicycle shop in NY online (Bikezilla Bike shop, staten Is., NY). It is made by Park. Bike shops use inch pounds all day long.

It is 1/4 inch drive so you will need a bunch of drive adapters, you can get a well-made set at HF.

comments from Tom welcome here of course
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top