Rear Axle thread

bluedog

bluedog

Member
I am in the process of doing the brakes and during the task have found an issue with the thread on one rear axle. I tried a new nut and it only goes on 1/2 a turn before binding. The old nut goes on a few turns before it starts to bind. The old nut will go on the other axle though. The thread on the axle looks good except at the start where it looks a bit deformed in one section. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way forward without getting a new axle? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Greg
 
Most likely you damaged the thread removing the hub.

Since you see thread distorted on first few threads it may be easy to
Fix with a file to clean up that area .

Fred
 
I have a axle thread restorer, it clamps on the threads and then you spin it off.
You might cut a nut into,put it on the threads, slip a socket or wrench over the two piece nut, then back off the axle. And or due what Fred said.
 
The axle thread restorer would be my first choice, and I wish I had one. A thread file would be my next choice, but only file on the end few threads. I often see these threads damaged by hammers or pullers pressing very hard on the end of the axle. Best to thread on a knocker if you use a hammer, or use a nut when using a puller to press against it.
 
I like the idea of the "split nut." This would force the threads back into conformance without removal of any material.

I bet a standard Grade 8 nut split thusly would work well for this.

I have "Little Giant" thread dies which might be opened and applied "backwards" (or even forwards) for an oversized cut. But the purpose of ANY die is to cut material. Which I would do only as a last resort.

Joe K
 
I am spoiled by having two friends close by with excellent pullers, but those knockers seem like butchery to me.
 
using a die is not a good idea. The threads are rolled, and a die will cut them thinner, weakening the ability of the threads to hold the hub in place and could contribute to thread stripping. There are thread chasing tools available. They look like a nut, but with the threads sectioned, similar to the inside threads of the castellated part of a castle nut. You can thread a castle nut on backwards too or use a thread file.
ML-UNF-8.png
 
Greg,

My suggestion is a little off topic but I would like to suggest you include your general location in your profile (and sometimes your post). That way if some has a split die they might loan it to you.

Charlie Stephens
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I will have a look at whether I can get a re-threader here. Failing that I will put the castellated nut on backwards (the good one from the other side). I did use a puller but could not get the puller's thrust plate nut on due to the bad thread. I used the existing castellated nut to protect the end of the axle.
Greg
 
I have never heard of an axle nut restorer. After hearing the description I believe I have a set in my tool box in the drawer with all my tap and die sets. I just figured they were some big dies. There are 4 or 5 sets of split dies and a handle they go into. Something my Dad or Grandfather picked up years ago. I will have to investigate and snap a picture and post.
 
I did the same thing to a steering column when pulling a steering wheel. A local 'nut & bolt' store provided a thread restorer that fixed my problem. They even knew the correct size for the application!

Ian
 
Here is a pic of what I am thinking is a thread restorer. Am I right as to what this is?
 

Attachments

  • Tool Pic.jpg
    Tool Pic.jpg
    43.1 KB · Views: 111
Interesting. I wonder what my tool is used for? Maybe its another version. It doesn't have cuts like dies do. No place for the chips to go.
Thanks for the information.
 
Binger said:
Interesting. I wonder what my tool is used for? Maybe its another version. It doesn't have cuts like dies do. No place for the chips to go.
Thanks for the information.
Click to expand...
It might still work for that, where it would roll the thread back in line rather than cutting.
It might be worth the try to take an old bolt and ding it with a hammer, and use your tool to see if you can straighten it out. I'd experiment on something worthless before I tried it on the axle itself.
Good Luck!:)
 
I would nut use a nut that has been cut. The thread restorer needs to be harder than the axle to force it to conform. Axles are pretty hard and if the nut is the same or sifetr you wil get galling and really mess things up.
 
It just might be the first few threads that are distorted. Run a die on but only cut about 3 threads and then try the nut. Use a little light oil to prevent galling.
 
A mechanic friend is going to loan me a split die that can be opened a little to limit the extent of cutting action. This will hopefully bring things back to normal. Failing that I will try a thread file.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top