Question about Used Axles
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Question about Used Axles Hey guys. I removed my 10 bolt from my Trans Am to start rebuilding it and removed my axles. There is one groove on each axle that I can feel with my finger. Does this mean I shouldn't reuse them? I have no axle bearing noise. I have 80k miles on my car, was hoping just to put new bearings and gears, it would suck to have to put in another $315 on axles. From what I read, axle saver bearings cause more issues than what they fix. What would happen if I keep the axles and change the bearings/seals? Here are what my axles look like
the 'groove',is that the line closer to the flange ? If so,that's a seal wear line,were they leaking ? In the 2nd pic,there's more of a concern in the area where it rides on the axle bearing. That pic shows beginning of surface deterioration.
If there is any pitting it'll start to tear up bearings and you'll be back in there replacing them and the bearings/seals again.
IMO, I'd either replace them, or just put it back together for now and put the money towards a better rear axle.
On my old 98 when a bearing and axle got all pitted up I was able to score a used good condition axle on here for cheap.
IMO, I'd either replace them, or just put it back together for now and put the money towards a better rear axle.
On my old 98 when a bearing and axle got all pitted up I was able to score a used good condition axle on here for cheap.
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I will save and upgrade rear to an 8.8, and just keep my 10 bolt as is for now. I think I will still change my pinion seal as it is definitely leaking. Can I add a solid spacer with used gears or should I just change the seal and reuse the crush sleeve. I have to measure rotational torque on the pinion still, but I'm almost certain it will be on the loose side. I will post up what I get today or tomorrow.
Thanks for the input guys
You've shown the axles,but how are the current axle bearings ? Are you going to replace them or run them as is ? Are the bearings needles deteriorated or do they look pretty good ?
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This is what my axle bearings look like. They feel and look smooth, I don't think they are deteriorated.
I think I will keep them as is, they weren't noisy or leaky. What do you guys think? I also checked the pinion pre load while the rear was off the car on Jack stands. I don't know if position makes a difference. With the yoke facing the sky, I turned the pinion nut to only get .0045"-0.005 preload max with the carrier still installed and the axles out.
I know the previous owner did some work on the rear. But he also did work on other parts of the car and the work was usually done half *** or badly.
About 28000 miles ago, the pinion bearing and seal was changed. And then around the time I bought the car, about 3000 miles ago, the pinion seal was changed again. My torque arm bolts usually have gear oil on them since I bought the car.
I think I will keep them as is, they weren't noisy or leaky. What do you guys think? I also checked the pinion pre load while the rear was off the car on Jack stands. I don't know if position makes a difference. With the yoke facing the sky, I turned the pinion nut to only get .0045"-0.005 preload max with the carrier still installed and the axles out.
I know the previous owner did some work on the rear. But he also did work on other parts of the car and the work was usually done half *** or badly.
About 28000 miles ago, the pinion bearing and seal was changed. And then around the time I bought the car, about 3000 miles ago, the pinion seal was changed again. My torque arm bolts usually have gear oil on them since I bought the car.
I would go ahead and in the mean time, look for used axle shafts and replace the bearings and seals. I just did this job within the last month. Replaced one axle with a good condition used one from a guy in town for $50 and new bearings and seals for $30 plus new gear oil. Now I'm waiting for the inevitable when I get an upgraded rear end.
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I bought some used axles from eBay for 80 bucks, there was nothing local. They looked good in the pics, and he said there is no bearing deterioration. One axle is missing a stud, so hopefully it just needs a new one. Anything I can check besides to splines being twisted? Worse case, I will use my better axle and one of the ones I bought.
Not much to an axle really. Make sure it looks straight and bearing surfaces are good. Maybe knock the remaining studs out of it and either put new ones in or just use the studs from your old axles in them. I did that when I replaced the rear axle on my Trailblazer as the donor had a bit rusty studs so whacked them with a 3 lb hammer to knock them free, then used an old lug nut to draw my existing, clean studs into the flange of the donor by using my ratchet until it was seated.