The Ford Barn

Old Henry · 11-10-2023, 12:08 AM

Yesterday, for some unknown reason, my right rear wheel decided to go a different direction than the rest of the car and took its own coarse off the car, off the road, across the weeds, and into the fence. It looks like the threads on the axle just stripped and let loose of the nut. (See picture of threads) The threads on the nut are fine. I really REALLY don't want to replace that axle and wonder if there is any way to salvage those axle threads without removing the axle from the car. For instance, can I use a die to recut the threads a little bit deeper, i.e. for a slightly smaller nut and then use a new slightly smaller nut on it? Any ideas to salvage the threads without removing the axle from the car?

rich b · 11-10-2023, 12:23 AM

I tore down a banjo axle that had a 9/16-18 nut on one side. How long it worked liked that is lost to history.

If you decide to try something that; I would probably lap the axle taper so it was a really good fit too.

Old Henry · 11-10-2023, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich b

If you decide to try something that; I would probably lap the axle taper so it was a really good fit too.

Is lapping the axle taper something I could do without removing it? How is that done?

34fordy · 11-10-2023, 12:02 PM

[QUOTE=rich b;2268689]I tore down a banjo axle that had a 9/16-18 nut on one side.

IMHO there is NO way a 9/16-18 nut would withstand the torque required to fit the hub properly.

rich b · 11-10-2023, 01:10 PM

[QUOTE=34fordy;2268774]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich b

I tore down a banjo axle that had a 9/16-18 nut on one side.

IMHO there is NO way a 9/16-18 nut would withstand the torque required to fit the hub properly.

Well still not saying it's right; but the old '39 pick-up the banjo came from was not laid to rest on the fence row because it had a 9/16" nut on one axle.

petehoovie · 11-10-2023, 12:39 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Henry

Yesterday, for some unknown reason, my right rear wheel decided to go a different direction than the rest of the car and took its own coarse off the car, off the road, across the weeds, and into the fence. It looks like the threads on the axle just stripped and let loose of the nut. (See picture of threads) The threads on the nut are fine. I really REALLY don't want to replace that axle and wonder if there is any way to salvage those axle threads without removing the axle from the car. For instance, can I use a die to recut the threads a little bit deeper, i.e. for a slightly smaller nut and then use a new slightly smaller nut on it? Any ideas to salvage the threads without removing the axle from the car?

ford38v8 · 11-10-2023, 01:14 AM

The drum comes off, the key comes out, both are cleaned and deburred, then reassembled with lapping compound, no key, and the nut just barely snug to allow turning by hand to do the lapping. Remove, clean again to check progress. Importantly though, before you waste your time on a project with no future, determine the quality of the rethreading, and inspect closely for a crack at the inside end of the keyway. Find that crack and get rid of that piece of junk.

oldbugger · 11-10-2023, 08:28 AM

For safety, with all the miles you put on that car i would replace the axle. MHO

johndee138 · 11-10-2023, 10:52 AM

They make an axle thread chaser
Some on ebay
I have one that I have used in the past

kartrae7 · 11-10-2023, 11:03 AM

Third Gen has a axle thread clamping nut. Not sure it is will work and have no clue how to get picture here.

Andy · 11-10-2023, 11:11 AM

A thread chaser just removes small rough spots. Your axle is stripped. A chaser will not fix that. The axle must come out for replacement or repair. I strongly suggest replacement. There is high stress on those threads.
I was doing a lot of perch repairs at one time. I had fixtures and would weld up the threads, machine to diameter, and rethread. They are much more lightly loaded.

mhsprecher · 11-10-2023, 11:12 AM

https://thirdgenauto.com/product/192...-worn-threads/

Note that it says not to use it on stripped threads.

petehoovie · 11-10-2023, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

https://thirdgenauto.com/product/192...-worn-threads/

Note that it says not to use it on stripped threads.

Description

This is a NEW special nut designed for 1928-48 Fords with worn rear axle threads. Replacement axles are hard to find and very expensive not to mention the extensive labor to replace one. Many times axles have to be replaced due to worn threads on the hub end. This nut is a standard 5/8-18 internal threads but has special tapered outer thread. when the clamping nut is tightened to the main nut it closes the threads allowing it to “grab” onto your worn threads. We recomend use of Loc-Tite on the clamping outer nut. PLEASE NOTE this is not meant for stripped out threads, or threads that are completely stripped off.

mcflash · 11-13-2023, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Description

This is a NEW special nut designed for 1928-48 Fords with worn rear axle threads. Replacement axles are hard to find and very expensive not to mention the extensive labor to replace one. Many times axles have to be replaced due to worn threads on the hub end. This nut is a standard 5/8-18 internal threads but has special tapered outer thread. when the clamping nut is tightened to the main nut it closes the threads allowing it to “grab” onto your worn threads. We recomend use of Loc-Tite on the clamping outer nut. PLEASE NOTE this is not meant for stripped out threads, or threads that are completely stripped off.

If it was mine, I'd at least try this solution. Your axle threads don't look "stripped" so much as worn.

GB SISSON · 11-13-2023, 11:02 PM

Just a note on the safety issue that has been brought up today and the real possibility of your being seriously injured or killed if you should lose a tire/wheel/drum at speed. Four years ago this month I was heading back to the island on a divided state road, grass median with heavy traffic at dusk, both sides traveling at 55-60. I was driving my '92 F350 with a full legal load of 12' timbers. With no warning, both left side duals left the truck and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. I could only concentrate on keeping control of the truck and had no idea where the 75 lb wheels ended up. My brake drum exploded on the pavement and the groove from the axle flange remains today. I ended up in the median and could see a car with it's flashers on 1/8 mile or so behind me on other side. Took 20 minutes for state trooper to arrive. There were other cars stopped back there now with their flashers on too. I had NO idea what was going on over there. It seemed like an eternity. All I could think about was the weight and the 100 mph+ impact and what was the nature of the commotion over there? I was finally told that the wheel (wheels?) had taken out the front fender, bumper and headlamps of a young woman heading home from work. She was quite shaken up, but not injured. My insurance covered, the trooper commended me on my using 5 straps on the load, no ticket. Tires had been mounted by a large West coast chain six months prior. Yes, this may be off topic, but we need to think about the other guy, or family or whoever ends up with our wheel if it parts ways with our vehicle. Rest assured the replacement wheels are double nutted and have paint pen marks at the tops.

Kube · 11-10-2023, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Henry

Yesterday, for some unknown reason, my right rear wheel decided to go a different direction than the rest of the car and took its own coarse off the car, off the road, across the weeds, and into the fence. It looks like the threads on the axle just stripped and let loose of the nut. (See picture of threads) The threads on the nut are fine. I really REALLY don't want to replace that axle and wonder if there is any way to salvage those axle threads without removing the axle from the car. For instance, can I use a die to recut the threads a little bit deeper, i.e. for a slightly smaller nut and then use a new slightly smaller nut on it? Any ideas to salvage the threads without removing the axle from the car?

Henry, Just so I am clear...
*The wheel went "south" but the drum stayed in place. Correct?
*Was the nut held from spinning with a cotter pin?
*You'd had one axle replaced a while back. Was this the side? Did you do the replacement?
*That axle is JUNK.

Old Henry · 11-10-2023, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kube

Henry, Just so I am clear...
*The wheel went "south" but the drum stayed in place. Correct?
*Was the nut held from spinning with a cotter pin?
*You'd had one axle replaced a while back. Was this the side? Did you do the replacement?
*That axle is JUNK.

The tire, rim, and brake drum all took the hike.
The nut, washer and cotter pin were loose in the hub cap. Cotter pin was in pieces.
Fortunately, this was not the left side axle I replaced a few months ago. I did that replacement. It was a horrible task. That's why I really REALLY didn't want to do it again.

Kube · 11-10-2023, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Henry

The tire, rim, and brake drum all took the hike.
The nut, washer and cotter pin were loose in the hub cap. Cotter pin was in pieces.
Fortunately, this was not the left side axle I replaced a few months ago. I did that replacement. It was a horrible task. That's why I really REALLY didn't want to do it again.

Thanks for clearing this up.
Please be certain to torque that nut down to 200 ft/lbs.

bo8109b · 11-10-2023, 05:41 PM

Have a good right axel out of a '48 if you want it. Carl

Bored&Stroked · 11-10-2023, 12:00 PM

Those axle nuts are torqued to over 200 ft/lbs . . . I can see no viable way to repair the threads. I pondered welding up the axle threads on one of mine and decided against it (due to the fact that that level of torque is needed to create that tight taper fit).

Also, any welding procedure will influence whatever level of heat treating was done to the axle - so again, I would not risk it.

I'd be looking for a new axle if it were mine.

11-10-2023, 12:23 AM	#2
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,832	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan I tore down a banjo axle that had a 9/16-18 nut on one side. How long it worked liked that is lost to history. If you decide to try something that; I would probably lap the axle taper so it was a really good fit too.

11-10-2023, 12:02 PM	#4
34fordy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Fort dodge, Iowa Posts: 834	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan [QUOTE=rich b;2268689]I tore down a banjo axle that had a 9/16-18 nut on one side. IMHO there is NO way a 9/16-18 nut would withstand the torque required to fit the hub properly.

11-10-2023, 01:14 AM	#7
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,659	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan The drum comes off, the key comes out, both are cleaned and deburred, then reassembled with lapping compound, no key, and the nut just barely snug to allow turning by hand to do the lapping. Remove, clean again to check progress. Importantly though, before you waste your time on a project with no future, determine the quality of the rethreading, and inspect closely for a crack at the inside end of the keyway. Find that crack and get rid of that piece of junk. __________________ Alan

11-10-2023, 08:28 AM	#8
oldbugger Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Holland Mi Posts: 644	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan For safety, with all the miles you put on that car i would replace the axle. MHO

11-10-2023, 10:52 AM	#9
johndee138 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 505	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan They make an axle thread chaser Some on ebay I have one that I have used in the past

11-10-2023, 11:03 AM	#10
kartrae7 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: maryland Posts: 24	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan Third Gen has a axle thread clamping nut. Not sure it is will work and have no clue how to get picture here.

11-10-2023, 11:11 AM	#11
Andy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kerrville, Tx Posts: 2,772	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan A thread chaser just removes small rough spots. Your axle is stripped. A chaser will not fix that. The axle must come out for replacement or repair. I strongly suggest replacement. There is high stress on those threads. I was doing a lot of perch repairs at one time. I had fixtures and would weld up the threads, machine to diameter, and rethread. They are much more lightly loaded.

11-10-2023, 11:12 AM	#12
mhsprecher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 2,818	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan https://thirdgenauto.com/product/192...-worn-threads/ Note that it says not to use it on stripped threads. __________________ 1924 Model T Coupe 1928 Model A Roadster 1930 Model A Town Sedan 1939 Deluxe Fordor 1945 pickup 1951 Custom convertible Last edited by mhsprecher; 11-10-2023 at 11:25 AM. Reason: Add sentence.

11-13-2023, 11:02 PM	#15
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 5,002	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan Just a note on the safety issue that has been brought up today and the real possibility of your being seriously injured or killed if you should lose a tire/wheel/drum at speed. Four years ago this month I was heading back to the island on a divided state road, grass median with heavy traffic at dusk, both sides traveling at 55-60. I was driving my '92 F350 with a full legal load of 12' timbers. With no warning, both left side duals left the truck and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. I could only concentrate on keeping control of the truck and had no idea where the 75 lb wheels ended up. My brake drum exploded on the pavement and the groove from the axle flange remains today. I ended up in the median and could see a car with it's flashers on 1/8 mile or so behind me on other side. Took 20 minutes for state trooper to arrive. There were other cars stopped back there now with their flashers on too. I had NO idea what was going on over there. It seemed like an eternity. All I could think about was the weight and the 100 mph+ impact and what was the nature of the commotion over there? I was finally told that the wheel (wheels?) had taken out the front fender, bumper and headlamps of a young woman heading home from work. She was quite shaken up, but not injured. My insurance covered, the trooper commended me on my using 5 straps on the load, no ticket. Tires had been mounted by a large West coast chain six months prior. Yes, this may be off topic, but we need to think about the other guy, or family or whoever ends up with our wheel if it parts ways with our vehicle. Rest assured the replacement wheels are double nutted and have paint pen marks at the tops. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

11-10-2023, 05:41 PM	#19
bo8109b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Glarus, WI Posts: 142	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan Have a good right axel out of a '48 if you want it. Carl

11-10-2023, 12:00 PM	#20
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,102	Re: Can I salvage these axle threads on 47 sedan Those axle nuts are torqued to over 200 ft/lbs . . . I can see no viable way to repair the threads. I pondered welding up the axle threads on one of mine and decided against it (due to the fact that that level of torque is needed to create that tight taper fit). Also, any welding procedure will influence whatever level of heat treating was done to the axle - so again, I would not risk it. I'd be looking for a new axle if it were mine.