Next axle, hub, key question

[30ccpickup]

Thanks to everyone's help the hub came off. The key on the axel is another story. It does not want to budge.

1. Can I assume it is not a press fit and it should come off.

2. And/or can I leave it pressed in the slot on the axel and not worry about it or more then likely that’s part of the problem why the hub was stuck in the first place.

Any input helps. Thanks

Paul

[rockfla]

The key "should" be able to come out, with that said, IF you don't need to remove it then leave it as is unless it is damaged. The key shouldn't or doesn't have any effect on how hard the drum comes off, the "Tapered Press Fit" does, hence why the whole systems work like it does, why re-torquing correctly is important!!! AND having a proper puller is important and makes the job easier.

[tubman]

If it were mine, I'd do what I had to do within reason to remove the key, clean the axle up good, and give it a close inspection. Then use a new key on reassembly.

[ford38v8]

tubman's got it. The key must be removed to clean it right, which is to lap it to the drum. The inspection is three things: The smooth lapping, the condition of the threads for the nut, and to look for a crack at the inner corner of the keyway. If you find that crack, the axle will make a fine boat anchor.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 30ccpickup

Thanks to everyone's help the hub came off. The key on the axel is another story. It does not want to budge.

1. Can I assume it is not a press fit and it should come off.

2. And/or can I leave it pressed in the slot on the axel and not worry about it or more then likely that’s part of the problem why the hub was stuck in the first place.

Any input helps. Thanks

Paul

Paul ...... There is a reason that those axle keys won't come out. Didn't you mention something about your wheels wobbling until you bolted them to the front hubs? It is possible that your axle KEYS were (are) installed improperly. The TAPERED end of each key must be installed with the taper FACING DOWNWARD in the keyway, with the taper at the INBOARD end of the axle KEYWAY. If there is no taper at that inboard location, it is entirely possible that the hub's taper caught the sharp edge of the UNTAPERED end of the key. This quite possibly kept the hubs captured, forced the hubs to tilt ever so slightly (wheel wobble) and as that key was progressively wedged into that axle keyway, the keyway or the key itself became deformed. You need to get those keys out of those keyways to assess the damage, if any. That is the exact location where axle cracks tend to form.

Coop

.

[ford38v8]

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Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Paul ...... There is a reason that those axle keys won't come out. Didn't you mention something about your wheels wobbling until you bolted them to the front hubs? It is possible that your axle KEYS were (are) installed improperly. The TAPERED end of each key must be installed with the taper visible (facing upward) and the taper at the INBOARD end of the axle KEYWAY. If there is no taper at that inboard location, it is entirely possible that the hub's taper cought the sharp edge of the UNTAPERED end of the key. This quite possibly kept the hubs captured, forced the hubs to tillt ever so slightly (wheel wobble) and as that key was progressively wedged into that axle keyway, the keyway or the key itself became deformed. You need to get those keys out of those keyways to assess the damage, if any. That is the exact location where axle cracks tend to form.

Coop

.

Coop, I know you could do the job blindfolded, but your word description doesn't jibe. The angled (tapered) end of the key must be DOWN into the keyway, to match the inner slope of the keyway. ...That is, unless my senility is fooling with me again.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Coop, I know you could do the job blindfolded, but your word description doesn't jibe. The angled (tapered) end of the key must be DOWN into the keyway, to match the inner slope of the keyway. ...That is, unless my senility is fooling with me again.

Damn, Alan! I hate it when you're RIGHT!! I just completely blew it on that one. Picture below shows exactly what you speak of. Sorry everyone .... I'll go fix it so as not to confuse anyone else.

Coop

[30ccpickup]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Paul ...... There is a reason that those axle keys won't come out. Didn't you mention something about your wheels wobbling until you bolted them to the front hubs? It is possible that your axle KEYS were (are) installed improperly. The TAPERED end of each key must be installed with the taper visible (facing upward) and the taper at the INBOARD end of the axle KEYWAY. If there is no taper at that inboard location, it is entirely possible that the hub's taper cought the sharp edge of the UNTAPERED end of the key. This quite possibly kept the hubs captured, forced the hubs to tillt ever so slightly (wheel wobble) and as that key was progressively wedged into that axle keyway, the keyway or the key itself became deformed. You need to get those keys out of those keyways to assess the damage, if any. That is the exact location where axle cracks tend to form.

Coop

.

Fortunately, my wheels never had a wobble, but the key blank is squared with no taper. I have applied, light heat, penetrating oil, tapped on the end w/hammer and a scratch awl, I even used an 1/4" aluminum rod in an attempt to tap it up and out. I am attempting not to be over zealous. I am open for suggestions. Note: both side have the same problem.

[ford38v8]

Paul, forget the tap-tap. Take care to not be hitting on the axle itself, but don't be bashful with the BFH. A pointy tool under the key in the slot can help.