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Old 06-17-2019, 05:37 AM   #1
Phil Gillespie
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Default 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

So today removed LH rear hub together with broken axle piece. Had broken just at the back area where keyway lies.
Want to do it in place without removing complete diff unit.
To release the spring at LH side to remove LH hub unit will a spring spreader be required? Can the LH side rear wishbone be released on this side only also?
LH backing plate off, RH side brake drum off, key removed then complete axle assembly will withdraw out through LH side.
Have I missed anything?
Thanks,
Phil NZ
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:02 AM   #2
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

Phil correct on everything but you will need spring spreader.
Good luck
Cheers
Tony
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Old 06-17-2019, 10:13 AM   #3
drolston
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

Or without a spring spreader. With the frame on jack stands and the axle hanging from the spring, put a floor jack under the spring perch (not touching the shackles) and raise it a little to take the pressure off of the shackles; like, with the bolts off you can wiggle them a little. Then knock the shackles off the pins and lower the jack with a jack stand under the banjo. The shackles can go back on the same way. Actually a cheap old screw jack works fine for this. That is all I had when I first started changing out broken axles.

Last edited by drolston; 06-17-2019 at 10:20 AM.
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Old 06-17-2019, 10:56 AM   #4
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

I believe the safest way would be with a quality spring spreader. Jacking on one side of the suspension while the car is supported on the frame sounds like a good way to have the car fall off the jack stands. Maybe that method could be used broken down 600 miles from any help in an emergency. my 2 cents.
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Old 06-17-2019, 01:28 PM   #5
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

Phil, Yes, there is no reason not to do the job that way, quick and easy. I've also done it with and without a spring spreader, preferably with, but not a big deal without. Drolston has the correct method without a spreader.

The end of the keyway is definitely the weak link. Inspect that area closely for cracks in the replacement axle. No way to determine 16 or 18 tooth axle until you get it out, so don't buy a single axle till you know which one you need.
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Old 06-17-2019, 01:35 PM   #6
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

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What was the torque on the axle nut? Not enough torque on the axle nut is the usual cause for this type of failure.

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Old 06-17-2019, 03:25 PM   #7
Phil Gillespie
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

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What was the torque on the axle nut? Not enough torque on the axle nut is the usual cause for this type of failure.

Charlie Stephens
The torque was tight at very close at 200ft/lbs. Was very careful with this.
But again what about previous 60 plus years.
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Old 06-17-2019, 03:29 PM   #8
Phil Gillespie
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

Appreciate all advice and assistance given. Could try with the porta- power to take load at LHS for spring shackle removal and leave RHS in place.
Will check axle before refitting provided it matches the one removed. Have a spare diff unit from 38 PU.
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Old 06-17-2019, 04:21 PM   #9
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

Portapower will work if there is no leakback. A good solid screw type spreader would be easier, due to precise adjustment capability. To be clear, spreader goes between both spring eyes, even though you don't intend to remove the RH shackle.
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Old 06-17-2019, 05:46 PM   #10
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

And if you aren't using a NEW axle, make sure the axle you are using came off the same side
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:04 PM   #11
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Talking Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

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and if you aren't using a new axle, make sure the axle you are using came off the same side

how come the smiley faces aren'r working? :d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:53 PM   #12
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

I use porta power with 2 chizel ends & a safety chain wrapped around it & spring at each end
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:54 PM   #13
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

Another thing to check on the replacement axle is the fit of the axle key. You want it a snug fit, no loose fit. I had an axle break on our model a about 40 years ago. I figured it was caused by a loose fitting key.
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Old 06-18-2019, 02:45 AM   #14
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

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And if you aren't using a NEW axle, make sure the axle you are using came off the same side
Whats the reason for this then. I'm keen to know.
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Old 06-18-2019, 03:56 AM   #15
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

If you replace a r/h axle with a used axle that came from the left side of another diff, then that axle has been continuously "torqued" in the opposite direction....and it might not like being 'torqued' in the other direction. It used to be a fairly common occurrence back in the day, that after having broken an axle....you would soon break another. Worth thinking about.
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Old 06-18-2019, 04:25 AM   #16
Phil Gillespie
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

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Originally Posted by fordscript View Post
If you replace a r/h axle with a used axle that came from the left side of another diff, then that axle has been continuously "torqued" in the opposite direction....and it might not like being 'torqued' in the other direction. It used to be a fairly common occurrence back in the day, that after having broken an axle....you would soon break another. Worth thinking about.
Yes it certainly makes very good sense for sure.
Will follow this advice.
This recent failure happened just north of Westport.
Lucky to have the AA+ for AA Service which took care of transport back over the hill!
Phil NZ
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Old 06-19-2019, 03:01 AM   #17
Phil Gillespie
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

To remove the inner axle taper bearing for refitting to replacement axle is this a simple task. Or any special tricks? Have the existing broken shaft assembly out for axle replacement LH side broken, RH side hub thread looks suspect so probably good idea to replace both. LH side gasket at bell housing was 0.004 so will replace with same thickness as this is an in place repair. just used a jack under LH side spring end to release shackles.
Phil NZ
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Old 06-19-2019, 07:32 AM   #18
richard crow
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

mike the axle housing race if worn the axle will fail in a lot less milege then the orgnal one
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Old 06-19-2019, 04:22 PM   #19
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

And if you end up changing the axle tube,make sure you measure from the gasket face down to the bottom of the carrier bearing recess to make sure they are the same,if not (mine were not) adjust the gasket shims accordingly.
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Old 06-19-2019, 07:08 PM   #20
Phil Gillespie
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Default Re: 39 Coupe Broken Axle Removal.

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And if you end up changing the axle tube,make sure you measure from the gasket face down to the bottom of the carrier bearing recess to make sure they are the same,if not (mine were not) adjust the gasket shims accordingly.
Lawrie
Will be using same tube so that should be ok.
These items are good to know about prior to refitting.
Axle carrier berarings look good so will reuse.
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