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MG MGB Technical - Quick check before I fit axle

I'm just fitting an ebay axle that was supposedly fully reconditioned shortly before the car was scrapped, then dry stored.

There is little or no play in it but (as a result?) it takes considerably more effort to turn than my old axle, whether turning at the hubs or pinion. There is no binding or roughness, just the feeling that this one has thick treacle in it compared to the other. I've just taken the cover off and at first glance it all looks fine, but am looking for a little reassurance before I go back out into the cold and bolt it to the car. I only want to be doing this job the once!

Thanks and a happy New Year.
SteveP

Do you have any history on who reconditioned the axle? It should rotate freely. If not, the clearances might have been set too close and will lead to premature wear. RAY
rjm RAY

I've taken the axle at face value, but it's ebay, so it could be off an alien spaceship!

Apart from the apparent heaviness, it matches the description; it has a decent splattering of road grime but the nuts for the rebound straps undid without a fight, there is sealant visible around the hub bearing plates, and now the cover is off the thrust washers are all there and look respectably chunky.

SteveP

Steve not far from you in Marlow is a guy who knows b/axles -want some info
Andy
ap lestocq

I have reconditioned rear axles and yes, if the axle is set up with the correct bearing preloads, it can be resistant to turning by hand. I'm assuming you are turning an axle shaft or pinion flange, either of which affords scant leverage. The stiffness will soon change with normal use, and a few thousand miles down the road it will turn easily by hand. -G.
Glenn G

Thanks Glenn, that's the reassurance I was hoping for. I'm off to chip the ice from my tools right now.

Andy, I'd be glad to have the details of the guy in Marlow.

Steve
SteveP

This thread was discussed between 02/01/2010 and 03/01/2010

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