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MG TD TF 1500 - TC axle shafts

Do TC axle shafts ever break? I'm thinking of making up some improved, tapered TC axles, but don't want to do it if there is no market for them.

Thanks very much.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Hi Tom, I think we got a high strength version of the original splined type for a friend's TC a while ago from FTFU/Doug. Pretty sure he has tapered ones and matching hubs too. The one we replaced had worked loose from the hub ruining both. No clue how common this is however. George
George Butz III

Tom,
The TC axle shaft does not snap like the TD/TF shaft, but they do fail. The splines sheer off, usually in the left side first. The outer splines also work loose in the hub. It is a press fit, but they work loose to the point where they slide off easily, and "clunk" when the clutch is engaged. I have welded the axle to the hub to prevent this, as well as preventing oil from leaking out.
Be well,
David
D. Sander

Yes, they break often actually. Often enough that it's common practice to bring a spare axle on long tours. But improved versions are already available from Grunau, Taras (I think) and Furneaux. They are tapered axles made from modern materials and are substantially stronger than original. Not unbreakable, but almost. Strong enough that no one running them carries spares anymore. I'm not sure whose axles FTFU is selling. I know he was selling Furneaux's seal kits so maybe also his axles.
Steve Simmons

I’ve put Bob Grunau’s tapered axles in both of my TC’s...excellent!
Gene Gillam

About 15 years ago when I owned a TD I up rated the rear axle ratio and recall finding that many BMC cars from the 40s and 50s had similar rear ends. I was also told that Hindustan in India made BMC cars under licence and were still producing these after the year 2000. Is it possible new old stock half shafts and other items are still available in India? Are there and readers in India that can help.

Jan T
J Targosz

I suspect that is where some of the crown wheel and pinion sets come from, but not the half shafts.
Dave H
Dave Hill

The Hindustan Ambassador/Landmaster ( Morris Oxford Series 111) used Austin B series engine and gearbox and Austin Banjo axle, so no use to us.
They never made the earlier MO series with MOWOG parts.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Maybe the same outfit that made those Ambassador parts though?
Dave H
Dave Hill

Hi guys,

TC rear axle shafts do have a bit of a reputation for weakness. The six spline design is probably one of the problems. Fine splines would resist breakage better. Modifications such as tapered outers (in hub) and using modern hi-tech steel are good remedies. However there is something else which I believe helps.

I always grind the ends of the sunwheel splines(in the diff) so they curve outwards like bell-bottom trousers. Very slight curve at first ... then increasing. This prevents the end of the sunwheel splines cutting into the axle and starting a "stress-point". Have you noticed that when you look at used axles, they always have that nitch on each spline ... especially on the drive side. You can see exactly where the spline contact ends. Grinding the sunwheel splines should help prevent this stress point from forming. I only grind about the last 5 mm and only take off about 1mm thickness at the spline end.

Bob Schapel

R L Schapel

This thread was discussed between 01/02/2018 and 05/02/2018

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