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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - EN17 Axel Broken

My right axel broke a few months ago and I replaced it with an EN17 axel. The on that broke was not an EN17. Anyway, the EN17 broke last Saturday. It broke from just starting, normally, from a stop sign. Any reason for the left axel to keep breaking? Both broke at the splines.
(non-mod '73)
Jon Saylor

This is a photo of the first axel that broke but it's identical to the one that just broke.


Jon Saylor

I've broken 2 axles, both left side, both not realy driving "spiritly"

I've heard it said that once used they become handed by the torque, and you shouln't mix left handed with right. Not sure I belive this but...

That said they are one of our midgets weak links

Phil "abidexterious'
Phil Burke

Just to make things a bit more clear from my first post ... it was the right axel.
The mixing "left with right" may very well be true as you never know what one you get when buying a used axel.
Jon Saylor

Bent axle tube?
Trevor Jessie

or the mating spline in your differential has a sharp burr that cuts into the axle (half shaft), right at that spot is where the loading is the greatest.

This is the idea behind "growlerized" half shafts (do a search here for that word and you'll see his posts of how to machine them to minimize the stress there).

make sure you clean your axle housing out real well after one of these breaks, so that no metal shards are left in there to lunch your differential next.



Norm
Norm Kerr

This thread was discussed on 22/06/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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