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Triumph TR6 - Rear stub axel

Can anyone tell me why the stub axel would break off where the threads start on the axel as you are driving down the road? Wheel bearing is o.k. as are the universal joints. Looks as if it just sheared off not twisted.
Les McGaw

Is that the trailing arm studs?
DON KELLY

Hi Don; No it is the end of the drive axel about 3/4 in. across with the cassel nut on it.
Les McGaw

Hi Les
Not sure what you are talking about either. Is it TRF PLATE D29??
If so then that must have been nice ride as it went south. Now that one looks at it, it could be considered a weak point. Maybe just age.

Rick
Rick Crawford

Yea Les. Show us the part on the TRF diagram.
DON KELLY

Hi Rick
Went to the old threads on this site and found some infro about the stub axel assembly. I don't think this is something I can do myself so am getting a rebuilt one and replaceing it.
Yes it was a good ride but as luck would have it the rear quarter panel did not get to messed up when the wheel fell off. was on my way to the car show in Linsey( Brits in the park)3 hr wait for the wrecker on side of road 48 then 3 hr tow home.
I guess its just the stress on the axel and the many good long drives I have taken that wore the thing out.
Les.
Les McGaw

Still want to see what part you are describing.
DON KELLY

THE REAR OUTER AXLE BROKE (shouting) and is the stuff nightmares are made of. This problem seems to be occurring more frequently as our cars become senior citizens and first surfaced when used in racing. Kastner mentioned it in his comp. prep manual and used modified Corvair hub assemblys.
Les-I am glad you weren't injured or the car suffered more damage than it. I would suggest that you check out Goodparts website. He produces a much stronger replacement. Not cheap at about $400 per side, but worth it for peace of mind.
Berry Price
BTP Price

Rod's got em on his ride.
DON KELLY

Hi Don;
Don't know how to find the TRF diagram but if you remove the rear wheel its the large cassel nut you see in the middle of the brake drum that holds the wheel flange on.It in turn is on the end of the axel which sheared off and let the rear wheel move out and off along with the brake drum and wheel flange.

Les
Les McGaw

Which part?


DON KELLY

There is a picture of a broken axle on page 30 of Roger Williams "How to Improve the TR6".
Don-It is DB9,Plate DB
Next winter I will spring for the Good Parts hub assemblies.
Berry

BTP Price

Hi Don;
Top of drawing the part( not numbered) with the universal joint in it and key #17 above it the threaded end of it snapped off.
I have been informed that the assembly of this should be left to someone with the proper tools and knowledge as there are critical tolerances between bearings and if these are out the end of the axle will break off. That said my TR has had only two owners since new and neither one of us has had the rear assemblies apart. I believe that normal wear and tear after 34 years is probably why it broke. After that ride you can be assured that both will be replaced on my TR6.

Les
Les McGaw

Les-Without beating the subject to death, I would think twice about replacing a broken axle with another one that could be about to break. The problem seems to stem from a bad design (the use of fine threads in the aluminum trailing arm studs also comes to mind) coupled with age. The enormous amout of pressure needed to separate the hub from the axle doesn't help either. Replacing the broken axle with another one of the same age may produce a repeat performance. The price of a new axle with bearings and labor will probably exceed the cost of the up rated hub assemblies and the design flaw is still there.
Having said all that, I have rebuilt several sets of hubs and haven't had a failure, but will never do it again because of what could happen. I would certainly worry about the liability if it was part of my business.
Stepping down from the soap box.
Berry Price
BTP Price

Berry; Goodparts has my order, works out to about 416 dollars(Canadian)plus shipping per side. Will let everyone on the forum know how they work after I receive them and get them installed.
Les
Les McGaw

Les-I am sure you made the right choice. I have yet to hear anything negative about his work. As long as you are in the area, might as well check the trailing arm studs holes for stripped threads.
Berry
BTP Price

Berry; Have checked the ones on the drivers side and had two stripped ones have repaired them with heilo coils.The remaining four seemed to be fine will check the other side on the weekend.Have also checked and will replace the trailing arm bushings as well.
Les
Les McGaw

Les-Sounds like your car has experienced all the usual problems. I got bored and helicoiled all of them with coarse threads. You have probably repaired some cracked diff mounts too.
Berry
BTP Price

Berry- Haven't experienced the cracked diff mounts yet (soon probably) I have replaced all u-joints,seals on tranny and diff,clutch and related components,plus brake master and all related parts plus numerous other bits and pieces. Have had the TR6 for ten years.
Even with all the repair which I consider is part of the hobby I would not trade a single experience for anything. I have met many friends along the way!
Les.
Les McGaw

Les- There is a kit available to upgrade the studs in the TA with better.
DON KELLY

The TR6 is back on the road!!! Broke down and helicoiled all the trailing arm studs replaced the studs with new ones( stainless steel) courtesy of a machine shop friend. The car seems to be a lot smoother than it was. Installation went quite well, not even a skinned knuckle! Did'nt change the TA bushings but will this winter.
Les
Les McGaw

This thread was discussed between 20/07/2009 and 28/07/2009

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