Axle problem discovery (any ideas)

bucky · Post by **bucky** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:07 pm

I pulled one of my rear axle shafts and bearings and got an ugly surprise. The shaft is rusted badly and the axle housing is rusted badly as well, rust flake grit everywhere. Doubtless the bearings have had this garbage run through them with the gear oil as well. When I get the axle out and stripped how can I clean the axle housing inside where the axle shafts ride?....... Just like cancer I need to get it all the first time or the problem will come back. Any ideas great thanks Bucky

tdavis · Post by **tdavis** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:27 pm

Bucky, I haven't run into that (yet, knock on wood), but if I did, I would take out all of the removable parts to get to a bare housing and take to a machine shop and have it hot tanked to clean it out.

bucky · Post by **bucky** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:36 pm

Troy, I like your blog, I wish my old M38 looked as good as your is turning out to be. Like yours my M38 is an old marine corps jeep. Everything in time..... Bucky

tdavis · Post by **tdavis** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:20 am

Thanks! I am learning as I go. My jeep was in pretty good shape - I drove it around town for a bit before I took it apart.

Looks like we are on similar paths, although you are a little ahead of me. I haven't gotten to the trans or x-fer yet. I am sure I will need help when I get there!

petesilfven · Post by **petesilfven** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:00 pm

Rust pits are excellent stress risers. Eventually they can develop into cracks and breakage of the axle.