Axle installation problems

JFromm

I removed axles on my 53 hornet to replace the inner seals. The axle went back in ok,but the bearing race will not.The hornet from hell strikes again. Any tricks or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Videoman

Frankvintagefullflowcom

Elaborate on "......race will not". If it was in there once, it will go back in unless something has changed while your back was turned. I believe it's a snug fit but not a press fit so it should go if you are keeping it straight. Don't get a bigger hammer and don't "pull it up with the bolts" as some may say. Figure out where the hang-up is.
F

JFromm

Thanks for the info. I was about to use the bolts. You saved me a lot of potential grief. one more question I hope you can help me with. When I get the race back in, do I stop when it is flush with the end of the axle housing or do I keep hitting until it stops.This is the first time I have done this, so I really appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Videoman

RL Chilton

John-

There should be a lip where the race will rest up against when it is all the way in. Keep tapping it in until it stops. Also, don't tap one side and then tap the other. Best to set it in all at the same time, if possible.

Frank's right. If it was in there before, it will go back providing it's the correct race and nothing has changed.

SuperDave

Perhaps the splines are not aligned in the differential. Try rotating the axle with the transmission in reverse If it's a HydraMatic or in any gear if it's a standard.

JFromm

Thanks. I will give them a try..

Frankvintagefullflowcom

Insert it as far as it will go because that's where it runs when finished but realize that the bearing clearance is established by the shims behind the bearing retainer. The cup must protrude to some degree in order for the retainer to maintain contact with the cup, which is to say that you really can't just push it in too far.
Gently tapping one in is not a bad thing, but I just don't suggest it because one man's "tap" may be another's "whack". Recall the rule, "if it doesn't go easy...... force it. If it breaks, then it needed to be replaced anyway".
F

Geoff

Or "if at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer"

Lee ODell

May just need a little fine touch up with a half round fine file to clean up any burs around the edge. Shouldn't need to if it came out easily.
Lee O'Dell

SuperDave

The BFH always works.. LOL

J Spencer

I saw John this morning at our meet and he had the axle with him and the one problem is that the bearing is loose on the axle. I inspected the axle and could not see or feel any visable wear on it.  Suggested he get a new bearing and see if that was OK, if not he may need another axle or also suggested he could try Locktight bearing  retainer compound.  I  said I will come over and give him a hand if he needs it as I have already helped him with other issues.  He said he has the other axle back in already...

Jim Spencer

WNY Chapter

Glowplug

...I  said I will come over and give him a hand if he needs it as I have already helped him with other issues...

Jim Spencer

WNY Chapter

Jim:  Thank you for supporting your fellow Hudson owner.  Hudson folk helping others maintain their cars is what the original foundation of the club is all about.  Tip of my hat to you!

J Spencer

So, the bearing will not press on to the axle ? In other words it just drops on to the shoulder? Do you have calipers? Measure the OD of the shaft, it should be 1.750".

Ken, the bearing just falls on the axle, but as stated I could not see or feel a wear pattern on the axle like the bearing had been spinning on the axle. Yes, I should take my caliper over and measure the shaft and the I.D. of the bearing.

Jim Spencer

J Spencer

...I  said I will come over and give him a hand if he needs it as I have already helped him with other issues...

Jim Spencer

WNY Chapter

Jim:  Thank you for supporting your fellow Hudson owner.  Hudson folk helping others maintain their cars is what the original foundation of the club is all about.  Tip of my hat to you!

OldFarmer, Thanks for your comment, I help John when he needs it. We have become good friends over the years.  We take 'road trips' together to search parts or a car at times etc.    Auto repair was my profession.

JFromm

Jim,
Give me a call and bring over those calipers, or I will bring the parts to you.
Thanks to all of you for the help.
Videoman

Glowplug

John/Jim  If you do not already have it, a cheap,quick and accurate digital caliper is available at Harbor Freight. I bought mine for less than $10 and it has been a great aid to me in maintaining my Hudson(s)

J Spencer

Old Farmer, yes I do have a digital caliper ( actually from Habor Freight)  Thanks for your input.   By the way I see that you live in/around Jefferson, NY,  I was born and raised in Oneonta NY 'just up the road apiece', 40 miles?.  I ended up in Rochester NY after I got out of the Air Force in 1964.

Jim Spencer

kamzack

I don't know if the 53's used Dana or Spicer, but having worked Danas, there is a little button (can't remember what it's called) inside that goes in front of the axel. If that has fallen out, axel will not go in. It's kinda tricky to get it back in but can easily be done. Shine a light in the tube and see if that's what has happened. May not be the case, but just trying help.
Kim

Kdancy

More Dana 44 info-
http://www.raylinrestoration.com/TechnicalPages/RearAxle/RearAxle.htm