RichardP
06-10-2006, 10:54 PM
Here is an ineresting failure mode for an axle that I found while rebuilding my traction-slop today. I'm not sure how I even noticed it since it's mostly hidden under the ABS exciter ring (removed for the picture).
A closer examination shows that the crack is a full 360 degrees around the axle and extends all the way through to the front face. The axle flange has actually rotated a small amount and is apparently fully separated from the axle shaft.
I have no idea how long this failure has been working or how long before complete failure would have happened. My guess is that catistropic failure wasn't too far away and I (or Chris) dodged a big bullet. The other axle, with the same amount of time on it, shows no sign of any issue.
Just something for people to keep in mind when they are inspecting their cars.
Richard Pedersen
#91 LX 5.0
A closer examination shows that the crack is a full 360 degrees around the axle and extends all the way through to the front face. The axle flange has actually rotated a small amount and is apparently fully separated from the axle shaft.
I have no idea how long this failure has been working or how long before complete failure would have happened. My guess is that catistropic failure wasn't too far away and I (or Chris) dodged a big bullet. The other axle, with the same amount of time on it, shows no sign of any issue.
Just something for people to keep in mind when they are inspecting their cars.
Richard Pedersen
#91 LX 5.0