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Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 21 Jul 2013, 21:35
by andydormer
Hi, Changing the bearings on my van after the garage reused the old bearings and hubnut in new discs - they made a grinding noise when spinning the wheel. It's my first time of doing this and noticed that some of the threads looked rounded on the stub axle / steering knuckle (see pic). Is this normal?

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Haven't checked the other side or started the rebuild as can't get the old inner wheel bearing (looks shafted, dunno why they reused) out of the new disc.

Advice appreciated.

Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 21 Jul 2013, 21:46
by Oldiebut goodie
There aren't any threads there to start with!

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Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 21 Jul 2013, 23:33
by California Dreamin
Bearing kits are readily available from Brickwerks (don't cut corners as these are one item where quality really matters)
Bearings changed on a chassis number in mid September 1983, if your vehicle is around this age (1984 model year) please check your VIN number and select the correct bearings for your van.

Early = up to chassis number 24E 023 827
Late = from chassis number 24E 023 828

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/c ... .x=7&.y=17" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Stub axles do have a lead where there are no threads.... :ok oldie but goodie knows his onions.

Whatever you do, don't load the bearings (ie do not tighten the nut onto the bearings with force) refer to the Haynes for correct adjustment method.

Martin

Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 22 Jul 2013, 20:43
by andydormer
Thanks for the advice Oldie but Goodie, and California Dreamin - that's a relief.

Looking really closely at the Haynes manual pictures I can see the difference in thread, but can only see it now that I know what I'm looking at.

Would it be worth adding the pics to the wiki to avoid this panic to future newbies??

Cheers again.

Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 22 Jul 2013, 20:48
by Plasticman
this area also looks a bit iffy due to the peened nut dragging itself over the area in question
mm

Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 23 Jul 2013, 18:43
by California Dreamin
I'm not a big fan of these peened type nuts, it would have been much better if Volkswagen had used it's split nut/allen bolt or the popular
castle-ated nut and split pin design.

Martin

Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 26 Jul 2013, 20:11
by andydormer
Thanks again for reassuring me that the threads aren't rounded at the outer end of the stub axle.

I had to wait for payday before ordering new bearings, discs, pads, calipers and hoses from Brickwerks - on their way - Brickwerks kindly fitting the bearings to the discs for me.

I've cleaned the old grease off the stub axle, and see some of the threads at the inner end are slightly damaged. I think it's where the thrust washer sits so don't expect it to be a problem when refitting. If however the garage didn't home the bearings fully into the disc (is that possible) then that may have caused the thrust washer to sit further out, and may cause a problem when refitting - I purchased a new hub nut from GSF just to see if it is OK and the nut spins on with finger pressure then catches on the iffy threads. Will have to wait and see...

Image

If I did need to get my hands on a tap and die set to repair the threads does anyone know what size it'd be?

Re: Front stub axle question - normal?

Posted: 26 Jul 2013, 22:21
by Plasticman
nah its fine get a thread file,every tool box should have one
this sort of thing
http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Thre ... Files.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
mm