| bills39 | -- 06-01-2012 @ 9:51 AM |
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I'm new and have a question on axle keys. Can there be .010 between axle keyway and key?
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| supereal | -- 06-01-2012 @ 10:07 AM |
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The rear axle keys must fit tightly, with no evident play. If the keyway appears undamaged, try a new key. Any play will likely result in a broken axle. Look for any signs of cracking at the corners of inner end of the keyway. If you find any, the axle must be replaced. Most keyway damage results from a loose hub. The usual "fix" was to hammer the edges of the keyway back into place. This was temporary, at best.
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| bills39 | -- 06-01-2012 @ 10:26 AM |
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Thanks for the info I will check for cracks. does anyone sell good quality keys?
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| 40 Coupe | -- 06-02-2012 @ 5:00 AM |
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Bill: The key is common standard steel stock and can be purchased through a machine shop supply. Ask for "1/4" square stock" and you can buy a piece about a foot long, cut and grind and your in business. Do not buy "Key stock" it is about 0.003" oversize.
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| deuce_roadster | -- 06-02-2012 @ 7:33 AM |
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Bill, being new you might not know that the axle really drives the hub due to the taper where the key is located, not simply due to the key. This is why Super correctly said most loose keys and cracked axles happen because of loose hubs. Some people use valve lapping compound to fit the hub to the axle as best they can (with the key out of course). Make sure the tapered area is free from oil and grease when you put the hub on. Many tighten the nut, drive around the block and tighten it again a couple of times as the hub moves onto the taper before putting the cotter pin in. Torque is very high on the nut.
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| supereal | -- 06-02-2012 @ 10:41 AM |
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Good quality keys, properly sized, and with the champfer already done are available for about a couple of bucks apiece from vendors such as C&G (800/266-0470) as B-4243. Raw key stock comes in a variety of sizes and tempers. At our machine shop, we can make them, but it is simpler to keep ready made keys on hand. For those who forget, the champfer end goes in facing up toward the backing plate. As said above, be sure the axle taper and the hub is absolutely clean before installing. We give them a shot of carb cleaner, just to be sure. If the axle end is scarred, or undersize, there are tapered shims available as A-4235.
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