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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Axle Shaft Key

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Discussion Topic: Axle Shaft Key -- page: 1 2

thirtysixford

04-08-2011 @ 12:34 PM

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In preparation to replace my rear axle shafts, I purchased new hardware from one of the big online parts houses.

I bought new castle nuts & cotter pins, washers, hub gaskets, snap rings, seals and new axle keys.

When I inspected these items I noticed the keys are not straight.

Is this an issue?

ford38v8

04-08-2011 @ 1:17 PM

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36, your keys look to be pretty crudely made. I'd wonder if they are made in the USA, and if they fit properly. To lose an axle because of a stupid shaft key would be unfortunate. On the subject, inspect your axle at the terminus of the slot for possible cracks. Axle failures happen here more often than not, and are invariably caused by a sloppy key which in turn may have been caused by a loose drum. No lubrication on the taper and a re-tightening after a short drive are both essential to help prevent axle failure.

Alan

supereal

04-08-2011 @ 1:28 PM

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Are you referring to the flat on one end of the key? That is normal, and goes toward the backing plate end of the keyway with the flat facing up. In addition to Alan's advice, carefully check the keyway in the axle. It should be straight on both sides. A loose key could have swedged the keyway. If so, and not excessive, hold a big hammer under the end of th axle, and with another hammer, carefully pound along the keyway to force it back into alignment. If you see any cracking, particularly at the rear corners of the keyway, the axle will have to be replaced, as that is where they usually break.

thirtysixford

04-08-2011 @ 2:15 PM

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Thanks Alan and Super

Alan, you hit it on the head, I thought they looked cheap.

Super, they are not straight along the length.

I don't want to bad mouth a vendor who usually provides good quality products, so where can I get a USA key?

McMaster Carr ??

Stroker

04-08-2011 @ 3:20 PM

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36: I think McMaster Carr should have some decent key stock. The last time I replaced my axle keys I just purchased about a foot of keys stock and cut and ground to length, with the proper taper
at the inboard end. The pictured keys have a decidedly "third-world" appearance, and I wouldn't
trust them.

thirtysixford

04-08-2011 @ 4:40 PM

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Super

Where do you buy your axle keys?

thirtysixford

04-08-2011 @ 6:34 PM

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C&G

supereal

04-08-2011 @ 8:11 PM

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Likewise, most of ours come from C&G. If we run out, we make then from good quality key stock which is readily available. They aren't expensive to buy, and we buy several at a time. The producers of foreign parts seem to be strangers to hardness on lots of parts.

40 Coupe

04-10-2011 @ 5:09 AM

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if you have a store in the area that supplies tools to machine shops you can buy there. Do not ask for "key stock", you want 1/4" square stock, key stock is about 0.003" above 0.250"

37RAGTOPMAN

04-10-2011 @ 6:25 AM

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hi
you should be able to buy 1/4 inch stock from any good hardware store.you will have to cut to length and file down the taper, duplicate like the one you took out,
also should not be really hard tempered,like machine tool stock...!! you want them to go before the axle does, acts like a shear pin,
my 3 cents worth, 37 RAGTOPMAN
I never broke one, but have seen some with issues,

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