TR2/3/3A Lockheed axle questions

[raskas]

Hey guys

I've started tearing down my diff and have a few questions. Firstly is it usual to have sealed bearings on the axles ?..seems strange considering there is a grease fitting there. Secondly was it factory practice to have grinding marks at the inboard area of the axle where the radius begins to reduce (see pic) both axles have these marks and i can see evidence of previous grinding in the same spot. I would have expected to see more damage along the axle had it broken in service, however both look fine apart form the grinding marks.
Any input greatly appreciated

Cam

 

[mgedit]

Only a guess, but could the grinding be to remove material to somehow balance the axles? Cheers, Mike

 

[CJD]

I have looked over 5 Lockheeds...from 2 diffs + one I got off Ebay as a spare. None have grind marks like that. I hate to even speculate what they are all about.

 

[TFB]

I have looked over 5 Lockheeds...from 2 diffs + one I got off Ebay as a spare. None have grind marks like that. I hate to even speculate what they are all about.

It looks like a weld repair of a broken axle.
Tom

 

[DavidApp]

I wrung the half shaft off on my 1955 TR2 back in 1967. It broke a bit closer to the spline.

That weld looks a bit suspicious. Do you know the history of the car? If it is a weld it may not be a problem unless you do what I did and try to burn rubber.

David

 

[martx-5]

... it may not be a problem unless you do what I did and try to burn rubber.

Yeah, we like to burn rubber...time for a Girling replacement! :highly_amused:

 

[raskas]

Thanks for the replies everyone... looks like another cost i hadn't anticipated. Any opinions on the sealed bearings i also found? im hoping that points to a rebuild diff... fingers crossed. A Girling replacement would be great if i could find one, considering im still down a backing plate for the brakes anyway.

Cam

 

[CJD]

Well, it is obvious that it has been rebuilt. But it is also obvious it was not done well. Sealed bearings are not the correct type bearing, and grinding an already known weak axle are not recommended rebuild procedures.

 

[raskas]

Well, it is obvious that it has been rebuilt. But it is also obvious it was not done well. Sealed bearings are not the correct type bearing, and grinding an already known weak axle are not recommended rebuild procedures.

Good point John,the search for a girling begins.

Cam