TR2/3/3A TR2 Axle/wheel bearing removal

[ccgunn]

As I said in my "new member" introduction, I have owned my 1954 TR2 longdoor since about 1985. I did a restoration (not frame off) about 2002 - 2007. After my last ride (2011), the left rear wheel began leaking badly. I replaced the oil seals in both wheels. Then, of course, they both started leaking. So, the car sat while I dealt with some health issues. I am now back at it.

I initially had some issues getting the rear brake drums removed, but they were resolved after liberal use of penetrating oil. I have now removed everything down to the axles and wheel bearings. I am trying to remove the axle shafts, as per the Service Instruction Manual for the TR2. (3d Edition, 6th printing). I am also using the Haynes book for Triumphs. I have the earlier style of TR2 axle. One interesting item to note: when removing the nut and washer on the left side, I found 3 shims behind the washer. They were made from a Budweiser can, so I know that they are not original.

Not sure why, but I will probably put them back. The left side is not the side that was originally leaking, but it is the side where the axle itself moves in and out.

I dismantled the brakes, took out the 4 bolts holding the hub to the axle casing, and expected to be able to just pull the axle shaft out, as the manual says. But nothing budged. I then pounded a thin paint scraper between the hub and axle casing. That was the only place that I could see where it could come apart. It did, and I removed the hub, but no axle shaft. The oil seal came out with the hub, but the wheel bearings are still attached somehow. The left axle shaft does spin, and does push in and pull out about 1/4 inch, or less. The right axle shaft spins, but does not move in or out. It appears that the left axle is different from the right axle. There are some cross markings on the right axle. Not sure why. Maybe it was replaced by the PO? I thought the the bearing and seal and hub needed to be pressed onto the axle shaft.

I don't remember the specifics of replacing the oil seals previously. Evidently, I ran into the same problem before, so I just installed the oil seals, and then reassembled.

In looking at the oil seals I just removed, it looks like part of them have never seen any oil. They are completely dry. Yes, I have kept the rear end full, and have greased the grease fitting. Also, it does appear that the wheel bearings have been replaced before (not by me), as they are marked "made in the USA" The reason I wanted to take the axle shaft out is twofold: 1) I like to follow instructions, and that's what the manual said, and 2) I wanted to look at the wheel bearings. I know that the right wheel bearing will have to be replaced. Even though I can't seem to remove it from the axle casing, I can tell that it is buggered - probably by the person installing it.

So, what am I doing wrong? Why doesn't the axle shaft just slide out, as the manual says? What am I missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have taken some pictures, and have uploaded them to my Flickr site, in an album labeled "TR2". They are at the end of the album. I also included pictures of the rear axle drawings and instructions from the manual, plus "Service Diagnosis" (Troubleshooting). The breather is, and has been, clean.

The link is: > TR2 <

I tried to take pictures of everything, including the left axle shaft "pulled out" and "pushed in". There's also pictures of the Bud shims.

Thanks again, David

 

[CJD]

Well, the first thing I notice is that you have sealed bearings. That is not normal and explains why the seals are dry. The axles will come out with the bearing, but you may have to reinstall the hub and nut loosely so you can use a puller. It should pull out easily.

 

[DavidApp]

Have you looked inside the differential to see if the PO did something in there that is holding the axle in place?

It looks like it should just pull out.

David