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How do I remove a rear axle in a bugeye sprite?

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Gerard said:
As far as street cars go, every one I have ever seen (and there have been many including on my first Bugeye within first 30 days of ownership when in high school), breaks at the diff...
Click to expand...

You realize, of course, that saying this guarantees that someone will jump up and say "but mine broke at the hub." So, I'll be that person. It does happen.
 

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Sarastro said:
Gerard said:
As far as street cars go, every one I have ever seen (and there have been many including on my first Bugeye within first 30 days of ownership when in high school), breaks at the diff...
Click to expand...

You realize, of course, that saying this guarantees that someone will jump up and say "but mine broke at the hub." So, I'll be that person. It does happen.
Click to expand...

haha... no doubt... just saying a break at the other end seems to be more common. Surely a lot less grief if they break on the outer end.

I remember years ago finding a modification for turning (tapering) the diameter and shot peening the axle that would reduce the possibility of breakage. I'll have to see if I can find it again.

:cheers:
 
Sarastro said:
Gerard said:
As far as street cars go, every one I have ever seen (and there have been many including on my first Bugeye within first 30 days of ownership when in high school), breaks at the diff...
Click to expand...

You realize, of course, that saying this guarantees that someone will jump up and say "but mine broke at the hub." So, I'll be that person. It does happen.
Click to expand...
That is one clean car and work area.
 
Funny, I just replaced my axle today.It broke inside the diff. I had to pull it apart to get the piece out as stated. This is the second one I have broken in two years. I pulled a pair out of an MG midget in a junk yard a couple years ago so I had a spare. Fits just fine. Not knowing the full history of the car I don't know how abused mine might of been. But why is this common? They seem to twist right in two. Is it soft metal?
 
Main cause is trying to chirp the tires. Even worse is doing that in reverse. They take a rotational set. Buddy on mine H.S. Graduation present from parents abrand new '68 Sprite. He broke no less than 4 half shafts in the first year. After the 3rd one dealer said no more. And yes he did it going forward as well as backwards.
 
P.S. He wanted to drive Bugsy and I said NO!!!
 
<span style="font-style: italic">Also, if the splines are slightly twisted where they go into the pumpkin, does this mean the axle is bad? </span>

Kevin, in answer to your last question, yes, if the splines are slightly twisted, that means the axle has started to fatigue and its life is limited.

I suggest all spridget owners add to their regular maintenance list to remove the axles every year and check the splines. Is there anyway to tell if it has started to fatigue at the hub end? Can we use a dye test? What do the racers do, other than wait until they break like the rest of us!
Scott in CA
 
In the past 5 years I have broken 3 at the diff and one at the hub. I have had a set of late model axles in there for the past 2 years or so with no problems. Like smaceng suggests, I check my axles at least once a year (or before a long trip).....it's quick & easy and worth the peace of mind.

I also have a spare set of late model axles.....just in case.
 
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