My drive shaft is in great condition except the the keyway for the pinion gear is wallered out. Is it possible and I guess more to the point is it safe to have a new keyway cut 180 degress from the old one to make the shaft useable?
I did. Lost track of it, so don't know if it's the one getting abused right now.
rdr
I understand the concern but I think it'd be fine. I had driveshaft that was grooved badly from a piece of roller bearing that had broken off. I'd guess about 25% of the shaft was grooved. It ran for many years that way before I went thru the mechanics and discovered it. So I am saying that the loss of diameter didn't cause the shaft to break. I'd think the same would apply to the tip where the key is. The other possibility would be to weld up a key in the wallered out keyway IF you could somehow control warpage.
I shimmed up a worn keyway, but was concerned that it would cause a problem. I drove it that way for a few years, then decided to replace the drive shaft before taking it on a long tour. I'm glad I did. The shim had deteriorated which allowed the gear to move back and forth on the shaft just a little. Problem is that could cause the gear to loosen just enough to damage the teeth. Anyway, shimming is not good and the nut should be 100 ft lbs torque. If it will not torque without stripping, replace the driveshaft. Cutting a new groove on the other side might work. You need to get it completely straight and a snug fit with the key.
Norm
Jeff,
I absolutely would NOT do what you're suggesting. Shafts have been known to break in that area even with 1 keyway. Reducing the cross sectional area of the already somewhat small tapered end would be dangerous. Remember, that little stub end is what you're depending on to stop your car.
This is one of those areas of a T that demands the very best parts. Please don't take shortcuts on something so critical to safety.
I am with you on that one Jerry, especially if not equiped with outside brakes.
Thanks, guess I will look for a different driveshaft. If anyone has one they will sell please send me a private message.