I'm replacing the front axle on my 16 Coupelet and want to make sure it is orientated correctly. It has numbers on both sides so I'm not sure which side faces forward. I do understand that the spring perches go a certain direction.
Thanks in advance.
Philip,
The bare axle itself has no front or rear. It's only important after the perches are installed.
The front axle in and of itself has no front or back so it doesn't matter how it is installed.
The bottom of the axle tilts forward due to the perches.
The holes in the early perches that accept the prongs from wishbone have a flat side and a tapered side. The flat side faces forward and the bolt snugs up against it. The tapered side faces rearward and the wishbone prong enters from that side of the perch.
If the perches and wishbone prongs are not worn, you should be able to install the wishbone into only one side of the perch.
What's the reason for replacing the front axle?
The axle on the car as received was bent.
Philip,
The standard fix for a bent axle is to straighten it with what ever brute force it takes. They can be bent cold and are quite tough and ductile.
Jim
Easier for me to replace. Not even sure the axle that came with car is original to the car. I still have it if needed.
Thanks
Philip -- Front axles usually are pretty easy to straighten using a press. More important in choosing which axle to use would be the condition of the ends where the spindles go. Look at the bottom surface of the top part of the axle where the spindle bushing meets the axle and examine it for wear. Also check the threads in the bottom of the axle below the spindles. Compare your axle with whatever other one(s) you're considering and pick the one with the best ends. If it's bent in the middle, just press it straight.
Already done, new heli-coils installed in both bottom sides. Top holes are okay for now. I already cleaned up both sides of the axle with a file to remove wear spots on the inside. The spindles are reamed and fit perfectly inside with just a slight drag.
Thanks for the input.
There is a left and right for the spindles. Be sure to use the spindle with standard RH thread on the left hand side and the LH threaded one on the right hand side. It's to make sure the front wheel bearings doesn't suddenly bind up and break the hubs when driving forwards.
Question does anyone have a excellent early wishbone, we have a club member who is rebuilding a 09, his wishbone is bent, badly welded, and threads are mashed. email danuser88@ktis.net, thanks