Signs

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Signs
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Smith on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 09:47 am:

I am writing to get some feedback on the Rear Axle. My '24 Coupe as far as my knowledge has never been rebuilt and starting to encounter a draging/pull feel when driving and can not get full speed. I just completed the transmission with new Heavy Duty Spring and replace the Large and Small (Turbo 400) Disk. This was due to slippage and could not adjust the fingers any more. Also re-lined and adjusted the rear brakes.

So my question is, What are signs the the Rear Axle is having problems?

Thanks,
Tom


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Treace, North FL on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 10:23 am:

Tom

Generally if there is rear end grease leaking at the wheels, or if there is play in the axle ends. Test that by lifting the rear off the ground, and push and pull hard on the diver's side rear wheel, a bit of movement can indicate worn thrust washers. Or if you see metallic silver content in a sample of the rear end grease by dipping into the drain hole.

As for your 'drag/pull', perhaps you need to again adjust the rear emergency brakes, as the shoes may be dragging when running.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Smith on Friday, September 13, 2013 - 09:31 pm:

Dan,

Thanks and will try to look it over this weekend.

-Tom


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Saturday, September 14, 2013 - 01:17 am:

Go for a drive. Check for excessive heat. I have a fancy point and shoot thermometer, but usually just use my hand. Several miles may be needed, but if it was an easy few miles, nothing should be too hot to touch and hold. Routine checking like this, I have found dragging brakes, and bad bearings. Heat migrates slowly in steel, usually it is not difficult to pin down the area of a problem. Hubs and brake drums may be too hot to touch if they were heavily used just prior to checking them. Be cautious.
This is one thing to check, it can help to know where to look. But it will not divulge a lot of problems. The only way to know for sure, is to tear apart and inspect. A good winter project for any T where the condition of the rear end is not known.
Dragging and such can be a symptom of a failed thrust washer. That could lead to serious problems including loss of brakes at a bad time. Checking for silvery stuff in the rear end grease is a good idea. However, I have seen Babbitt washers break cleanly and drop out of place leaving things ready for disaster, but not grinding up enough yet to taint the grease. If driven long, they will taint the grease, but it can take awhile. Brakes could fail quicker.
If you know how a T "should feel", and it feels wrong, you should pull it soon.
Gotta keep our '24 coupes safe.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Saturday, September 14, 2013 - 08:42 am:

Tom,

Those Turbo fail disks often burn out. Good move replacing them, I hope you used steel disks.

Regarding the "dragging" I wonder if you have adjusted the bands too tightly? While you certainly need to disassemble and inspect any unknown Model T rear axle before trusting your life to it, the symptoms you describe sound more like bands adjusted too tight, or dragging parking brakes.


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