Hey, why are big ol' springs in my rear axle?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Hey, why are big ol' springs in my rear axle?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ernie Williams on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:13 pm:

I just disassembled my rear axle to install a Ruxstell and was surprised to find the springs shown in the attached picture on each side. Does anyone know why they are there and does anyone have an opinion as to whether I should reuse them? I literally just removed the axles, done for the night.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tim moore on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:20 pm:

They were an old accessory screw gear to move grease from the ends to the center. Probably didn't do much but I would remove them just to not have metal that might get broken off and go into places you don't want it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joseph W. Rudzik on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:27 pm:

These are options that were offered in the T era to help keep the rear end grease in the rear end. As the axle rotates forward each spring pulls the grease toward the center. They are an Archimedes screw and the spring on the right rotates the grease to the left and the spring on the left rotates the grease to the right. I have seen these in aftermarket sales literature. Hope this helps ya.

Joe R.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:36 pm:

The springs are "Woodworth" brand oil return springs. They were old day accessory items to return the oil to the center like they stated above.. I believe "Snyders" also reproduced them back in the 80s or 90s I believe I am correct on the brand name. I have a NOS set at the shop, but can not look at this moment.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:39 pm:

I forgot, If you decide to re-use them, make sure that you put them back like you took them off. One is a left hand wound spring, and one is a right hand wind. If installed on the wrong axle the will "screw" oil out instead of in.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:39 pm:

They actually help. Put them back in.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 10:53 pm:

The key word there is help. They won't do the whole job. I'd put in some of the big felt seals, then neoprene seals next to the bearings.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Warren Webb on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 11:30 pm:

These springs were reproduced by a man in the Tulsa club starting back in about 1970 and he sold them to several dealers across the country.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Sunday, June 01, 2014 - 11:41 pm:

I posted a set of these under accessory of the day back on 3/26/2010


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ernie Williams on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 06:05 am:

Thanks for all the comments. Thanks for the literature Jay. I see they were made in Binghamton NY. Ha! I was born in Binghamton NY!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 06:32 am:

When I rebuilt my rear end I found one of those on one side but nothing on the other.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G.R.Cheshire on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 07:04 am:

I got about 3 sets of those in a box of t stuff at an estate sale they are still wrapped up in new condition I think from the barely readable paper they were from Snyders.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 07:56 am:

Like Seth, my rear axles had one on one side but not the other.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Morsher on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 10:45 am:

I believe the originals are square cut spring wire, and the reproductions are round wire.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 11:11 am:

If you drive backwards you might end up lubricating the E brake :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 11:18 am:

No Fred, I believe driving backwards they squeal "Paul Is Dead" :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Gregush Portland Oregon on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 12:04 pm:

Maybe they only put them one one side as (I think) the left side is more prone to leaking.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 12:14 pm:

The driver's side is where mine was.


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