MTFCA Forum

After checking to see if I had brass thrust washers, I rebolted axle housing and drive line. How easy should the driveline axle unit turn? It seems to be pretty stiff when I turn it with a large crescent wrench. Should it be almost a free spool?
What could the cause of the stiffness be?
r/s Bob

Could one of the thrust washers have fallen off the locating pilot on the differential hemisphere or could one of the steel thrust plates be sitting on top of the locating pin rather than flush with it?

I tend to agree with John, you should be able to turn it by hand.

Sorry about the title, spell checker?
I opened up the the axle housings and was extra careful this time and, bingo, axles turn by hand.
I’m still learning, and I’ll call it providence that I had the misaligned washer. While I had the drive line disconnected I looked at the Hyatt bearing behind the pinion gear. It is in pieces and totally shot. It’s a miracle it was working without ??
It’s time to get the rear axle book, that was the only thing missing in my reference library.
Any advice as I proceed?
r/s Bob

Yep, that's toast.
Time to inspect and measure the shaft.

On your question of advice as you proceed; first the chaffin book which you indicate you are getting. The other one that has really helped on rear end rebuilds is the Fun Projects pinion set up. Third, all kinds of ideas on this site for the rear end re-building fixture that places the axle vertical. I made mine out of wood, bolted it to my steel bench and used a locking-wheel steel cart with a couple of vices mounted on it to position the drive shaft/pinion when attaching to the rear end. Last one, get some throw away coveralls, cleaning up the axle housings and all of the internals is the dirtiest job on a Model T, but all fun when you get done.

Thanks for the tip about the coveralls Rick. My rear assembly is coming out as soon as the weather warms up a bit. I have disposable painting coveralls in my shop but never thought to use them on this project.

I recently did my rear axle and drive shaft. I installed the Fun Projects Modern Pinion Bearing and am glad I did. It made the whole reassembly process much easier plus it is superior to the original design. Fun Projects also has new drive shafts if yours needs replacement.

If you are determined to stick with the Hyatt bearing, I believe the one I removed is in good shape if you're looking for a replacement. Going this route you'll want to make sure the ball bearings behind the Hyatt are in good shape. The Fun Projects unit does away with all that so it's a clean update.

Tim, I appreciate your offer. I am going with the new school bearings.
I’m trying to figure out we’re the top half of the roller bearings went. I found one finger nail size piece and nothing else.
r/s Bob

As long as the sleeve is not spinning on the driveshaft it should be ok. BUT! One overlooked thing is the area is where the bushing rides on at the other end. The shaft can be turned down and polished and a custom undersized bushing installed. Chances are that with the condition of that bearing at the pinion end, it will need attention.