Rear Axle Rebuild Question

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GEmering
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Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by GEmering » Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:18 pm

I am cleaning out the old grease from the axle housings after removing and separating them.
After removing the end caps and all of the felts,roller bearings and steel washers, I used gasoline (not near the house) to clean the steel washers and roller bearings.
The original Babbitt thrust washers were in remarkably good condition (for the moment) and are now hanging on the wall never to be used again.
Any preferred methods for removing the old grease and oil from inside the housings?
I am a weekend mechanic with limited tools and supplies but am willing to get a power washer or a good parts brush if needed.

Thanks for any tips or tricks!
Otherwise, I'll just keep using old fashioned elbow grease!
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Model T axle rebuild.jpeg
Gene Emering
Newton, New Jersey

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Ed Fuller
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by Ed Fuller » Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:27 pm

Gene,

I’ve used Simple Green and a toilet brush fastened to a broom stick to scrub the insides of the tubes.

Ed

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GEmering
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by GEmering » Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:46 pm

Funny Ed,

I was having a flashback of stealing my mom's new broom in the late '60's, cutting off the sweeping end, and using some of my dad's black electrical tape to make a stickball bat. We'd spray paint a rectangle with both diagonals for a strike zone on the wall of the local high school (JFK Paterson, NJ) and play all day until the street lights came on.
Thank God we have a central vac system now so the only broom is the one I have in the garage.
I'll give your suggestion a try.

Thanks!
Gene
Gene Emering
Newton, New Jersey

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DanTreace
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by DanTreace » Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:50 pm

Like Ed, a brush on a long handle works, just used my tool yesterday, does both the torque tube and axle housings.

Dip it in cleaner of choice, kerosene or gas, many swabs, then finish with single rag over blunt end of long handle with lacquer thinner.
Wear your worst outfit as splash and spray will happen!
IMG_2712.jpg
Cut down the end of one of the wife's used 'spider web' round brushes with scissors, fits into the tubes with ease.


The rest of the 'dirty tools', pans to hold liquids, scrapers, brushes, and all. :)
IMG_2713.jpg
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford


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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by George Hand » Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:05 pm

Gene, Those rear ends are one of the most nasty cleaning jobs out there, next to a cloths washer. When the wife washing machine pooped out, the transmission was junk, did not take long to go find a new one, washing machine that is. Anyway if you have not taken out the 4 bearing sleeves they will need to come out and you will need a special sleeve remover tool. George


1923Touring
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by 1923Touring » Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:55 pm

Use a broom stick to ram gas soak rags through. When the rags come out white, then you know the housing is clean.


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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by DHort » Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:59 pm

I do not think I have ever seen a rag come out white.

Kerosene is not flammable like gas and probably easier on your skin n lungs.

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John E. Guitar
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by John E. Guitar » Thu Jul 23, 2020 11:32 pm

I push a big ball of steel wool through with a broomstick handle. I follow it with a rag soaked in degreaser and repeat the process a few times. It comes out very clean.

I got the idea from a foodstall in the Far East.

IMG_1841.jpeg

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Tim Rogers
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by Tim Rogers » Fri Jul 24, 2020 8:59 am

Gene, because you spelled "axle" correctly I have faith in your abilities to get the work done properly :D
<o><o><o><o> Tim Rogers - South of the Adirondacks - Forum member since 2013 <o><o><o><o>

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Topic author
GEmering
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Re: Rear Axle Rebuild Question

Post by GEmering » Fri Jul 24, 2020 10:10 am

Tim,
I'm a high school principal.
My students are always checking my spelling.
lol
Gene Emering
Newton, New Jersey

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