O-O, Did I ruin the axles?

[Robchally]

Man, we had a hard time removing the bearing retainer-collars from our 8 3/4-axles.

Unfortunately I only read the manual after having tried some things, and, I'm very ashamed to say, we used a soldering torch too. With no luck, obviously.

Now, I read in the service-manual: "under no circumstance should axle shaft collars or bearings be removed using a torch. The use of a torch in the removal.... is an unsafe practice because heat is fed into the axle shaft bearing journal and, thereby weakens this area"

Tomorrow we have the axles x-rayed for flaws, but my question is: Did I already ruin the journals? I guess the temperature have been about 150 degrees Celsius, about 300 F

What''s there to say about my action today?

[dutch]

I don`t think 150 will get you in trouble... it might when heated over a longer period.  You could have the axle hardness tested just to be sure.
In the lower temp ranges it`s very difficult to estimate temperature...might have been 300c. without you knowing it.
ps,  I could test the hardness for you. 

[Robchally]

Well Dutch, my son disagreed with me about the temperature we had. He estimates about 300 C. But for a short period.

We're going to have the axles X-rayed tomorrow, it would be great if you could run a hardness test for me! I'll be back over here with the x-ray results.

[dutch]

ok, let me know, you have my number....( 007 ) 

[Chryco Psycho]

you did what the manual specifically said not to , you may be able the get the area re hardened though

[Robchally]

Well, that's an easy call.

Just returned from the X ray. In one of the axles there's a imperfection in the aerea of the bearing. So, inside the axle there's a weak spot.
We don't know wheather all axles have this spot which is clearly different from the rest of the material.

The axles are pretty decent for all kind of low performance cars, we will not use them in our 500 ftlb car.

No need to check journal hardness, no need to re-harden. Mosers, that's what we need....

Thanks for the input, guys!

[tactransman]

Mosers, that's what we need....

 

[Moparal]

I have never torched a bearing off. I use a cut off wheel for the retainer.

And yes to Mosier

[ntstlgl1970]

when you say "soldering torch" are you talking about a propane torch or an oxy/acetelene torch? just wondering. If it's a propane torch I doubt you could heat it up enough to affect the hardening of the axle...

[Moparal]

when you say "soldering torch" are you talking about a propane torch or an oxy/acetelene torch? just wondering. If it's a propane torch I doubt you could heat it up enough to affect the hardening of the axle...

I've seen many done with a cutting torch and worked with no problems. But I get the feeling he used a soldering torch and heated up the lock like removing a flywheel gear ring. Which would of gotten the axle hot. Not sure if it was hurt or not, but he is going with good axles anyways

[ntstlgl1970]

I was more interested in what he meant by soldering torch, but it doesn't matter, like you said, he's getting the better axles anyways.

[Moparal]

A soldering torch is a torch they use when putting tanks back on radiators.  You can use them for stick welding too. Sorry, I dont have a picture of mine. I got it in the early 70's

[ntstlgl1970]

oh ok, I think I know what you are talking about now..I was thinking the bernz o matic propane cooking tank kinda torch

[Robchally]

I just used a tin solder torch, a propane fuelled one. Not a acetylene torch.

I guess the journals did not come out too bad. We're not going to use them anyway, as stated.


The worst thing: I got laughed at by my wife.  But good things came out too: I nearly ruined the axles,
I hurt my lower arm, my son was hit by a flying piece, so as a result my wife's idea was to replace parts in the first place.
So we officially increased our budget   (Haha, the only one who wants too keep cost in hand is me)

[ntstlgl1970]

oh, did you press off the bearing with the retainers in place? did it shatter?? if so I'm glad everyone is ok.