axle dimensions and questions

[niklid05]

Ok so I bought my 91 GL (auto) a couple weeks ago, and got new front struts and new axles with it. I figured while I was replacing the pads, I might as well have the rotors turned, wheel bearings repacked and put the New struts and axles in.

Well, I got everything changed out, and torqued down. I set the car down and start putting tranny fluid in, about 1 1/2 quarts into it I hear something dripping on the floor. Long story short, the passenger side axle was not in all the way and the fluid was leaking out the axle hole. So I took the axle out (which just slid right in and out), and I took some measurements.....

I dont have the overall lengths written down, but If i remember correctly the NEW axle was 34 13/16, and the OLD axle was 35 3/8.

here are the indepth numbers. If you are helping and I didnt say the correct name I will try and explain what piece im talking about.


These are on the trans side only because the axle slid into the hub.


NEW AXLE

trans seal diameter- 1.377"
bearings- .945"
trans spline- .898"
end of spline to seal diameter- 2.327"

OLD AXLE(was in the car and working when I got it... dur)

trans seal diameter- 1.378"
bearings- 1.025"
trans spline- .978"
end of spline to seal diameter- 2.525"

My only guess is that the new axles are for a manual festiva.

If anyone has any info that can help me out let me know. Thanks.

[Pu241]

Re: axle dimensions and questions

My only guess is that the new axles are for a manual festiva.

If anyone has any info that can help me out let me know. Thanks.

Believe you have nailed this one!
I know there is a difference but don't remember which one is longer/shorter.
Hope you have a receipt and can swap them out for the correct ones!

[25Horseplay]

Manual axles are smaller in diameter than auto ones.( on the tranny side)

[niklid05]

I figured that was what it was from the first quart of tranny fluid that flowed on to the floor. Unfortunately I only have one shipping paper which prolly wont do crap. So Ill try and call the guy I bought them off of and see if he has the receipt.


Now here is the other question. I have the other axle (drivers side) in there and cant get it the hell out. If its the wrong one wouldnt it want to come out just as easy as it went in? I tried prying it out with a little breaker bar and it didnt want to come out. Even the ones with 110k wanted to come out easier than this one does.

If anyone wants to trade brand new set of excellent auto axles for my set of manuals let me know lol.

[nonamekid]

Your axle that is 34 5/8" is a for a manual transmission. That is the correctly measured length. It is in a post about F-series transmission where I talk about the length of the manual transmission axles. I will have to go look up the info on auto transmissions axles, because that just gave me a thought.... :sign7:

[Damkid]

Now here is the other question. I have the other axle (drivers side) in there and cant get it the hell out.

the clip on the axle, for some reason is a real PITA on the drivers side axle, if the axle went in and there's no problems with it, it'll be the right one

[jglutz]

The trick (simplistand most accurtate) method to check: lay the od axle up to the new axle but do not lay them end to end....allign them so that the ends/face of the cups (what the boots strap to). This is the critical overall length. If you changed the seals at the tranny end, it possible that they gave you the wrong ones or the wrong ones where in the box. Maybe the seal was damaged when the axle was inserted. I always lube my seals with a finger full of dextron. If the axel is not in far enough, you'll know it, you will see the unapinted surface between the seal and the cup. Don't be affraid, while holding the axle staight, tap the wheel end of the axle with a soft face mallet. Its impossible to be in to far. If the axle is new, the clip on the end may be to dry to ease into place, give it a liitle lube. Your other measurements Bearing dia(?) and Spline dia(?) are to different to be comaptible.

[niklid05]

Okay, I got another axle, lubed it up, gave it a few little taps with a brass hammer and it went right in. Thanks for the input guys. Ill find out tomorrow whether or not something is wrong again.