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I recently found a stub shaft snap ring in the rear axle pumpkin housing.
it seems to me that possibly, there is u-joint wear on a half shaft. Allowing the stub shaft to
move. I assume this movement of the stub shaft, puts stress on the snap ring. The snap
ring is very hard, as is likely to transfer forces to the snap ring groove on the stub shaft. Eventually
the snap ring can become dislodged. Possibly due to the snap ring groove wear wider than spec. Maybe…It’s a theory.
I have also seen some wear on the RH side of the aluminum axle housing where the u-joint bolts are starting to mill
into it. I will get in there and take a closer look. I am hopeful the axle housing is not compromised to the point of
being non-reusable. We’ll see. I have also located a good used diff assembly and housing (3rd member). I am trying
to lock it down.
This whole experience has got me thinking: What is the primary function of this snap ring? Assistance with assembly? If the u-joints are tight like new,
and drive shaft is fully assembled, the stub shaft cannot come out of place. How many cars are driving around with dislodged
snap rings laying down in the diff housing? Does it matter?
I recently found a stub shaft snap ring in the rear axle pumpkin housing.
it seems to me that possibly, there is u-joint wear on a half shaft. Allowing the stub shaft to
move. I assume this movement of the stub shaft, puts stress on the snap ring. The snap
ring is very hard, as is likely to transfer forces to the snap ring groove on the stub shaft. Eventually
the snap ring can become dislodged. Possibly due to the snap ring groove wear wider than spec. Maybe…It’s a theory.
I have also seen some wear on the RH side of the aluminum axle housing where the u-joint bolts are starting to mill
into it. I will get in there and take a closer look. I am hopeful the axle housing is not compromised to the point of
being non-reusable. We’ll see. I have also located a good used diff assembly and housing (3rd member). I am trying
to lock it down.
This whole experience has got me thinking: What is the primary function of this snap ring? Assistance with assembly? If the u-joints are tight like new,
and drive shaft is fully assembled, the stub shaft cannot come out of place. How many cars are driving around with dislodged
snap rings laying down in the diff housing? Does it matter?
The differential side yoke without the ring will move in and out of the differential as side loads vary whether going straight or through a turn causing the rear alignment to be constantly changing. Typically the side yoke end against the center pin is softer than the pin causing wear and movement. Has nothing to do with u-joints. Since you mention aluminum I assume you have an 80 to 82.
Thanks folks. The stub shaft contacts the centering block, Is this considered normal wear and tear? Or likely previous owners didn’t run proper oil or maybe ran the oil too long? Past it’s useful life?
Thanks folks. The stub shaft contacts the centering block, Is this considered normal wear and tear? Or likely previous owners didn’t run proper oil or maybe ran the oil too long? Past it’s useful life?
Yes my car is a 1980 with aluminum housing.
The factory starting at some point with the earlier Eaton differential used side yokes that were not properly matched in hardness to the center pin. Nothing to do with user maintenance in many cases.
My 80 with the aluminum housing had little wear of the side yokes at 80k miles compared to my friends 79 with the older steel housing. I myself have never known of aluminum side yokes to wear that much but I'm sure they could.
The snap ring goes into a grove very close to the end of the yoke/sub axle. This is so that the side opposite your turn won't let the yokes slide out of the housing when unloaded. If you raise the car and let the wheels droop you can see the yokes move away from the housing. The amount of movement should be limited by the snap ring. If the ring is off they move out further than intended.
When you put a diff together you have to have the center pin out to allow the yoke to go in far enough to get the snap ring on. You then pull the yokes back to install the center pin. The pin gets them from moving in to far and the snap ring keeps them form sliding out.
In extreme cases of yoke wear they wear to the grove so there is nothing to hold the snap ring on. If so the yokes have to be replaced along with the center pin which will be worn. Also replace the seals. You might get away with flushing the metal shavings out and reassemble.
Here on my driver-side stub shaft you can see where the u-joint bolts are starting to mill into the diff housing. I assume this was the odd-grinding noise that I heard. If the floating center pin/spacer is worn or both of the stub shaft ends are worn, the stub shaft under axial loads can shift too far into the centre of the housing. Allowing the u-joint bolts to contact the housing.
I have secured a used 1981 aluminum housing diff assy with half shafts for $70 US. I’m going to grab it. Inspect and go from there. If its good, I’ll plan to give everything new u-joints. Then be back cruising asap.
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Diff Question: Dislodged Stub shaft snap rings
