Picked up my 40 banjo rear and one axle end has damaged threads, is there anyway to repair this? thanks Chris
I can't remember the size off the top of my head, but I'm sure someone makes a die to fix those threads because I had to buy one a few years ago because I had the same problem. 5/8-18 I THINK, you should verify before purchase.
I would just grind the damaged part off. Do not try to thread a die on it. It will go on crooked and ruin the axle. I can retread just the damaged part with a split adjustable die. I start from the good threads and move outward. I would be happy to do it for free. Where are you? Ps, The threads are special close tolerance threads due to the high load put on them.
The threads you show are worse than the ones I needed to repair but this is what I did, I took a nut, sliced it in half and welded it to a vise grips to make a pseudo tool to straighten the threads on a Dana 44 axle, I'd use a file first to clean them up a bit and the fact that the damaged threads are outside of the cotter pin hole means there shouldn't be a strength issue..
That's a 5/8-18 thread, don't try to run a die on from the outside. It's way too easy to cross thread it. Rather grind a vee in one side of a die and hold it in a vise, hit it with a hammer to break it in half, it will fit back together nicely. Then place it together on the inside ( good) part of the threads, then put the holder on over the die to hold it together, then turn it off ( not on) to fix the bad thread area.
Gee I’ve seen worse if you have a thread file or can get one start with that, than you should be able to do a die on it to clean it up. If you have a good ace hardware take it down there and they should be able to help you with the sizing.
What a great idea XIX32! Never thought of doing that. This is why the hamb is so great. Full of people who fix shit not replace it.
Thanks so much for the advice and the offer to help, I’m in Canada so we’re a little far apart haha. I did find a vintage axle/spindle tool that has multiple thread chasers built in that splits in half. Picking it up tomorrow and will give it a go!
That’s what I’d do too. The threads that are damaged are just there to start the castle nut. That portion of the castle nut isn’t providing any clamping force, it’s just there to put the cotter pin in and hold it in place in case it were to back off.
I would take a Dremel and grind the bad threads off. The nut is further on the axle when it's tight anyway.
Be sure to run "safety hubs" or "safety clips" after you "fix" the axle. Here is one of the tools you need but it is probably sold, https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284050&highlight=thread You should add your location to your profile!! Charlie Stephens
Do not use any tool that will actually cut away any metal. Your goal is to restore the thread, not recut it. Use a thread chaser, not a die as shown by 51mercules post above. There's 2 on Ebay right now. They may seem expensive but, it's a lot cheaper than an axle. Plus, you'll have it for future use. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...leDesc=0&_odkw=5/8-18+thread+chaser&_osacat=0
That’s not a vise grip, that’s a Lever W Wrench. You are the only other person that I’ve ever seen with a pair. My Dad has two pairs, and got them when we lived in Eastern Iowa. Nicely done on your tool!