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D27 Axle Shaft Issue

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 1967 CJ5A, Mar 23, 2019.

  1. Mar 23, 2019
    1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Raleigh, NC
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    I recently pulled apart the knuckles on my D27 to replace the kingpin bearings and seals. That's when I noticed this evidence that the axle shaft has been contacting the housing.

    Has anyone ever seen this before? This is the drivers side shaft. I have not opened up the passenger side yet.

    <blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/WowgpSS"><a href="//imgur.com/WowgpSS">D27 shaft</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
    Having trouble with the image hosting, but here is a link D27 Shaft

    What normally locates the axle shaft on its axis? Is there a spacer in differential end like in the tapered 44 rear axle? Or does it rely only on the C-clip at the hub end to keep it from shifting towards the differential too far?
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2019
  2. Mar 23, 2019
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

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    Not seeing the pic...
     
  3. Mar 23, 2019
    cadwelder

    cadwelder Member

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    I can see the picture. No spacer, it relies on the snap ring.
     
  4. Mar 23, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    I can see it...but I'm not sure what would cause that. The inner yoke has obviously been hitting the housing.
     
  5. Mar 23, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Mine has no snap rings....
     
  6. Mar 23, 2019
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

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    Ok the link works for me- that looks like it was done on purpose with a file or grinder, if it happened from rubbing something I'd expect it to be rounded/curved.
     
  7. Mar 23, 2019
    1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I originally thought the snap ring was to hold the inner splined part of the locking hub on the shaft... but I don't see what else could keep the shaft itself in place.

    For what its worth, it didn't look like it had been rubbing recently.
     
  8. Mar 23, 2019
    cadwelder

    cadwelder Member

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    Spicer joints use a snap ring; Bendix joints don't. Does yours have Bendix joints? They came in Dana 25s but will fit D27s as well.
     
  9. Mar 23, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    I guess I should have been more clear. I remove and discard the snap rings on all my 4x4s.
     
  10. Mar 23, 2019
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

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    Why? Please explain your reasoning.
     
  11. Mar 24, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    should have a snap ring on end of shaft . to hold in place
    weB8lQJ.jpg
     
  12. Mar 24, 2019
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I agree with Howard. That was put there with a grinder.
     
  13. Mar 24, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

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    X2!
     
  14. Mar 24, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    I'll be the dissenter! I think these marks were likely made from contacting the inner globe housing. The outer snap ring limits the inner "float" of the axle.
    -Donny
     
  15. Mar 24, 2019
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

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    Is there a similar mark on the other side? If not, I would suspect the axle is bent.
     
  16. Mar 24, 2019
    1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Ouch, I hope not. Is there any way to know besides having the camber checked? It seemed reasonable when I had an alignment check about 2 years ago.

    I'll add that the mark on the shaft is curved, not straight across. Kinda hard to tell from the photo. It looks to me like it did contact the housing.
     
  17. Mar 24, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

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    Post a pic inside the housing.
    I'll bet it has been hitting.
     
    timgr likes this.
  18. Mar 24, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

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    Isn't there supposed to be a bushing in the housing end?
     
  19. Mar 24, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Even a picture of the scar from a different angle would help. If it's rubbing, you'd expect the bottom of the scar to be convex. A grinder can only make a flat or concave mark.
     
  20. Mar 24, 2019
    cadwelder

    cadwelder Member

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    Not for a Spicer type axle.
     
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