Hey guys,

After finding I have 3 stripped lug bolt holes stripped in the front left wheel, I checked the rear and found only 1 stripped.

What part is required to be replaced? I can't find the likely part on my local parts supplier websites. Rear hub? Axle?

 

The rear axle is the item with the lug bolt threads. You could either replace the axle, or have it drilled to accept lug studs.

 

Are new axles available for purchase, or am I going to have to visit a junker?

 

I wouldn't worry too much about one stripped lug hole on the rear axle. I have been running mine with only 3 bolts for several years. As long as you can tork the other three to 70-80 lbs you should be fine.

I tried to JB weld a stud in there that I had for an old set of wheels but it eventually broke free.

 

New axles can be bought from a few places. If it were me, I'd go to ReSpeed and get Moser axles, but I believe they are only available for the 84-85 models.
If you go to a junker, remeber there are 3 different types of axles. 79-83, 84-85 12A, and 84-85 GSL-SE.
The axles can be interchanged between drum/disc rearends, as long as the year model limits are noted.

 

I ended up pressing my own studs into my rear axle when I found a few stripped holes. I was able to do it without having to pull the axles as well. They have been working well now for over 2 years.

This post I made originally on it has the part#s I got from Autozone and the drill bit size. Depending on your rims you may need longer studs then I used.

https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...85&postcount=6

Its worth a try since if it doesn't work, you'll need to pull the axles anyway.

 

or, you can run a tap through the stripped areas and renew the threads

 

Also, in the 79-83 range, there are two different types of brake backing plates for drum applications.

(Disk doesn't have this issue, AFAICT.)

If you pull a unit from a junker, look carefully at the outer rim of the backing plate: it will be either single, or double. If it doesn't match the one on your car, you'll need to get a new bearing pressed in order to swap the two plates.

Related thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/parts-id-question-sa-drum-brakes-787270/

 

Quite true. The SA and FB do have different drum brake setups, but the axle itself is still the same.
I didn't mention the backing plate issue. If getting an axle from a different style brakes, the backing plate would need to be changed.
I was simply covering the different axleshafts, and what can/cannot be swapped.

 

Right there with you; If I was going to replace an axle today, and opted for a junkyard pull, I'd get the bearing and seal pressed off and new ones (and my backing plate) on it before mounting. You never know wear mileage on pulled parts.

But not everyone knows to look for that, and it's just so tempting to bolt it up and be done, sometimes.

 

WERD!

I'd never trust junkyard bearings, except in an extreme emergency.

 

Wow i almost wrecked my car car today the past owner neglected to tell me that most of the on four side were done and i was going on a 40 mile trip the wheel fly off and i almost cause a 10+ car accident luckily no one was hurt but i would have killed the previous owner i've had the car for like 3 days thats just one of the problems i have to fix sense i got it.........

 

Uhhhh what? English please?

Did your crown nut fail on the front spindles, or did the rear axle walk out of its housing?

 

Wow i almost wrecked my car car today the past owner neglected to tell me that most of the threads on all four wheels were done and i was going on a 40 mile trip and the front passenger wheel flew off and i almost cause a 10+ car accident luckily no one was hurt but i would have killed the previous owner if i crashed....i've had the car for like 3 days thats just one of the problems i have to fix sense i got it.........

 

I had this problem on my '84... one of the rear lug holes was stripped out.

I ended up carefully drilling/tapping it to 14mmx1.5, then got a lug bolt for a late model VW/Audi. I think I told the guy I needed one for a 2005 Passat. Three bucks at the dealership, and I was in business.