Is there a source for new small diameter axles? I have done some searching, and the only place I have found that actually has FB axles is RE-Speed, but they only carry them for the large axle cars. I'd really like to get new ones if at all possible. that is - IF I need them. Havent torn it all apart yet but the bearings are pretty toasted so I wanted to find a source and figure out a price for "just in case".

-Ian

 

I think early eighties rear wheel drive mazda 626 axles fit in fbs. Mite be to long and short either side though cos of the offset diff? depends on s1-2 rx7's have narrow axles compared to s3

hope that helps

 

junkyards, tell them you want axles from 79-81. They will want you to buy the entire rear axle though, and it should be around 100-180 ready to pick up. Inside you will find 2 half shafts small diameter the rear differential and they might include the brake system. Yards with parts locating service are a +

 

79-80 will be drum housing, 81-83 will be disk housing. All the axles from 79-83 are the same though. Ian, has been here a while
He is looking for a new source.

Ian,

mazdatrix would have been my first thought but they are NLA. Only the SE axles left. Unfortunately Moser will not make the small spline for us. Going that small cuts to much of the heat treat off.

-billy

 

I say forget about buying them new since it will cost you arm and a leg. Do what I do: stock up on used parts. For axles, I prefer getting them from cars with auto tranny since they are less abused.

 

Thanks for the tip wacky. I will look around and see what I can find. I am really hoping that I dont need axles but the rear end is now making a noise on decel (not sure if its making it all the time, exhaust too loud) so Im looking at worse case scenario to prepare myself.

 

Ian,

How you doing?

Axle or bearing noise from a axle will make noise as you are under a load and generally get louder the faster you go.

You may have some differential wear that is causing the noise. But a lot of the times that noise is not a cause of real concern. It could be like that for a long time before actual failure occurs within the differential depending on how the car is used.

 

hmmm, how it is used eh? Well, I generally slide corners whenever I can and generally beat the ever living **** out of it. Im gonna swap third members so that really isnt too big of a deal. I am honestly thinking that since my seal on the driver side has been leaking for a while now (possibly years lol) that it finally ran out and thats really what the sound is. However, if there is no lube for the rear end then there is no lube for axles... Is this a fair assumption? I may just have to tear into it and see what happens. Ugh, I hate going into things blind like this. I'll update and let you all know.

Oh, and hey Doc, doin' pretty good. Tryin to make it happen, slowly but surely getting there lol.

 

Axle bearings are NOT lubed by the diff oil. They are fully sealed and greased "for life" when they are made.
The seal leaking is *usually* sign the bearing is going bad. Normally, the axle doesn't get damaged by a bad bearing, unless it gets so bad the axle is spit out. That will generally ruin the axle shaft. Otherwise, simply replacing the bearing and seal will solve the problem.

 

Oh, sweet. So, when I replace the bearings, I just grease em up and put them in? Should I put grease on the axle itself or only bearings? I am obviously a noob when it comes to rear axle tear down/fix.


Edit: Wait, nevermind I am getting the front and rear bearings confused.

 

If you're getting noise on DE-acceleration, it's your pinion bearing.

Moser Axle can custom make axles any way you want them...they are going to be cutting some axles for me that will fit in a stock 1968 BOP case but have the bolt pattern of a BMW so I can run the 18" Enkei NTO3+M rims.

But it sounds like you need a "new" pumpkin or just replace the bearings in it.