Tracing Bent Rear Axle Parts

[welshpug 1,657]

Hi all, I have started to offer my services for rear beams, lowering and refurbishment as I now have access to a press, and have all the tools required, as well as having done a few already.

 

I have been contacted by a PSOOC forum user regarding the rear beam on his S16, it has failed as the nearside rear wheel rubs on the inner arch, now the first assumption would be that the bearings are shot, but the MOT man said that theres something bent, and its not the tube, so that leaves the Trailing arm Shaft, trailing arm, or stub axle.

 

All these are pretty easy parts to replace, but how do I pinpoint which is the culprit?

 

It could also be that the 17"s its running plus a load of crud behind the arch liner means that it just needs a good clean and a spacer?

[pug_ham 244 3 Cars]

Bending the trailing arm shaft would be pretty difficult imo without damaging the centre tube, its more likely to be either the trailing arm or stub axle & I'd say the stub axle is the most likely.

 

Both the trailing arm & stub axle are easy to replace & if you have use of a press then they are a doddle to do.

 

As for pinpointing the culprit, ideally get a known good radius arm & try that first to see if it fixes the problem.

 

Otherwise, I'd swap the stub axle first.

 

If it was just that the wheels need a spacer, surely it would be rubbing on both sides?

 

Graham.

[welshpug 1,657]

thanks for the reply graham, ive spoken to a few poeple who have said that the arm's shaft isnt likely to be bent, and haning felt the weight of one and looked down the middle one I have to agree!

 

its also been mentioned that the arms have casting marks on them, so I should check that these line up.

 

I have checked the price of a trailing arm assembly (it comes with shaft and stub axle fitted if the picture in the parts database is correct) and they are £201 plus vat!!! so it may be better to just source another unit and rebuild that...

[mossy 0]

You can't buy the the stub axle pins on there own from Pug.

I have seen a rally spares place do them for the 205 IIRC 37 quid plus VAT EACH!!!!

 

Al

[Richie-Van-GTi 72 2 Cars]

if it is the stub axle then to remove it you will more than likely have to cut it back level with the trailing arm then knock the remainder out, I done a bent one before and it was never going to come out the arm when it was bent using a ten ton press. Took 5 mins to cut it back and a further 2 mis to knock it out with a lump hammer and blunt punch.

I may have a stub lying about somewhere from a gti6 beam

[Jrod 7]

I may have a stub lying about somewhere from a gti6 beam

 

 

They are slightly longer I'm sure of it.

[welshpug 1,657]

Cant see why they would be, both cars have rear discs and ABS.

 

I've sent him an email a few days ago now and just waiting for a response.

 

thanks for your replies guys.

[niklas 1]

You can easily verify the stub axle pin and trailing arm shaft in a lathe. For the trailing arm you would probably need to fabricate some measurement jig but with welding skills and good precision work it shouldn't be too hard.

However I think the trailing arms are more prone to snapping than bending, or!?!? Most common are undoubtly the stub axle pins!