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Synchro909 · 05-15-2017, 06:47 PM

The only time the key drives anything is when the taper has let go, usually because the nut is loose. By this time, nasty things are happening in there and you should be able to feel it when you engage the clutch after going from reverse to 1st gear or overrun to drive. If there is any sound from the area or lost motion, things are loose. By having a hard key in there when this happens, you will destroy the axle and/or hub rather than a cheap key (the axle and hub might still be damaged anyway). As has been said above, the key is just there for the ride in a secure hub - it is the taper that provides the grip.
I wouldn't use HSS to make a key.

05-15-2017, 06:47 PM	#5
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Rear Axle Keys The only time the key drives anything is when the taper has let go, usually because the nut is loose. By this time, nasty things are happening in there and you should be able to feel it when you engage the clutch after going from reverse to 1st gear or overrun to drive. If there is any sound from the area or lost motion, things are loose. By having a hard key in there when this happens, you will destroy the axle and/or hub rather than a cheap key (the axle and hub might still be damaged anyway). As has been said above, the key is just there for the ride in a secure hub - it is the taper that provides the grip. I wouldn't use HSS to make a key. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.