Rear axle keyway problem

[Geezerville]

A friend is repairing a badly worn axle and there is a monster chip out of the keyway due presumably from running with a loose axle nut.
Anyway he wants to weld the chip back in and I think the heat would badly weaken the heat treatment. I suggested he just JBWeld the chip back in place and make an oversize key to fit.
And suggestions or is it a lost cause??
See attached pix of the axle taper.

[Brentwood Bob]

Replace the axle.
Bob

[40 Deluxe]

It would nigh impossible to machine the correct taper on the shaft after welding. Just replace the shaft-safest, simplest, quickest, cheapest way to repair.

[harleytoprock]

The only correct way to repair that monster is to replace the axle.

[TinCup]

Yup that axle is toast!

[Bob C]

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I agree, replace it. You don't want it to look like this.

Bob

[Bob/Kansas City]

Yes, definitely that axle needs to be replaced. I had to do that on mine for exactly the same reason. It's not too bad of a job but will require a spring spreader to do it safely. That way you'll also get a chance to see what the internal bits in the rear end look like. When disassembling the axle housings pay particular attention to the paper shims between the axle housings and the center section and replace them with the same thickness shims when you reassemble. There's lots of "while I'm at its" on the rear end !

[Gold Digger]

Replace the axle and more than likely need to replace the hub.

[larrys40]

Pm sent
Larry Shepard

[SeaSlugs]

Yea thats not a "chip" thats half a keyway missing...Im with the others and replace the axle.

[glenn in camino]

Use a hardened washer under the nut so it won't dish and loosen the nut. Tighten the nut with a long breaker bar and a 6 point socket.

[Benson]

Originally Posted by Bob C

I agree, replace it. You don't want it to look like this.

Bob

Bob,

1. So how long did the backing plate scrape on the pavement when the axle broke and the wheel fell off.


2. Or did the wheel get caught up in the rear fender?

I guess since you are still alive that it was not at a very high speed. Eh?

[modelAtony]

Yes you need new axle. Go to a caterpillar co. and get the washer you need to tighten your axle nut . wont cost that much and you can go 150 + on the torque if you are brave enough. It will not bend. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by Benson

Bob,

1. So how long did the backing plate scrape on the pavement when the axle broke and the wheel fell off.


2. Or did the wheel get caught up in the rear fender?

I guess since you are still alive that it was not at a very high speed. Eh?

Wasn't on my car so I don't have any information on the events.

Bob

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi,

Thanks for photos.

Agree with all above replies recommending changing the rear axle.

For example, if your axle breaks, you just do not take a chance to lose only an axle; a few other things can very "possibly" happen:

1. The rear wheel can beat up the rear fender and then take off where the rear wheel is rolling in the lane of oncoming cars and an oncoming driver swerves off of the road and his whole family gets killed; then;

2. Your backing plate drags causing you to lose control where you turn over and your whole family gets killed.

We are really all concerned for your life safety.

Maybe others can add a few other things that can possibly happen when a rear axle brakes off.

[redmodelt]

100fp to a little more is all you need to torque the nut to and check a couple of times after that.

[Benson]

Some years ago I remember seeing some sort of modification to the backing plate which would retain the outside end of the axle when it broke like that.

Does anyone remember who made such a part?

It was really quite simple as I remember it.

[Mike V. Florida]

Guess you have your answer already.

[jimalabam]

Only one proper fix. Replacement - As noted by another Barn member, FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME...

[updraught]

Originally Posted by Benson

Some years ago I remember seeing some sort of modification to the backing plate which would retain the outside end of the axle when it broke like that.

Does anyone remember who made such a part?

It was really quite simple as I remember it.

"Rear brake drum retainer" seems to be a V8 thing.