Odd Axle Question

scoll911 · 08-25-2004, 05:08 PM

Just bought new axles (Lobros) and I'm in the process of installing the outer (wheel) portion.

The odd thing is as I tighten the axles bolts the wheel stops rotating and is very difficult to move. If I loosen the bolts the wheel rotates???? this happens on both sides

What gives????

scoll911 · 08-25-2004, 05:18 PM

I performed a search and one of the threads mentioned Lobros need a shorter bolt. Is this the case?

H20911 · 08-25-2004, 05:50 PM

If you tighten the bolts and something is binding to the point that you feel it drag as you rotate get shorter bolts. Measure them against factory bolt specs.

Early_S_Man · 08-25-2004, 05:53 PM

What length M8 Allen bolts are you using?

Assuming you have the correct length bolts ...

There probably isn't a problem. If the back end is up on jack stands, axles at full droop tend to be 'bound up' when new and clearances are tight.

Lock the emergency brake very tight after you have hand-started all 12 bolts on one axle, and tighten two wheel-side opposing bolts fore and aft [9:00 o'clock and 3:00 o'clock -- looking at wheel from transaxle end of axle] to 20 lb-ft with a 3/8" drive torque wrench, then two transaxle-side bolts likewise, loosen E-brake and rotate wheel until two more bolts are at 9 & 3, tighten E-brake, torque and repeat. Tighten to the full 36 lb-ft using the same pattern. Repeat on other side, unless you did the other side at the same time as the first.

H20911 · 08-25-2004, 05:57 PM

Warren, I did not know that... thanks for the info. I love this board.

scoll911 · 08-25-2004, 07:47 PM

I have so much fun dropping the engine .. .I figured I would do it again and upgrade the clutch. While the engine is out, I decided to replace the axles.

I don't think the bolt lengths are to spec, I just bought the bolts when I bought the axles. I'll check tomorrow.

Thanks to all for the help.

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Scoll,

STOP!!! Yes, I had the exact same problem a few weeks ago. The problem is that the new lobro units have a shorter offset, so the stock bolts are too long! They will seize up the brake. It is worthy to note that this only applies to the outer side of the axle. Anyhow, the stock bolts are 8mm x 50 mm which are too long. What you need to do is get 6 bolts for the outer portion that are 45 mm instead. Some people cut their bolts down, but I didn't want to deal with that and end up screwing up the thread at the ends.

So, I ended up buying a box of the shorter bolts from MMCC.com. I have a load of them if you want to buy a set for cheap, but I won't be back in town until Monday.

Here is the thread I started when my issued popped up. So, if you have the same original lobro I had, then that's your problem. Here ya go.

PLEASE HELP!! New axle is on, but the brake is now STUCK!
CV Joint bolts from McMaster Carr?

Regards,