Axels....New, used, Rebuilt..

#1

My last good used axels went to Steve Bassen and Indy Jim…so I started looking around. The axels in the car seemed to have a lot of “play” meaning I could turn the wheel a bit before the axel engaged. I didnt think this was good. I started pricing things out and it was all over the board, around $300 for new to $125 for rebuilt. I do not trust rebuilt as I figure they just clean em, put new grease and boots on and out the door.

I ended up buying some “NEW” axels from Advance Auto Parts, they were cheap, damn cheap but I figured I would give them a shot. Per Chuck Taylor’s (Pattons) advice I put the axels in a freezer (Aunt Millie’s Pizza at VIR, GREAT pizza…) and they literally slide in, did not have to hammer them at all. I am not sure this is good. The thickness of the inner CV was not the same so I had to scare up some washers as the allen bolts bottomed on the stub axel without getting tight…also the outboard boot rubs. The axels seem to have more play at the wheel than my old ones. They would probably last forever on the street but I am wary of using them more than a weekend or so. I probably will run them till the boots go then take them back, probably 1000 miles on the street and one track weekend.

Anyone have a good source? I am going to hit the pic-a part yards and pull any axels that look clean and do not have much play.

Al

#2

NAPA lists new half shafts for ~$107.19 each and rebuilt at $53.69 each. Later this summer I’ll be able to tell you what the quality looks like.

#3

Yep, I got these for $64.99, nEW, the company is based in the Grfeenville/Spartanburg area, home of BMW…made in China though. One of my sources is saying that Chinese stuff is getting better…apearently because of market demands. Hmmm…ask Canterbury about his LeMons control arm debacle.

Al

#4

Half shafts so rarely fail that it only makes sense to replace them with a good used part. BMWs OE is far better then a Chinese made replacement part or a rebuilt part. I would even pay more for a good used oe part then a new or freshly rebuilt one.

#5

Al - my first thought would have been to call you to ask you if you have any :slight_smile:

I have bought from these guys in the past:
http://www.raxles.com/
No problems.

-Vic

#6

Al, biggest problem that we’ve found is the one you mentioned,the outboard boot (likely inboard is the same, too, but it doesn’t matter) is too big and rubs the shock/spring. I can show you Laura’s at the next race.

So, how do you get the small boot in either reman (Laura’s) or new.

On the street it really would not matter as I doubt the axle goes over 85mph.

RP

#7

you can also try the rebuild kits. Seem like the inner parts are usually ok. replace the boots/grease and go.
Chris has them at bimmerparts.com

Drive-gear.com
"we rent spec E30’s"

#8

I rebuilt mine. Usually the replacements from Autozone or Advanced are not Lobro joints that’s why they are cheap.
I found an extra set of originals at the dismantler.

#9

I am gonna start looking at the U pull its for good original low mileage units off automatics, I guess if I find 2 that should do me for a while. Bassen blew one out at VIR, of course I think he has 320hp. Travis blew one out on the street. I just hate having the slop in them. I believe that used OEM is better than new aftermarket. I got the reciept and boxes on these, gonna run em at Charlotte.

Al