Thread: machining an axle

Originally Posted by uninformed

Is it possible to only through harden certain sections of an axle shaft?

Not to my knowledge. It is possible with induction hardening though.

Originally Posted by LowRanger

Hmmmm that is interesting,it is the first time I have heard of one like that.
Make sure that you let Keith know,that it is the whole axle and not just the portion that fits through the swivel housing.
Possible they are no longer manufactured in the same place as previously made?
And yes,I would be asking for a replacement

Well, wasn't a lot of help, was told to just bore the swivel. Not exactly what i wanted to do, it should all just be a bolt in fit, so i've lost a little faith now.
Never got an answer whether the axle could be machined or not, its probably less than 1mm in overall diameter. Axle slides in about 6" then stops, oh well, better bust out the die grinder (if i can find it)

Originally Posted by Vern

Well, wasn't a lot of help, was told to just bore the swivel. Not exactly what i wanted to do, it should all just be a bolt in fit, so i've lost a little faith now.
Never got an answer whether the axle could be machined or not, its probably less than 1mm in overall diameter. Axle slides in about 6" then stops, oh well, better bust out the die grinder (if i can find it)

As I said, DaveS had the same issues and got the same response. I felt bad as I recommended the supplier.

In the supplier's defense, he is a small operator and gets the axles manufactured for him, but should still be able to dictate tolerances you would think.

In his defense, how often do you need to swap chrome balls - especially in the field.

Agree, but its just another mod thats not needed. Now i have to get the swivel bored, thats more stuffing around, which is a tad harder when you live in a small town and also don't have time. Also had the wrong flanges sent (thick ones) for the rear, and that hasn't been fixed up either, its been months.
Sorry just a little disheartened.

I'm guessing these axles are not waisted?

at the cv end they are

Originally Posted by uninformed

I'm guessing these axles are not waisted?

Keith's axles are generally machined from pre-hardened blanks, so no.

I received the "bore the swivel" line too, and did have cause to remove the axles on the side of the road but couldn't when my diff broke. It just isn't a properly thought through product and will never recommend that supplier to anyone.