Thread: what to do if I break an axle

Originally Posted by DassaW

Guys, ever since I ve had my disco people have been asking if Ive broken an axle yet. Now I try not to drive my truck too hard, but Im sure the time will come when I end up beaking an axle out in the middle of the bush.

The question is, what can I do about it if it happens? Im assuming most axles will shear cleanly and the section closest to the diff will keep turning when I drive etc.
So if the CDL is in Im guessing it will become a rear wheel drive car? and if I then turn my lockers on I will have a 3 wheel drive, which should be able to get me back to a main road etc.
Is there any problem with doing this? am I going to damage anything else by driving the car with a broken axle?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

Darren

Yep, that's it

Just engage the locker on the diff with the broken axle and continue on you merry way, keep in mind, it will be a little bossy as you will now be DIRECT drive to 1 wheel, which is completely different to a normal open diff

what year disco ?
i don't think you should be all that scared, if you are not flogging it to death you will find they are pretty strong.
if you break a front axle you will still be able to progress on the rear in normal terrain, and vice-versa. the main worry is that bits of broken axle may find themselves in the diff where they can cause all hell.
the only way to fix that if you have broken something is to remove the axle shafts of the damaged axle front/rear and also take the appropriate drive shaft off.
that way the diff will not turn and therefore will not grind anymore metal, you can them drive on the remaining axle with the centre diff locked, either a front or rear wheel drive disco.
of course you run the risk of introducing rubbish into the wheel bearings without the axles in place,.

Its a 97 300tdi, I try and be gentle with it, but harder tracks sometimes need a bit more right foot etc. Anyway at least now I know its not the end of the world if it breaks and I can still get home ok. Anyone got any pics of broken axles? do they just twist and shear cleanly?

Speaking from experience (it was a 97 300Tdi Disco) I would say it depends on how broken it is and if its front or rear. Sometimes you just need a tow home

If you can, remove the broken bits. Then engage CDL and drive home...

The reason why people keep asking is that the axles in the Disco aren't as strong as the Defender. On top of that, the large tyres means that you're putting much greater stresses on these axles.

Lockers in the front also have a tendancy to 'pop' CV joints if not careful...

M

I have to be honest, I personally do not know anyone that has broken axles in Discos, Defenders or RR Classics. Know a few series axle breaks.
I do not think it is as common as some people make out.
Rather the axle though than Yota and Troll Gearboxes, diffs, yokes etc.

I broke mine..and then replaced with Maxidrive ones
You will know by the large Bang


Craig you do know someone ......................................Me

Interesting post, something i have never really thought about, so I looked it up, well asked a question, this seems to be the most appropriate answer


The axles are simple to install and can take another worry out of your off road adventures. No axle is "unbreakable" but if you drive with common sense and have the best equipment going, you have a good shot at getting through the trails when your buddies Rover is side lined with a snapped half shaft!

( thanks to east coast rover)

key words, best equipment and common sense.


john