Bent rear axle. Options?

[ovrszd]

It appears you have already been given the answer as to how it comes apart. Trying to straighten it in place is a disaster in the making. I've tried straightening things like this with my 50 ton press. Just before you get it straight, it'll explode into two pieces. While I was there I'd replace the axle seal along with the new shaft. I think you now know why the ad was "as is".

 

[RoMad]

Since you have to take it apart to change the axle you have nothing to lose but a little time if you try to straighten the old axle once it is out of the tractor. It should not be hard to straighten it when it is out of the tractor. If it is, then go buy the new one.

 

[C4Ranch]

Taking the axles out of my old B7500 was easy.

Just a thought, but maybe it's just a bad bearing. Won't know till u get it apart. My B7500 bearing cage was broken no idea how that happened but it was well used when I bought it.

 

[nc redneck]

I would not try to repair axle in or out of tractor, very difficult to do correctly unless you have a machine shop. I have a BX2200 and mower deck should have spring loaded pins to pull for removal. If deck is welded and back axle is bent I think you may be correct and it fell off trailer at highway speeds.
If removing deck ( assuming it is welded ) is important to you I would probably resale tractor on craigslist.
Other option is just leave it as is and run it as long as you can, not sure how long bent axle seal and bearing will last. Depends on where it is bent. As long as it does not damage housing no loss.
Good Luck
Scott

 

[timebak]

ovrszd: After finding out that the housing was cast aluminum, I agree that trying to straighten the axle is a recipe for disaster. After studying various drawings in my shop manual, I've come to the conclusion that the axle really CAN be removed without pulling or tearing down the transaxle. Here are some supporting drawings:

First here is the axle assembly. The only items shown are the axle itself, the axle bearing, and an inside and an outside snap-ring:

This next drawing is a detail of the Differential Assembly with the axles installed. Note that there are NO snap-rings or anything else shown that would prevent the axles from being pulled out of the Differential Carrier assembly. Both snap-rings are shown on either side of the outer axle bearing, just behind the oil seal, thereby allowing pulling without transaxle disassembly:

The next supporting drawing is of the Differential Assembly teardown and re-assembly. Again, there are no snap-rings shown for the Differential assembly.:

So, I'm going to order the parts from Messick's and have at it when they come in. I'm also ordering the parts for the driveshaft refurb, including a next HST cooling fan. I'll post pics of the repair when I do it.

 

[buck boost]

Based on the above pictures, what holds the rear axle in? Just the external snap ring (outside circlip?)

 

[timebak]

Based on the above pictures, what holds the rear axle in? Just the external snap ring (outside circlip?)

Yep. That appears to be it. But there are a lot of cars that are the same way, and probably some trucks, too.

 

[buck boost]

I hear ya. I'm just surprised that C-clip is not on the inside of the differential. It could be a trick to install that oil seal with a fixed hub in the axle case.

That does not look like a big deal at all to change out an axle. I wonder if that ball bearing is pressed on the axle. I would think it should be. Otherwise there would be no way of keeping the inner race from spinning on the axle shaft.

 

[ovrszd]

It's pressed on. That's why a C-clip outside of the bearing can hold the axle in. You will see similar situations with rear axle shafts in 1/2 ton trucks.

You might try straightening the bent shaft after you get it out, before ordering a new one. But if it fails, then you are down longer waiting for them to get a shaft. I've just not had very good luck with doing that. And it'll take a very good press with the proper gear to hold the shaft while pushing on it without damaging the areas where bearings press on.

Take pics and give us a report when you do it.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I agree with replace it.A year or so ago I had to repair the dif lock on my B7800 and was pretty intimidated until I got into it.You will find that it is easier than you probably think and a whole lot cheaper than paying a dealer.We're really fortunate to have Messick"s for parts.

if you are ordering the parts for this, talk to Les in our service dept. We will talk you though doing the repair.