axle damage?

[machm1969]

I bought a set of Aerostar avles out of the yard for a 5 lug conversion. When I got them home my friend looked at them and said they were junk because of some light pitting on the surface where the bearing rides, is this true? This is a car I only drive occassionally on nice days, not a race car. New axles are $80 a piece, I just gave $70 for this pair.

Thanks,

Matt

[84ttopnotch]

aren't the aerostar axles different lengths? u need 2 of the same side for aerostar axles to work.

[84ttopnotch]

take them to a machine shop an ask their opinion.

[Neighbors]

You have to be real careful buying used axles like that; about 75% of the ones I've seen doing gear installs that have over 50K have at least on bad axle. The 'pits' are the first signs of spalling, which will progressively get worse as you drive on them. Not a big deal if it's a recreational vehicle (and non-race!), but the noise (howling/growling) will increase as the damage progresses. If you're stone deaf, you're good to go, LOL!

They make an axle saver bearing that offsets the rollers from the 'normal' position, but they are only good for about 12K miles, so I've heard...

If it were me, I'd run them and save my pennies for a 31-spline upgrade project during the winter...

[machm1969]

I was just looking at the CJ Pony Parts catalog and saw that they have slightly offset bearings for pitted axles, puts the bearing contact point in a different spot. Anybody ever use these?

Thanks,
Matt

[Ltngdrvr]

NAPA sells the axle saver bearings.

They work, never heard anyone say they only work for 12,000 miles though.

If you plan on putting much power down with them then buy new axles.

[85stanggt]

I have the axle saver bearings on my car. They're great. Very quiet. I have close to 10k on them.

[machm1969]

I'm making around 300hp. I'll put less than 3k miles on it a year, only drive it on nice days. The offset bearings seem like a good way to go.

Thanks Guys!

Matt

[JamesD]

You sure you got the correct axle length? You need two passenger side axles from an Aerostar or two driver side axles from a Ranger. Did you get two axles from the passenger sides?

James

[machm1969]

Axles are both passenger side Aerostar.

Matt

[SRM351]

FWIW, I used one of those axle saver bearings for a few years and never had a problem. As long as you buy a reputable brand, you're golden.

[machm1969]

Thanks Guys! The local autp parts store has Timken ones for $31 a piece, alot cheaper than $215 for a set of axles!

Thanks,

Matt