No, I don't consider it a game changer, it is not something to worry about, the guy who started this thread sounded like it was for him, plenty of other things that can happen before you need to worry about an axle breaking off, it happens, but a lot of other things do also, and more often. Bob
"Being old, isn't half as much fun, as getting there"! Ole Robert I!
Originally Posted by Rpracing1:
In my 35 plus years of spectating sprint car races, 25 plus races a year in the midwest, I think I can count on one hand the number of RR axle failures that I have seen. Is this a bigger problem elsewhere in the country? Or is my mind just gone?
I've seen it several times, usually as a result of a rough track (I think Holtgraver did it in October at Atomic driving across the ruts). But You're right, you don't see it everyday.
We rebuild between 150 to 200 Midget and sprint rear ends a year. We see it in our shop about 8 times a year. Of course there are others that happen in Indiana and elsewhere that we don't know about.
A solid inspection and maintenance program and respecting the manufactures recommendations goes a long way.
Originally Posted by LEADERS EDGE:
We rebuild between 150 to 200 Midget and sprint rear ends a year. We see it in our shop about 8 times a year. Of course there are others that happen in Indiana and elsewhere that we don't know about.
A solid inspection and maintenance program and respecting the manufactures recommendations goes a long way.
Can you share where on the axles the breaks are happening to see if there is a pattern? Also, do more breaks happen on ultralight vs. light weight?
I apologize if this is a non-issue. I'm new to sprints and saw that horrific video I mentioned and was concerned it was more common, but sounds like just being vigilant with maintenance will take care of it. Thanks.
Originally Posted by Jesse B:
Follow up question, how often should the rear end be rebuilt?
We replace our axle every winter. Sometimes more if it takes a big hit. $600 is a lot cheaper than $6000 to rebuild a car from scratch. While you're in there look around. Make sure bearing chrome is not pitted or flaking and make sure the wear on the ring and pinion is not to the edges of the teeth.
If you look in your mirror and see a line of cars behind you, be kind and pull over.
Originally Posted by spankytoo:
We replace our axle every winter. Sometimes more if it takes a big hit. $600 is a lot cheaper than $6000 to rebuild a car from scratch. While you're in there look around. Make sure bearing chrome is not pitted or flaking and make sure the wear on the ring and pinion is not to the edges of the teeth.
