How bent is too bent???

kartracer35 · 5/11/15, 9:38 PM

Looking for advice, Just picked up a used 31 spline axle as a spare for my lightning sprint. Decided to throw a dial indicator on it to check run out, it's about .030" is this too much or still useable?

TQ29m · 5/11/15, 9:47 PM

Depends on where it's bent, but it can be straightened, .030 I don't consider bad! Bob

kartracer35 · 5/11/15, 9:56 PM

I got the .030 measurement with the outer ends supported, checking run out in the center of the axle, it's just a spare guess I will leave it as is. Thanks for the reply!

DAD · 5/11/15, 10:10 PM

Kart

.030 isn't too far off. AJ Felker has an axle straightener in house and should be able to dial you in a little closer.

We use him all the time for both rear and front axles.

Honest Dad himself

kartracer35 · 5/11/15, 10:20 PM

Thanks for the info, I will keep that in mind!

LEADERS EDGE · 5/11/15, 11:40 PM

Put it in V blocks and measure the ends and where the birdcages sit. .030 isn't horrible.

it helps to know which end is bent and how much run out there is at the birdcage.

dirtrack · 5/12/15, 2:39 AM

On dirt, you will not feel .030" in the car. Axles are not perfect when new. Most have .005 - .010" run out, depending on how and where you check. The wheels will have even more run out. You don't want to know what the tires have.

LEADERS EDGE · 5/12/15, 9:38 PM

You will notice it if it's much more and depending on where the bend is. A axle can be straight at the bearing shoulder and out 30 thou at shoulder and it can be bent at shoulder and less on the end. An axle can also be twisted in the splines. A quick and dirty in the car is to watch and make sure the cages aren't walking

5/11/15, 11:40 PM	#6
LEADERS EDGE Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 980	Put it in V blocks and measure the ends and where the birdcages sit. .030 isn't horrible. it helps to know which end is bent and how much run out there is at the birdcage. _________________________________________________ Last edited by LEADERS EDGE; 5/11/15 at 11:42 PM.

5/11/15, 9:47 PM	#2
TQ29m Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6,558	Depends on where it's bent, but it can be straightened, .030 I don't consider bad! Bob

5/11/15, 9:56 PM	#3
kartracer35 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 4	I got the .030 measurement with the outer ends supported, checking run out in the center of the axle, it's just a spare guess I will leave it as is. Thanks for the reply!

5/11/15, 10:10 PM	#4 Re: How bent is too bent???
DAD Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,957	Kart .030 isn't too far off. AJ Felker has an axle straightener in house and should be able to dial you in a little closer. We use him all the time for both rear and front axles. Honest Dad himself

5/11/15, 10:20 PM	#5
kartracer35 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 4	Thanks for the info, I will keep that in mind!

5/12/15, 9:38 PM	#8
LEADERS EDGE Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 980	You will notice it if it's much more and depending on where the bend is. A axle can be straight at the bearing shoulder and out 30 thou at shoulder and it can be bent at shoulder and less on the end. An axle can also be twisted in the splines. A quick and dirty in the car is to watch and make sure the cages aren't walking