Drive Flange Spline Removal.....with Magic!

[duggy]

Ah, you make a good point. I didn't look at the pictures close enough. You actually machined the splines out, and not only pressed out the splines.

I've always been curious how we would get out of the trail if we ran into this situation. Could running without the c-clip even be possible? The axle would move in the axle hub, which I imagine wouldn't be a good thing, but could it get you to the nearest auto parts store?

 

[spressomon]

The circlip keeps the backside bearing seal, apart of the CV, in position. Not a deal breaker but as long as you're going to fab a splineless solution...

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

The circlip keeps the backside bearing seal, apart of the CV, in position. Not a deal breaker but as long as you're going to fab a splineless solution...

Now you have me worried having driven 100+ miles without drive plates. I felt there was enough axle pressure to not need the clip. Tell me more of what Im missing with the 100, all non IFS axle clips serves a completely different purpose.

 

[spressomon]

The CV axle end circlip keeps the CV from migrating inward. Its probably not enough to cause a mechanical issue, not sure as I've never run mine without the circlips, other than the potential for road/trail ingress to inner bearings due to the inner seal/dust shield potentially being out of position (relative to suspension movement and its impart on the CV).

If you jack up the front wheel, unweighting the suspension, you will see the CV shaft migrate inward...without a circlip in place.

 

[3D FJ]

Is there a risk of damage to the splines of the cv axle while it is rotating since space will exist between the axle and the flange? Is there any play in any direction that could cause the splines to contact the flange?

 

[badlander]

The drive shaft with it's splines will just rest on the bottom surface of the spindle bore. The flange needs to be bored out just enough to where the I.D. clears the drive shaft splines as it rotates around the drive shaft.

 

[1toy]

Very nice job with the machining. Hope you don't break the front diff and have to use these flanges.

The conversation now is concern for the CV axle with drive flanges removed. I have driven 100+ miles without flanges and clips. Wrapped rags around the splines and made it home from the trail. I would prefer not to do that again but in the even it happens again I would not hesitate. I also had removed the front drive shaft. I am not a mechanic but I didn't see any harm after I fixed the front diff.

 

[badlander]

1toy,
That's good to know. Any sign of contamination (water, dust, etc.) that may have worked it's way into the inner back side of the knuckle or needle bearings?