| Author | Message | ||
     John Rowney Experienced User Username: johnrowney Post Number: 190 Registered: 02-2015 |
I am removing the axle of my 1938 Wraith, WXA68 (see a separate thread - Wraith Differential Oil Seal Leak). I noticed that there are indications of the axle hitting things that it really should not hit. The photo below shows the paint removed where the right hand axle tube has been hitting the exhaust pipe.  The photo below shows the damaged exhaust insulation (asbestos?) where the axle tube has struck it.  The following photo shows the paint damage to the Right Hand axle tube where it has hit the upper rubber bumper.  I know that on my last trip to Newcastle to attend the 2025 RROCA National Rally, I often had banging noises from the rear when I was going over some wonderful potholes in the NSW roads (which couldn't be avoided). Obviously the noise was the axle tubes hitting the exhaust or the rubber upper bumper. Someone suggested to me, and I can't remember who, that I need to get my rear springs re-tempered, to eliminate this unwanted bottoming of the car on the rear axles. Once I get the complete differential assembly removed for the other job, It will be a great opportunity to get the springs removed and tempered. Can anyone advise me if this is a feasible option, and is there any workshop in South East Queensland that they would trust for such a job? Many thanks John Rowney | ||
| Koen Dierckxsens New User Username: prewarrb Post Number: 13 Registered: 04-2024 |
John, Things are obvious: your rear axle should have full FREE travel between extreme low position (axle hanging fee) and extreme high position (when you enjoy the Australian potholes). Rubber bump stops are mounted to the chassis rails, limiting movement of axle upwards. When interference with exhaust is noted, most probably the exhaust is at stake here. Indeed, your swan neck looks a little flat to me. An original swan neck would have a steeper design. Also, the rear part of the exhaust may need to be moved to the rear? People should realise with RR there is not much room for error. Mount a cheap exhaust that is not according original specifications and you may run into troubles. Regarding the springs (re-tempering): Your thoughts may be true/valid for a lot of cars (other makes), however I recommend you to think twice. First of all, correct standing height is of utmost importance. When your car is fully laden, the distance between rubber buffer (of original thickness, mounted to rear chassis rails) and axle should be 3.5" - then the rear standing height is correct. Result: it is a VERY bad idea to have your rear springs worked on (re-tempering, re-settling, etc...), without measuring your standing height FIRST! If not, you could very well end up with a wrong looking car. If ever you did measure correct standing height BEFORE you started work (removal axle, etc...), then a re-set of the springs may be envisaged, and the work may be done taking into account your previous measurements (weight, deflection, etc...). If this is not the case, I suggest leaving things alone - for now. However, while you are at it, I suggest performing a thorough maintenance of the spring leaves: undo all leaves, clean and repack with grease. You will be surprised with the result! Regards, Koen, | ||
| HedleyPiper Unregistered guest Posted From: 86.133.147.99 |
GVO36 1929 20Hp (in the UK) Yes you can remodel leaf springs, try driving into a wall ! The body rolled sideways on bends causing rubbing of the tyres agains the wheel arches. Also a problem in the right lower ball joint in the shock absorber linkage.; very worn after 96 years with no lubrication. Solution: springs off, dismantled and I ran the upper 4 leaves through industrial bending rollers. Only the rear halves and only until the increased camber made the ends of the leaves contact the leaf above. Not a very great change. It has however improved the ride. And not changed the vehicle's stance. Replacing the ball joint and tightening that linkage up also made a great difference. I do wonder if I might have gone just a little further with the bending, but it is all together again! Plenty of thick oil on the leaves and then wrapped in oil soaked bandages and covered with leather gaiters. (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| John Rowney Experienced User Username: johnrowney Post Number: 195 Registered: 02-2015 |
I have still got the complete rear axle out of my Wraith since I am waiting for a washer to be delivered from Fiennes. In the interim, I looked carefully underneath the car, and found that the exhaust system was out of alignment by about 2" at the rear. This would mean that the exhaust pipe would be hitting the axle trumpet about 2" closer to the differential, and therefore less clearance. Once I have the rear axle fully reassembled and installed (and hopefully going without an oil leak) I will get an exhaust specialist to eliminate the misalignment of the exhaust pipe. Hopefully this may end some of the banging. With this done, I will measure everything up as per Koen Dierckxsens' advice before doing anything further. I am hopeful that the washer from Fiennes arrives tomorrow. Trouble is that this is the festive season, and a few social events are planned which may slow down my progress. Cheers John |
