Replacing rear axel housing -- pumpkin rotted out

[tyrenta]

I've been limping along for about two years on the JB Weld fix for the rear axle housing (add me to the list of those that say its good for a temp fix only, no matter how nice a job you do), but finally found a replacement housing from Mississippi and had it shipped up.

Just received it -- it looks to be in good shape except there is damage to the backing plate, and given the mud in it, it wasn't due to shipping. Any opinions on how big an issue this is? Can I just bend it back or is it going to be a problem?

 

[thegipper]

Just bend it back, it will be fine.

How on earth did it get so muddy? Did they store it under ground?

 

[tyrenta]

Just bend it back, it will be fine.

How on earth did it get so muddy? Did they store it under ground?

I know I wish I had grabbed the pics of it, its not in the yard inventory anymore but the damage was to the front right end. It also has these weird shells stuck to it -- look like barnacle snails.

 

[tyrenta]

Update: I just got around to dealing with this and tried to get the drum off see how much mud is in the wheel.

Its stuck -- I'm using some m8 bolts in the release holes, but it moved about a 1/4 inch, I heard a spring pop, and the side the backing plate is bent on wont go any further. The opposite side continues to push out until the whole thing binds on the stems.

Any ideas? I'm now wondering if the backing plate is bent b/c someone tried to pry off the drum previously, since that spot is where it is stuck. I can no longer rotate the hubs seems a show may be engaged not sure....

 

[Scramble]

I know I wish I had grabbed the pics of it, its not in the yard inventory anymore but the damage was to the front right end. It also has these weird shells stuck to it -- look like barnacle snails.

It was probably flooded during Katrina.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Try and turn the adjuster from the backside. If mud is caked in there you are most likely SOL.

I know one auto parts store that will rent one of these:
Super price on OTC Tools - 6575-1 at ToolTopia.com

Otherwise Kroil and whaling away with a BFH may be your best bet.

 

[Scramble]

Update: I just got around to dealing with this and tried to get the drum off see how much mud is in the wheel.

Its stuck -- I'm using some m8 bolts in the release holes, but it moved about a 1/4 inch, I heard a spring pop, and the side the backing plate is bent on wont go any further. The opposite side continues to push out until the whole thing binds on the stems.

Any ideas? I'm now wondering if the backing plate is bent b/c someone tried to pry off the drum previously, since that spot is where it is stuck. I can no longer rotate the hubs seems a show may be engaged not sure....

Try to clean the mud out with a pressure washer then WD40 in the release holes.

 

[tyrenta]

Adjuster wont budge, going the BFH route with a 4x4 in between

good point on katrina

 

[tyrenta]

That did it -- shoe was rusted on. There isnt too much mud after all, I'm just going to clean it all up and replace the shoes, wire brush and paint the housing and see how things go from there.....some bonus snail pics at the bottom

Snails: