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This is in regards to the same thread that I already started. I wanted to create another one, because I think my harsh words on the first one might have undermined the issue. There is potential for a problem!
Here is the scenario - all six of the bolts for the driver's side inboard rear axle connection fell out at the same time. Found the bolts on the side of the road all within 50 feet of each other.
Inspection - 3 bolt holes damaged on out put hub, CV joint collar banged up, signs of contact with aftermarket exhaust. Four of the bolts show lube oil on the thread area only, does not appear to be random on the bolts, but deliberately on the threads. Other two bolts were completely dry, sample bolt from opposite side was completely dry.
Evaluation - Exhaust pipe was believed to be the culprit, but the contact area does not line up with the CV collar (which did not have signs of contacting the pipe). It also does not line up with the bolts when properly installed, bolt heads do show signs of contact. When attempting to duplicate, the exhaust pipe and/or axle can not be moved in anyway to cause contact with each other.
- there was also concern that the exhaust shop had loosened the bolts to do the work, could not confirm via interviews, inspection of the wrenching area of the bolts, and through evaluation of the installation process required.
My findings - I believe that axle hop caused the bolts to loosen, either because they were not torqued to spec, because they were lubricated and should not have been, or the vibration caused by axle hop is so much that the properly tightened bolts were caused to loosen.
- I last expereinced axle hop about 3 weeks ago. I believe that the bolts continued to work themselves out as a group as the axle spun, and just prior to falling out they contacted the exhaust pipe.
I have looked at this with as open of a mind as possible and my frustrations lie with the narrow minded view of the dealerships. I have worked in the automotive field for 15 years and in the middle of it worked as a Navy aircraft metalsmith and inspector (which encompasses flight controls, landing gear, and countless other moving parts as well as the airframe structure). I have conducted dozens of inspections for conditions on the aircraft, and have innitiated a few myself. For the last 5 years, I have worked in a position were I am involved with performance parts manufacturing as well as providing tech support for those parts. I spend MY whole day answering peoples questions and troubleshooting their problems/failures/installation issues.
Thank You,
Dave
Here is the scenario - all six of the bolts for the driver's side inboard rear axle connection fell out at the same time. Found the bolts on the side of the road all within 50 feet of each other.
Inspection - 3 bolt holes damaged on out put hub, CV joint collar banged up, signs of contact with aftermarket exhaust. Four of the bolts show lube oil on the thread area only, does not appear to be random on the bolts, but deliberately on the threads. Other two bolts were completely dry, sample bolt from opposite side was completely dry.
Evaluation - Exhaust pipe was believed to be the culprit, but the contact area does not line up with the CV collar (which did not have signs of contacting the pipe). It also does not line up with the bolts when properly installed, bolt heads do show signs of contact. When attempting to duplicate, the exhaust pipe and/or axle can not be moved in anyway to cause contact with each other.
- there was also concern that the exhaust shop had loosened the bolts to do the work, could not confirm via interviews, inspection of the wrenching area of the bolts, and through evaluation of the installation process required.
My findings - I believe that axle hop caused the bolts to loosen, either because they were not torqued to spec, because they were lubricated and should not have been, or the vibration caused by axle hop is so much that the properly tightened bolts were caused to loosen.
- I last expereinced axle hop about 3 weeks ago. I believe that the bolts continued to work themselves out as a group as the axle spun, and just prior to falling out they contacted the exhaust pipe.
I have looked at this with as open of a mind as possible and my frustrations lie with the narrow minded view of the dealerships. I have worked in the automotive field for 15 years and in the middle of it worked as a Navy aircraft metalsmith and inspector (which encompasses flight controls, landing gear, and countless other moving parts as well as the airframe structure). I have conducted dozens of inspections for conditions on the aircraft, and have innitiated a few myself. For the last 5 years, I have worked in a position were I am involved with performance parts manufacturing as well as providing tech support for those parts. I spend MY whole day answering peoples questions and troubleshooting their problems/failures/installation issues.
Thank You,
Dave