Uh oh, did I break just an axle or more?

[Denny]

D'oh!
I went to the strip last night, hoping to make some nice runs for once. And I'm lined up at the light. Stage myself and then I start to launch. I was simply going to press the gas pedal a bit to get my revs up. The second I touched the gas(didn't floor it or anything, just touched the gas normally) I heard a slight little pop. Didn't think anything until I tried to start. . . .
I didn't move anywhere. So I got out of gear, went back to first and tried it again, thinking maybe I was just out of gear or something. No go. Tried just dropping the clutch, nothing... So I tried reverse, nothing.
Well, so the two guys doing the bleachbox push me out as a crowd laughs at some guy break down in his Taurus at the start.

I check things out. My passenger side axle is busted. The metal part broke inside the inner CV joint, the boot is exposed, grease everywhere, I find the boot ring all twisted up on the subframe.
Question is, is it just the axle or something else?
The other side(driver's) is good from I can tell. However, when the car is in gear, the wheels are not locked. I can turn them both. However, the axle on the passenger side hits and makes a nice noise to it. And in gear, with the car running, if I'm off the clutch, I don't stall out. The engine revs up a bit slowly, and the speedo registers. In fact I was doing "25mph" when I tried to get out of the light. So why isn't my driver's side wheel doing anything? Or is this an effect of the open differential, the power's going to the wheel with least resistance, which in this case is now simply a metal piece that was once connected to the passenger wheel?
The axle is under warranty, however it won't be delivered until Wednesday most likely. According to the repair manual, I need to replace some bolts too that attach to the lower control arm?
Is this an easy thing to do, swap axles. I hear Mark Nunnelly brings SPARES to the track, maybe I'll have to that too! But just how do I put them on?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[SolidState]

CAn you get any pics of the damage?

What you are saying makes sense...the clutch is probably engaging properly and the transmission is running properly, explaining the speedo registering. And, as I understand it, the open differential puts the power to the wheel that has the least resistance, so again, you would be right.

Crazy that you sheared a half shaft...

 

[Denny]

I should have taken a pic earlier, can't now it's dark. But I have a manual that has the assembly all pieced apart. From what I could see and feel, it snapped where the inboard joint tripod assembly is.
And yeah crazy that the halfshaft would break. However, my SHO has finally been brought back to life and I'm amazed at the power it puts out. Compression tests on the cylinders were in teh 240-250psi range. Add that with some light mods, and this is one strong revving and hard pulling Yamaha! burn_out
But what gets me is that I didn't do a burnout, completely avoided the bleachbox, and I haven't been doing any big wheelspins just for the **** of it. The only thing that I have been doing alot is barking the tires when hitting the gas full on or shifting into second.
When I heard the pop sound, nothing big, just a slight pop! I was just touching the gas to rev up for my launch. I wasn't even pushing the car then.

 

[SolidState]

heh...at least you know your diff is working fine...

 

[Diameg]

Denny,

Josh T also brings spare axles with him.

Both him and Mark are running a heavy duty axle I believe. At a race here in Ontario, we commented on how Josh had these 'indestructable' axles.
Josh said they are supposed to be but he brought spares 'just in case'.
Sure enough, he broke one that night and changed it in about 45 minutes.

It sounds like that may be all you broke, at least let's hope that is.

Man, when you guys set the timing belt right, you sure did add some serious power back to that puppy, didn't you!

 

[Huntervf]

He broke an axle while sitting still, clutch pushed in and only slight pressure on the gas. Damn that's either an awesome example of SHO power, or a typical example of SHO drivetrain reliability

But yes, Denny's car is QUICK. I wouldn't be surprised to see it run 14's, just as long as the drivetrain stays in one piece.

 

[Denny]

Hey so does anyone else think my diff is ok?

And where can I find info/or possibly where to get heavy duty axles. What makes them heavy duty? I would hate to break an axle periodically and have to replace it. I guess if these guys can do it in under an hour. I can try my luck out tomorrow. Did they use an axle puller or anything special?

 

[Denny]

Awww geeze Chris, I HOPE it's an awesome example of Yamaha power! frown

 

[jniemiec]

dont know about the problem you got, but i know that had to suck.....i think everyone feels yer pain on that one. eek!

thats about as bad as the time i ended up in the ditch in front of school in 80 degree weather.

***edit***
god @#$% i cant qoute for !@#$ son of a *&^%$

<small>[ July 21, 2002, 12:59 AM: Message edited by: jniemiec ]</small>

 

[sho_dwn]

I have broken 3 half shafts in the 2 1/2 years I have owned mine. From what you describe it sounds like that is your only problem. Everytime I break mine its the inner joint on the driver's side.

 

[Denny]

Ouch, in a ditch in summmer weather..hmmm how did that happen?

SHO_DWN, I can see how you pop axles! eek! You must be putting alot of power out with your SHO! beer But, when you broke yours, you had the same thing, you could get in gear, lay off the clutch and the car wouldn't stall out, the engine would rev a bit and the speedo would register that you were "accelerating?"

 

[luigisho]

Denny, if you want stronger axles contact Josh at sho nut. He and Mark N.(drivinhard) are running them. They are made special and I'm sure cost a bunch.

 

[Denny]

Stronger axles would be nice, but at least these are still under warranty.
But here are some pics of the carnage!

And here you can see where the steel shaft used to be attached

Messy and seems very scary and difficult to do, I don't quite understand the directions on it. And won't the strut and spring pop out if they're not bolted to the hub spindle anymore??

 

[Tim Schloz II]

Belive it or not the same thing just happened to my 91 except drivers side. it me about 3 hrs to change it it was real tough to get out for some reason. you shouldn't have to take the strut out just take it lose at the ball joint. you may need someone to help you pry the control arm down to get it out. Good luck

 

[pete c]

I figured out a little trick to get the control arm down low enough when I did the struts on my slo. Get a big ass adj wrench or better yet plumber's wrench. Put it on the flats of the control arm (behind the knuckle). Use a foot to push down on the wrench, it will swing right out of the way with plenty of clearance to seperate the strut from the knuckle.

 

[Huntervf]

Hey Denny, I just remembered....the SHO NUT clutch replacement video goes step by step for removing the half shafts, video and written directions. It's really not that bad, just some time and a bit of muscle. If you want to borrow my vid just let me know thumbs_u

 

[Denny]

Sweet! As well, I think I need a breaker bar. Don't have one here. Hopefully can get this done today!

 

[Denny]

D'oh! I spent an afternoon and have nothing much to show for it! Chris, I think I'll need to check out that video asap!
I can't get the hub to come off of the lower control arm and I've already obliterated the balljoing boot frown

 

[Denny]

ALRIGHT! I have it all out almost! Now to go after the broken half, wish my luck guys! burn_out

 

[Denny]

IT'S ON! WHOOOHOOOOO!!
How long do you think it is before it snaps again? squint