79 Series Cruisier Rear Axel

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 14:56
ThreadID: 101084 Views:5074 Replies:5 FollowUps:4
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Hi all, Just experienced a snapped RH rear axle on my 2007 '79 Series cruiser. The shaft has parted ways with the flange. I was unladened at the time driving like Miss Daisy on the black top. I have been hauling around a Travelander on the back for the past 2-1/2 years (50,000 km's). I was just wondering if this is a common fault and who are he best suppliers for new axles and bearings etc to do the repair myself.

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Reply By: Ross M - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 15:38

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 15:38
G'day Mick M
Sorry to hear of the AXLE.
Sounds like you have has loose wheel bearings for a long time (no see) and the flex has produced high stresses at the flange. Loose bearings will often break axles at that point.

Driving like Miss Daisey at that particular time has nothing to do with it as the weight and the radial twist are the telling factors.
Loose bearings will also total a replacement axle too.

If the Travelander is quite heavy then the same will be happening to the other side axle as well
If, after pulling that axle, you can feel any looseness in those wheel bearings too.
I would replace both axles as the one that isn't broken yet will have received the same destruction forces and will be/highly likely close to breakage.

With a good look at the machined radius of the axle you may see a telltale hairline crack which hasn't let go YET. Soak with diesel, wipe clean and dust with powder to see if you get a wet line appear. Sure sign if you can't see the crack.


The other possibility is the rear axle housing is bent and not amount of correct bearing adjustment is going to prevent future axle breakage.
Maybe you might have to get the axle housing checked by a truck aligner (who straighten such faults) before continuing on your way.

DO NOT overlook the possibility the housing is bent. If it has bottomed it's suspension and you have felt, it then it is highly likely to be bent.

PS the break will have a gradual circular look to the break with the outer edges greyish and the centre of the break will be more fresh looking and granular in appearance.
Bearings or bent housing symptoms.

Sorry no help with suppliers, I'm from Vic.
Cheers
Ross M
AnswerID: 506782

Follow Up By: Member - Mick M (WA) - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 16:18

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 16:18
Hi Ross, Thank you for the information. I'm away working for a few weeks but I'll look into it when I return home and let you know what I find.
Regards,

Mick M

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Reply By: cruza25 - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 16:30

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 16:30
This place is pretty good, I have used them a few times.

No connection with them , they list many parts and deliver quickly anywhere.

http://www.4x4world.com.au/HDJ79/landcruiser/parts/rear-axle/

Good luck

Cheers
Mike
AnswerID: 506783

Reply By: Dennis Ellery - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 16:49

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 16:49
I have the 2008 Troopy,
With lockers on, a couple of times I been on hard rock in low range and forgot to turn them off.
Made the wheels skip and squeal – it worried me that I might snap or fatigue an axle at the time.
AnswerID: 506784

Follow Up By: Rockape - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 19:53

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 19:53
Dennis,
have a good look at the axle hub studs. This is the first place you will see problems. Just get a spanner and give the stud nuts a light tighten, that will show if any are ready to let go.
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FollowupID: 783893

Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 21:00

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 21:00
Rockape
Thanks for the info.
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FollowupID: 783906

Reply By: mountainman - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 18:21

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 18:21
just replace the axle.
terrain tamer are pretty good, go the fuji/ yukon axles.

i sheared both my axles using my air locker.

kept shearing the axle hub studs later.
ended up getting the arp stud upgrade through locktup..
no problems since.
they reckon the cone washers come loose and sheer the stud. i agree.

those cruisers are strong, no way that diff is bent as some are saying.
ive seen some of them heavily loaded and still fine.

lcool has a wealth of infornation compared to some bad advice here.
join up its free, and plentifull information from real landcuiser enthusiasts..
most are pretty friendly.

AnswerID: 506788

Follow Up By: get outmore - Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 23:01

Thursday, Mar 14, 2013 at 23:01
yep cruisers are tough but the diff housings can will and do

crack and bend trust me from someone thats had cruisers do both its your info that is bad

theres very little chance that axle has snapped for no reason and most of the replys here are a possible cause
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FollowupID: 783922

Reply By: olcoolone - Friday, Mar 15, 2013 at 08:52

Friday, Mar 15, 2013 at 08:52
The best thing to do is get the axle and the diff oil analysed by a professional engineer who specialises in automotive investigative forensics.

Things just don't break for a reason and no point in replacing something until you know the root cause.

If it flailed from incorrect machining, poor heat treating or incorrect metal composite then their is a good chance you can claim of Toyota...... even if it is out of warranty.

As for axle bearings I would go genuine Toyota.
AnswerID: 506816

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