busted studs... damn!

Submitted: Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 11:51
ThreadID: 6201 Views:2172 Replies:4 FollowUps:1
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G'day all. For the FOURTH TIME the stud on the short axle BRHS have snapped. I was flagged down on the way back down the Hume last week with a meter of axle hanging out. Luckily the diff locks let me travel the last 400k home. Did some damage, at least I wasn't stranded. Traralgon 4wd spot welded around the axle mount to give more strength last time. He reckons he'll do a heavier weld this time. Others have suggested bigger studs, but he thinks there isn't enough thickness for this.... or at least doesn't like the idea.... What's your idea? Keep in mind that I've got a big rig with extra length and weight [3 tonne].

Cheers Royce....
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Reply By: Janset - Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 14:44

Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 14:44
Hi Royce.

I have a friend who is a mechanic and works on 4WD on a regular basis, and this very subject was discussed by us not long ago as I have heard of it happening before.

It is his opinion the the nuts work loose ever so slightly causing a small movement of the axle between the stud and the hole. He considers a larger stud size not required, instead recommends a regular checking and or tightening of the nuts. In addition he also recommends Locktite be used on the thread.

I now do as he suggests. I hope this helps.

Regards
AnswerID: 26087

Reply By: Member - DOZER- Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 17:51

Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 17:51
Gday
Firstly, it is common for this to happen to auto locker equipt cruisers. Loose the loka and all will be ok again.
Otherwise, you can drill out and tap to the next size the 6 threads in the hubs, using unbrakos as fasteners with loctite. Aswell, drill and put in another two locating dowls to make 4 in all.
I had a loka in the 60, and ended up putting it in the front and a air loka in the back- ah-much more reliable:-)
Andrewwheredayathinkwer mike?
AnswerID: 26102

Reply By: Member - Peter- Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 18:24

Sunday, Jul 27, 2003 at 18:24
As the others have said a very common problem with auto lockers, lose the auto locker and the problem will cease. I ran airlockers in the rear of troopy's for about 16 years with no problems.
Everyone that I know with lockrites or any sort of diff that 'camlocks' has had the problem sooner or later, something to do with the shock loading which is too much for the drive pins and studs causing them to flex which in turn loosens them enough to allow movement which breaks them.
Bigger tyres and dropping diff or trans ratios accentuates the problem.
Usually after a few breakages the hub is distorted enough to require replacement.

Peter
AnswerID: 26106

Follow Up By: Allyn (Pilbara) - Tuesday, Jul 29, 2003 at 16:20

Tuesday, Jul 29, 2003 at 16:20
Now I'm intrigued and even a little nervous! I've done 90K with my Lock Rights and not a single issue. I rotate tyres (285/75R16's) every 10K and check studs every long haul but other than that - nothing.
I must admit that given the time over again I would have an air locker in rear though but this is the first I've heard of this problem. I shall be particularly observant from now on.so many places, so little time !!!
0
FollowupID: 17863

Reply By: Old Jack - Monday, Jul 28, 2003 at 13:49

Monday, Jul 28, 2003 at 13:49
Hi Royce,
Am I reading that the STUDS themselves are breaking or the metal they are screwed into is breaking away?
welding the metal will possibly be exhasperating the problem by embritteling the parent metal.
Thats One big rig you have sitting on presumably the standard rear Axle assembly. Fatigued metal due to high loads, large offset rims, over sized tyres etc. set stress fractures. while welding it up might be possible you are probably on the limmit of the strenght of the axle assemmbly.
Long term you might need to find a replacement rear diff assembly. you appear happy with your truck so finding a replacement heavy duty diff from a truck and putting it under the old girl might be a long term solution (toyota, dyna??? truck?)

AnswerID: 26156

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