NAA rear wheel fell off

fnirish · Jul 16, 2013

Looks like a previous owner stripped the left rear spindle threads so they drilled a hole in the spindle and installed spacer washers and a retaining pin. I've been using it like this for two years and never noticed until it came off. Can I just put in a high quality pin to repair it or am I just going to get a repeat of the wheel falling off? Thanks in advance for any input.

8N Ren · Jul 17, 2013

I'm pretty sure that it's the same axle set up as the N series. On my 8N the axle nut wasn't tightened properly buy the PO which in turn the axle nut would loosen off and chew up the threads and the tire almost fell off. I ended up putting a good used axle and hub in that side and really put some juice into it. I think it needs something like 450 ft/lbs to be proper.

As for the hole in the axle, they are made like that. The axle nuts are supposed to have a locking ring type pin on them. If you look them up on a ford parts site you'll see what I mean.

Best of luck
Ren

fnirish · Jul 17, 2013

I would go ahead and replace the axle but time is an issue for me. I only get the weekends to tend farm and with the tractor down I'm losing the battle against nature. I was thinking if I could just "pin it" till fall I will have time to replace it then. BTW, this is no show tractor - it is a fully employed work horse.

Loadstar · Jul 17, 2013

Any junkyards around? I sheared an axle shaft at the splines and opted for a good used shaft vs. New. I asked for an axle shaft and received the entire left housing. Housing, axle, hub, bearings, and brakes all just included. I actually could have just swapped it, but I stripped it down and put all new bearings and seals in. Maybe a junkyard swap is an option.

fnirish · Jul 17, 2013

Loadstar, how big of a task is just doing the swap without replacing bearings and seals?

Loadstar · Jul 17, 2013

I'm not sure if your axle setup is exactly the same as my 600 so I have to toss that disclaimer out. I also don't remember if there are any brake components in the way. So assuming brakes are clear and everything is the same.. It's pretty simple just unbolt the hub from axle flange and slide it out. Mine has shims between flange and hub so I just carefully cleaned them and returned them to original position. If you scored a good shaft and hub assembly from the junkyard I think it would be a few hours labor if you have the tools and means.

LD1 · Jul 17, 2013

Fix it right. New or junk yard axle. But dont do what the previous owner did.

Aside from it being really dangerous and stupid, it is possible to damage much more expensive parts in the process.

What would happen to YOU if you were in road gear (or even on the road) @ 14-15 MPH??? Sure it dont sound very fast, until it happens and your in the hospital

fnirish · Jul 17, 2013

Thanks Loadstar and LD1 - I guess I'll just bit the bullet and do it right. Can't really afford the down time but I guess a bandaid fix could cause a lot more down time. I'll check our local tractor graveyards first. I was on it moving in first when it came off and I just about fertilized the cotton. I imagine it would be worse running in 4th.

Loadstar · Jul 17, 2013

Just think if whoever fixed it the first time would have done it right. I went used axle shaft because I figured new came from china. I trust an axle made in the fifties more than a fresh china one. good luck! It is easier to fix it right once then enter a bandaid snowball spiral.

Soundguy · Jul 18, 2013

at thins point.. checkt he axle to hb fit on your parts. the hub may be worn past use. .. if you get a good hub and axle from a junkyard.. and they are still serviceable.. that is the cheapest bet.