Help removing broken shaft?

[jeepin4x4james]

I can't get the broken piece of shaft out of my Detroit...




I pulled the Detroit out and put it in my 12 ton press, it doesn't budge.
Any tips or tricks? I have a 100ton press at work, should I just take it there?
Thanks!

 

[I Lean]

I'm assuming you're pressing through from the other-axleshaft-side, right? I don't remember the 9" Detroit internals specifically, but usually there's only like a 1/4" hole you could get something to poke through the cross shaft. You may need to pull the Detroit, and separate the halves to get the side gear separate from the rest, then knock it out.

 

[Kiel]

any change you can can unscrew the spanner?

 

[jeepin4x4james]

I'm assuming you're pressing through from the other-axleshaft-side, right? I don't remember the 9" Detroit internals specifically, but usually there's only like a 1/4" hole you could get something to poke through the cross shaft. You may need to pull the Detroit, and separate the halves to get the side gear separate from the rest, then knock it out.

Yep, I have the Detroit pulled from the third and using a small round punch to press from the opposite side.... Guess I may have to pull the Detroit apart then

 

[AaronPaige]

You can try a little heat not enuf to mess with the carbon in the steel of the locker but 300 degrees or so makes all the difference in bearings

 

[jeepin4x4james]

Sounded like something broke when it finally came out!
Little bit of heat and a whole lotta pressure...

 

[1995zj]

Now that's a good lookin' paper weight!

 

[ricsrx]

Now that's a good lookin' paper weight!

Coffee table conversation piece!!

 

[rockdog]

Holy twisted splines! How are the splines in the Detroit?

 

[jeepin4x4james]

Holy twisted splines! How are the splines in the Detroit?

The splines look perfect. Bit gouged on the housing from pressing it out, nothing major

 

[bryson]

I'd pull the Detroit apart before reassembling the axle... They are fairly notorious for having issues after a shaft breaks like that. I understand the shock load from the break often destroys internals...

Don't quote me, but I think the issue usually lies with the locking teeth on the clutch assembly/spider assembly.

 

[neagtea]

I'd pull the Detroit apart before reassembling the axle... They are fairly notorious for having issues after a shaft breaks like that. I understand the shock load from the break often destroys internals...

Don't quote me, but I think the issue usually lies with the locking teeth on the clutch assembly/spider assembly.

View attachment 88553

X2

 

[mesha]

wow!

 

[jeepin4x4james]

I'd pull the Detroit apart before reassembling the axle... They are fairly notorious for having issues after a shaft breaks like that. I understand the shock load from the break often destroys internals...

Don't quote me, but I think the issue usually lies with the locking teeth on the clutch assembly/spider assembly.

View attachment 88553

Good thinking.
I'm actually going to run a spool now and build a spare 3rd with the Detroit.... I'll go through and replace any necessary parts first though.

 

[flexyfool]

Wow. I've seen splines twisted along with a break but that thing is destroyed beyond. I can't comprehend the additional damage. Are the "cracks" spiraled from the break?

The damage indicates the shaft was not through-hardened. The outer shell is hardened and cracks. The inner twists. This is normally how rear semi-floats are made.

 

[jeepin4x4james]

The damage indicates the shaft was not through-hardened. The outer shell is hardened and cracks. The inner twists. This is normally how rear semi-floats are made.

Yep. Looked in to through hardened shafts but without going full float it's a bad idea, so I ordered some more induction hardened shafts.

 

[jeepin4x4james]

All good!
Guess this is a little bit of a testament to a Detroit's strength.