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Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:06 pm

i have installed the axle and axle tube on one side. I can turn the main shaft and the axle turns but when i turn the axle itself the main shaft does not always turn. i feels like it engages but is slipping.

also i used 2 gaskets on the cover. axle tube moves freely but is a bit tight. how free should that be

any ideas on that. thanks!

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:43 pm

There's supposed to be a slight drag but no binding through full range of movement when lifting each axle tube. The plastic daisy is supposed to have a film of oil on it when assembled, and all nuts must be properly torqued (not overtightened, or you'll warp the flange in the area around each nut). It's best to do a trial assembly on each side before even installing the axles, but from your description, it sounds like you may have it perfect.

Not enough info provided on your other concern. Is it in neutral? Would the other axle turning the other way? I doubt that you're seeing anything unusual. Get both axles on and then check it out.

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:52 pm

trans is out of the car. i think i'll put another gasket on it and see. i think it is a bit too tight.

also put other side on and see what happens. thanks!

Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:28 pm

It's hard getting these perfect with only the thick red gaskets. VW used to offer two different thicknesses (1 or 2 tiny indicator holes). Three thick gaskets might be too sloppy.

So long as the tube with axle drops under its own weight with no binding when surfaces are oiled and all nuts are properly tightened, you're probably good. But by all means check with 3 before final assembly.

Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:39 pm

Is it normal to have reduced play in the axle tube when moving it up or down, toward the end of its travel. Free in the middle, tighter at the end?

Fri Jul 06, 2012 8:43 pm

If it actually binds toward the top & bottom, that's when you need the thin gasket that doesn't come in the Brazilian gasket sets.

Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:38 am

Glad to hear you found a solution to the snap ring problem.
Yes setting up the axle tube to fall slowing under it own weight with the gaskets that are available now does not work well.
Gears is right, I miss having the thin gaskets for setting it up correctly.
Sanding and cleaning up the daisy and the bell on axle tube is a lot of work to do to make things work.

Mon Jul 09, 2012 1:17 pm

still fighting this damn thing. have 3 gaskets on each side. the right moves fairly free but the left wont budge. i do have a HD side cover. would it be normal to use different number of gaskets per side.

i was also thinking of using a thin layer of the grey RTV.

Mon Jul 09, 2012 1:39 pm

All bets are off when using aftermarket parts. Just keep adding gaskets until proper clearance/movement is attained.

I absolutely HATE dealing with sealant on these gaskets, regardless of what others may do. If the flanges are flat (around each bolt hole), there is no leakage .. even with those mediocre red gaskets. Aftermarket axle flange stiffeners really help in avoiding leaks and warpage.

Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:10 pm

well i think i got it. took 3 on the right and 5 on the left. thanks for the help.

hopefully it wont leak.