Rear Axle Nut

[flobar00]

I'm reinstalling my rear axle after removing drum, rebuilding brakes, etc. I can't tighten the axle nut enough to insert the cotter pin into the shaft and when I tighten the hub simply freezes. I've provided a picture of the distance between the frame and the shaft on the inside for reference. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?? Thanks so much in advance for your help.

[jeffrey8164]

Put axle should slide it in nice and smooth. You should not have to draw tight with your axle nut. Perhaps you have the wrong ID on your inner bearing? Maybe there’s one too many spacers on the axle? Pull it out look at it make it fit nice and snug before you try to put the drum on.
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[Trylon]

I doubt if you are having the same trouble that I did — I put older oil slingers in the brake drum. Thought they were correct for the car (‘59) but turns out that the rear assembly is newer. Wheel would not turn when tightened.

Thought this example might at least be helpful in determining what’s up in your case.
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1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire

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[flobar00]

It was a Homer moment! I identified the problem which was that the inner bearing race for the outside bearing got installed back on the stub axle. The machining was almost perfect and it appeared as if the race was part of the shaft. It was only after I looked at a new part did I realize the error. I pulled the race off, installed the outside race correctly and everything worked fine. I hope that this might help someone down the line and save a few minutes.