Rear Axle

[csjcarolyn]

My rear axle is singing to me. I see Sue and others have made contact with similar problems and I wonder what the outcome has been.

Is it just the differential unit which is normally replaced or the whole axle? What sort of prices can I expect? Where did the unit come from?

has anyone ever fitted different top and bottom rear suspension arms - other than the Ford original items? If so who was the supplier and what costs? Are there any particular problems fitting different arms?

It is a nice song but I doubt if it can maintain such a high note for too long.

Many thanks Roger Johnson

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi Roger,
Yonks ago my axle started to rumble and sing. I tried "Krause" which worked for a while but my pinion etc was extremely worn. I had a 2 litre engine but the axle was the lighter weight type on the 1600 Cortina. I bit the bullet and ordered a re-manufactured Atlas type( the heavier one) from Abbey Transmissions (01992 893833) I needed to order new half shafts too as the old ones do not fit the bigger Atlas axle. It cost £235 in 1998 - it may be a lot more now. I have had no trouble with the axle since then although I think the ratio is a bit high for my new engine.
A cheap mod to the four links is to weld a plate along the "U" section. This greatly enhances the rigidity, but alas, the weight. I did not do this but fitted Superflex bushes which made a difference. If you can get the later arms with larger bushes they will help the handling too. Good luck with the job!

Ah, I have just thought. Do you have the Cortina suspension? If you have the Sierra type then all the above is useless.....

[KitCarGirl]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi

When I was looking into changing my back axle, which I still haven't done, Brian Gadd sent me the following info:

Axles, two types, A and B. The A was fitted to the 1600 and below version , while the B went to the 2000cc car. The B was also the heavier version and could handle the extra engine power. It had a bigger nose cone section and also the rear of the diff. had an external flange which went around the outside edge of the rear plate. This is probably irrelevant as you are changing it anyway.
Ratios. The 1600 had a 3.89 as standard, but an optional 4.11 for saloon cars and estates, probably covering the range that reps and load carriers would want.
On the 2000, all cars were fitted with a type B axle with a ratio of 3.75, however, there were some variants, but you would not want to fit them, even if you could get them.
From my recall, bearing in mind , I built the 1st in 1987, this corresponds to my memory recall, and it would be interesting to hear of other members experiences.

I was going to go through KitFit for mine. I still will at some point but I have to pay for some dental work first!

[csjcarolyn]

Re: Rear Axle

Thanks for these replies. Something I should have stated earlier, my car has a 1.8 Zetec engine with a five speed Sierra Gear box and standard Cortina rear suspension

[gaddbrose]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi Roger. When I made those recommendations to Sue, I established that KITFIT had spares in stock. I have never tried to repair an axle, but a close friend did and found it a very difficult job requiring specialist tools etc. Kitfit stock lots of parts and specialise in Cortina, Escort and Sierra, prices are good and components are generally reconditioned. Try them on 01522 778877 and ask for JOHN. Brian.

[danny_nelson]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi Roger , In the early days we used the axle from a 1600 with a 4speed box and 2000cc engine. With your 5speed box look at the other options.

[jw.slade]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi Rodger
try gear change at www.gearchange.co.uk tel no 01278722359
they are near Bridgwater regards john

[jw.slade]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi Rodger
on ebay cortina rear axle Item no 220560606374

[jw.slade]

Re: Rear Axle

Hi Rodger
email me j.slade(at)tiscali.co.uk local garage might have one

[csjcarolyn]

Re: Rear Axle

Thanks everyone for your input. I did not realise the Diff. does not come away from the axle at the front but has to be worked on from the rear via the large inspection plate.. I am therefore thinking of taking my complete axle to a transmission specialist ib Southampton, my wife doe not know yet that I will be borrowing her car soon.