Help rebuilding front axle

I am in the process of rebuilding the front axle fitting all bearings etc went ok and they all seem to spin freely and look as they should, however when i try to refit the new swivel housing and half shaft into the axle the half shaft doesn't seem to want to slide far enough in, i followed the diagram when rebuilding and every manual i have read tells me to use a distance piece but it seems to be the bit that is not letting the half shaft sit far enough into the axle. It is number 3 in this diagram however the one i got from paddocks doesn't look any thing like that. Its a 1982 series 3 with standard axles does it need this distance piece? also is the spacer meant to it up against the axle oil seal? doesnt seem like it will stay in place.

I've got an early three and I don't remember a spacer behind the bearing last time I replaced a seal - it's not in the S3 manual I've got either, although it's in the parts book. Perhaps mine was embedded in the swivel so I didn't notice it? Could you be trying to fit two at the same time?

No I have only 1, I have copied that diagram exactly, I am wondering if the series 3 doesn't need it? It doesn't look like it really needs it. Perhaps the diagram is for the 2A?

tomhop said:

No I have only 1, I have copied that diagram exactly, I am wondering if the series 3 doesn't need it? It doesn't look like it really needs it. Perhaps the diagram is for the 2A?

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you have the conical distance piece pressed nearest the yoke the bearing race then the retaining collar ,are you sure none of the rollers are dislodged

Have you replaced the half shaft as well?

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In these situations I usually try to take things step by step =>

Try removing the half shaft and sliding the bearing (when not fitted to the housing) onto the half shaft. Try fitting the distance piece on to the half shaft in a similar way. Try pushing the half shaft into the side cogs on the differential...

...work through the assembly bit by bit to work out which bit is not playing ball.

Thanks for the advice, hopefully I will manage to spend a bit of time on it tomorrow and I will work through it step by step. It's a great feeling when your managing to get everything thing together for yourself but always worried I will miss something important!

Whoops...... it might of helped if i had taken the old distance pieces and bearing inner race off of the half shaft................ i was so worried i had made a mistake putting the hub etc back together i didn't even look at the half shaft. Straight to the bottom of the class................

everybody has those sort of moments

honolulujoe said:

everybody has those sort of moments

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Indeed - always best to look carefully before reaching for the hammer!

Its not a hammer, its an Engineering Stick.

Kinetic Energy Transfer Wand

bigger the problem bigger the hammer!

Front and rear axles finally finished (well apart from 1 castellated nut which is on order) very satisfying. Thanks to everyone's help