*SNAP* Rear Axle sheared off at 45mph and tire went for a ride!

**Lysmachia** · 04-15-2007, 07:44 PM

So on our way home today from helping a friend work on his celica, we were cruising at 45 miles per hour when all of the sudden there was a jolt, and Tippy tipped driver side and we heard massive grinding. Troy was driving and he did a great job keeping Tippy in line while we coasted to a stop thinking at first we had a blow out... that is until we saw my rear driver side tire go flying past us with the 2 foot axle shaft sticking out of it. Once it got about 20 feet in front of us it hit a divot and careened across the front of us only to bounce into a Hyndai show lot. We were so lucky that:

A) We didn't get hurt
B) Another driver near us didn't get hit
c) The tire with 2 foot axle shaft didn't hit any of the new cars.

We had no for-warning. At this point we don't know what failed. Was it the detroit locker? Did the wheel bearing fail? I had slashed a tire 3 weeks ago and got a new spare but it was at 25% tread vs my newer 75% tread tires. Did running one tire on the rear with lower tread ultimately cause it? I am baffled. I had thought that Toyota's might have a rear axle shaft break, but I have never heard of the wheel coming loose and out of the axle housing.

Here she is after we came to a rest and retrieved the wayward tire.

The Tire

You can see the splines are stripped.

Inside the axle housing. Note the damage around the sides.

Poor Tippy! At least Troy and I managed a smile...

What a crazy day!

****
Update... After grinding the last 2 days I got the rear axle and suspention out

Here is the rear axle:

Look at how bent is is. Not sure if it was that bent before she lost the tire - but it might have been which would have weakened the bearing.

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pepsibluefloat · 04-15-2007, 07:50 PM

i had that happen to me in my sandrail going about 30....it really is a weird feeling when you see your own rear tire fly past you....

shoes138 · 04-15-2007, 07:51 PM

WOW im sry man! are u ok? What happened?

tc · 04-15-2007, 07:55 PM

Yeah, we're OK, got off the side of the road dragging the rear dustshield and spilling diff fluid along the way

AuburnRunner · 04-15-2007, 07:56 PM

This happened to my friend in his Tahoe after getting new axle shafts installed... NTB forgot to install some C-clips, and the axles stayed in for about 50 miles before they both dropped out and sped past the truck at about 40mph

SteveO · 04-15-2007, 07:58 PM

Full floater time...

tc · 04-15-2007, 07:59 PM

I thought the rears WERE full floating ... that the axle couldn't come out like that if you broke an axle shaft....

SteveO · 04-15-2007, 08:16 PM

No, sir they are not. D60 are full floaters, FROR conversion is a Full Floater. But, the stock axles are not Full Floaters.

**waskillywabbit** · 04-15-2007, 08:17 PM

You broke something or almost broke it last time wheeling...it just decided to go then.

Time for full floater for sure...best mod I've done besides lockers and gears.

Elton · 04-15-2007, 08:18 PM

that sucks molly

MudHippy · 04-15-2007, 08:24 PM

Basically, a full floating axle shaft doesn't carry the weight of the vehicle. The wheel would be held to the axle assembly, regardless of the condition of the axle shaft. I could be wrong, but I thought only Land Cruisers had full floaters

I can't explain it so well, but try this link.

http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0112...loating_axles/

**waskillywabbit** · 04-15-2007, 08:28 PM

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/reviews/fullfloater/

neilan · 04-15-2007, 08:38 PM

haha my uncle had that happen on a jeep with 38 iroks the whee/tire/axle combo stuck into a ladies passenger side window

SteveO · 04-15-2007, 08:39 PM

looking at the pics again, it appears the inside of your axle tube is boogered up as well. Looks like its time for a D60 axle. Then you'll have a Full Floater, and lots of beef..

d0ubledown · 04-15-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveO

looking at the pics again, it appears the inside of your axle tube is boogered up as well. Looks like its time for a D60 axle. Then you'll have a Full Floater, and lots of beef..

...not to mention the width that tippy needs to umm...become untippy?

crappy deal on the axle...good thing nobody got hurt!

Stomis · 04-15-2007, 09:12 PM

If my axle ever went through someones window I'd be out on 3 wheels so fast it wouldnt even be funny

ZUK · 04-15-2007, 09:21 PM

The rear is a semi-floater.....you didn't even break an axle...the splines tell the story.

What happened is somebody did not press the bearing assembly on right. They left off the safety sleeve and/or clip that prevents the bearing from walking off the shaft. As it starts to walk off, the spline engagement on the axle ends becomes "less" and the result is the spline damage you have there. The wheel comes off all the way when the bearing walks all the way off the surface. You had better remove the other side and check for the pressed on sleeve/clip.

tc · 04-15-2007, 09:37 PM

Any chances you have a pic of said sleeve/clip?

JamesD · 04-15-2007, 09:42 PM

Is nobody seeing the irony here that she broke down right in front of a Toyota dealership?

Sorry Molly I find humorouis.

James

JamesD · 04-15-2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZUK

The rear is a semi-floater.....you didn't even break an axle...the splines tell the story.

What happened is somebody did not press the bearing assembly on right. They left off the safety sleeve and/or clip that prevents the bearing from walking off the shaft. As it starts to walk off, the spline engagement on the axle ends becomes "less" and the result is the spline damage you have there. The wheel comes off all the way when the bearing walks all the way off the surface. You had better remove the other side and check for the pressed on sleeve/clip.

Good ole Zuk, that is why majority of the members here send you the work and nobody else. Your the man!

James

**Lysmachia** · 04-15-2007, 09:54 PM

Thanks guys - yeah I too am just so glad no one got hurt. Thank god I have a tax return coming.....

Ok and Zuk - thanks for the heads up! I will definitally look at the other side now. I am running 5:71 gears (Love your article on that BTW) and I was hoping it didn't trash those.....

thook · 04-15-2007, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

Any chances you have a pic of said sleeve/clip?

Does this help at all?
(EDIT: This is it)
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...33rearaxle.pdf

**DeathCougar** · 04-15-2007, 10:05 PM

Is that the quick release axle mod?! lol

Also, its not a Toyota dealership. Its a Hyundai dealership...as stated in her post lolol

Thats it,

time for JamesD

80W90 · 04-15-2007, 10:32 PM

Good thing nobody got hurt.
The axle was not installed properly. Sorry had to say it.

The sleeve that butts up against the inner bearing has a thick C clip. you didnt get this clip far enuff down into the groove.

the full meal deal comes unglued when this isnt done right. Drum, axle and wheel. So your axle didnt snap, but I imagine all that spline damage is from its journey on the way out, and the road.

I am glad you are ok.

thook · 04-15-2007, 10:37 PM

Gremlins.

04-15-2007, 07:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
pepsibluefloat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 382	i had that happen to me in my sandrail going about 30....it really is a weird feeling when you see your own rear tire fly past you.... __________________ 1988 4runner::SAS\|3.4L swap\|Swap to 5speed manual\| RF1A \|5.29's\|Aussie Front\|LockRight Rear\|Longfield axles/Hub Gear\|4"Rear/3"Front springs\|Marlin High Steer\|Custom CV rear driveshaft from High Angle Driveline\|Rear D/S shortened and made into front D/S \|35" Goodyear MT/R \| Addicted Offroad front bumper \| Marlin rear bumper My 4runner n stuff

04-15-2007, 07:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
shoes138 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Folsom, Ca(near Sac) Posts: 456	WOW im sry man! are u ok? What happened? __________________ 89' 2wd Toyota Pickup - 3vz-e, Custom Cold Air Intake, Flowmaster Exhaust, Lowered Suspension, Custom Rims, Black Paint Job, Extensive Sound System to find out more Click here....http://www.cardomain.com/ride/437849/6

04-15-2007, 07:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	Yeah, we're OK, got off the side of the road dragging the rear dustshield and spilling diff fluid along the way __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

04-15-2007, 07:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	Full floater time... __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

04-15-2007, 07:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	I thought the rears WERE full floating ... that the axle couldn't come out like that if you broke an axle shaft.... __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

04-15-2007, 08:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	No, sir they are not. D60 are full floaters, FROR conversion is a Full Floater. But, the stock axles are not Full Floaters. __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

04-15-2007, 08:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,555	You broke something or almost broke it last time wheeling...it just decided to go then. Time for full floater for sure...best mod I've done besides lockers and gears. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

04-15-2007, 08:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,663	that sucks molly __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

04-15-2007, 08:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
MudHippy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Realm Of Fecal Cohesion Posts: 2,014	Basically, a full floating axle shaft doesn't carry the weight of the vehicle. The wheel would be held to the axle assembly, regardless of the condition of the axle shaft. I could be wrong, but I thought only Land Cruisers had full floaters I can't explain it so well, but try this link. http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0112...loating_axles/ __________________ Sonoran Steel Early IFS Truss Your IFS is SPINELESS without it SonoranSteel.com I'm Cuckoo For YOTA Trucks!

04-15-2007, 08:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,555	http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/reviews/fullfloater/ __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

04-15-2007, 08:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
neilan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Corvallis Oregon OSU Posts: 466	haha my uncle had that happen on a jeep with 38 iroks the whee/tire/axle combo stuck into a ladies passenger side window __________________ DD: 87 4runner SR5, 31's, rebuilt engine, intake, new head, new injectors, new afm, 2.25 exhuast, header etc... SOLD: TR: 81 sr5 pickup. 5.29's spool rear, detriot front, highsteer, 36 sx's, lifted, bobbed, cagged, 22r with header, 32/36, 261 cam, new head and rebuild. Residing in the PNW bham 360

04-15-2007, 08:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	looking at the pics again, it appears the inside of your axle tube is boogered up as well. Looks like its time for a D60 axle. Then you'll have a Full Floater, and lots of beef.. __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

04-15-2007, 09:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
Stomis Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Point Pleasant NJ Posts: 630	If my axle ever went through someones window I'd be out on 3 wheels so fast it wouldnt even be funny __________________ 87 Chevy- Flatbed, dana 44 lockright, Custom 10.5 14 bolt lockright, 36 TSL radials

04-15-2007, 09:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
ZUK Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phx AZ Posts: 539	The rear is a semi-floater.....you didn't even break an axle...the splines tell the story. What happened is somebody did not press the bearing assembly on right. They left off the safety sleeve and/or clip that prevents the bearing from walking off the shaft. As it starts to walk off, the spline engagement on the axle ends becomes "less" and the result is the spline damage you have there. The wheel comes off all the way when the bearing walks all the way off the surface. You had better remove the other side and check for the pressed on sleeve/clip. __________________ www.gearinstalls.com 2001 white Xtra-cab Taco 3.4L auto TRD 88 Runner/V6/auto/31"/5.29gears ZUK was what my friends in 1990 "tagged' me with when I was building a brand new white 1990 Sami for a magazine cover. The name stuck and I haven't been able to shake it off....not even with antibiotics.

04-15-2007, 09:37 PM	#18 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	Any chances you have a pic of said sleeve/clip? __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

04-15-2007, 09:42 PM	#19 (permalink)
JamesD Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,829	Is nobody seeing the irony here that she broke down right in front of a Toyota dealership? Sorry Molly I find humorouis. James __________________ New Tacome V6 transfer case http://www.yotatech.com/f107/sale-br.../#post50755569 Various Toyota truck/4Runner switches for sale http://www.yotatech.com/f109/various...trucks-148139/

04-15-2007, 10:32 PM	#24 (permalink)
80W90 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cascade Mountains, SW-WA Posts: 255	Good thing nobody got hurt. The axle was not installed properly. Sorry had to say it. The sleeve that butts up against the inner bearing has a thick C clip. you didnt get this clip far enuff down into the groove. the full meal deal comes unglued when this isnt done right. Drum, axle and wheel. So your axle didnt snap, but I imagine all that spline damage is from its journey on the way out, and the road. I am glad you are ok. __________________ 1980 4X4 - 1986 4Runner - 1989 4X4 - 1979 4X4 - 1987 4X4 - 1990 4Runner-1994 4Runner-1989 4Runner 22RE 22RE 22RE 22RE

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