It's been years since I've done one of these, but here goes:
The rear hubs are connected to the vertical uprights by a bushing system the
same (but different) as on the front trunions (the trunion is the brass part
at the bottom of the front upright that serves as a lower ball joint, so the
word trunion is not applicable here). There is a steel sleeve that often
rusts itself to the thru bolt, making removal impossible without much work
and ruined parts! This also happens on the front to the trunion thru-bolt.
-> My Spit 1500 failed it's MOT last week. One of the problems was
-> "excessive movement in offside rear trunion bushes". I stripped out
-> the half-shaft last night and found that the trunion bolt is seized
-> into the trunion. The only movement that was occuring was between
-> the vertical link and the bolt, causing the bolt-holes in the
-> vertical link to wear oval.
->
-> (The rear trunion is also sometimes called "inner hub" or "bearing
-> housing")
->
-> This bolt feels like it is _welded_ to the trunion. I tried the
-> large hammer technique and a long extension on a socket to try to
-> turn the b*st*rd, but no luck. I took off the lubrication plug and
-> the trunion looks full of grease so I don't quite understand which
-> bits have seized.
->
The lubrication plug goes to the area of the bearings, not the bushings, so
this won't help!
-> Some questions:
->
-> 1. How do I get the bolt out ? Drill ?
If the bolt holes are elongated, you need a new piece, so torch the bolts and
waste the lost
-or if you want to try and save them--
Spread the vertical pieces with a threaded rod and 2 nuts to get a gap. Use
a hacksaw to cut off the bolt ends, be careful of the upright and hub.
-> 2. Will I need to replace the trunion ?
If you are referring to the bushings, yes.
The hub may also need replacement if the opening for the bushing kit has been
enlarged (this may have happened)
Use plenty of never sieze! (you've learned this the hard way). This is the
case for the front trunion kits and the thru bolts of all the metalastic
(rubber/metal sleeve) bushings in the suspension also!
-> 3. As the bolt holes in the vertical link have worn, should I
-> replace the vertical link ?
During removal of the bolt you probably wasted these and they should be
replaced.
-> 4. Should I just try to get a complete half-shaft ? (expensive,
-> but then I don't have to do 1-3 above plus press off and replace
-> the hub, bearings etc)
Not a bad idea, but before purchasing from the wrecking yard (assuming you
refer to used parts) check that you can remove the bolt and then rebuild the
bushings using never sieze!
Check for straightness and that the bearings are well lubed. Make sure there
is a return warranty if there are defects!
-> 5. When (if) I finally get around to reassembly what should the
-> torque setting be for the trunion bolt - the Haynes manual
-> doesn't specify.
Really tight! Refer to the front trunion bolts, they should be similar
torques.
A key to the maintenance of the Spitfire is using neversieze on almost
everything you re-assemble on the exterior of the body!
Good luck, let me know how you make out!
Clark
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