[Spridgets] Broken axle/differential?

[Jim Seippel]

Whether or not it is the rear end, you will have to pull both half shafts
(axles).  Jack the car up, remove both wheels, brake drums, and both half
shafts. If the half shafts (axles) are good, then it is the rear end. I am
betting on the half shafts.
Jim 

-----Original Message-----
From: spridgets-bounces at autox.team.net
[mailto:spridgets-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Kenneth Klemmer
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2011 6:57 PM
To: spridgets at autox.team.net
Subject: [Spridgets] Broken axle/differential?

Hi all, i need help diagnosing this problem.

This morning while pulling away from a light, i heard a pop, and then
nothing happened. Engine fine but car wouldnt go in any gear.  Upon further
investigation in a parking lot (good thing sprites are easily pushed) i
found that the driveshaft would turn while in gear, but no power to the
wheels.  So after a tow home, i jacked up the car tonight, expecting a
broken axle.

What i found: the right wheel rotated but was tight feeling.  The left did
not rotate the opposite way nor did the driveshaft rotate.  Went to rotate
the left wheel and the driveshaft eventually turned, but a lot of play.
Then went back to the right and turned it and the driveshaft began turning
with that
side too.  It was still pretty tight.   Back to the left and it now rotates
the driveshaft with no play.

This leads me to think my axles are intact, but i blew something in the
diff.
Am i correct?  I assume dropping the axle (i just rebuilt the suspension,
this is a 1/4 elliptical mark 1/2) is in order, but this gives me an excuse
to change the rear gearing i suppose.

Thanks!
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