Dumb question and I know what the answer is, but I just need to hear it from someone else. In putting the exhaust on my beater GS, I snapped off the little plastic axle vent doo dad on the tube. I tried removing the remnants that were stuck in the tube, but despite my best efforts the piece fell into the tube :spank: It was petrified plastic. Which is why it snapped off in the first place Anyway, its bothering me that I have this little piece of debris in the rear. Even Jennifer said that it would get ground up into oblivion if it even made it to the gears. Do I bother taking the axle tube out or listen to my better half (more like 90-10 her favor) and just leave it be? I have a problem leaving things be. Its like a scab!! So what say you?
Leave it, I doubt if it'll ever move far from where it is now but even if it did it can't get past the carrier bearing to get into the gears. But with that said, if you decide to pick that scab you can pull the axle and should be able to reach it and fish it out with a long piece of wire.
You really don't want to leave that plastic piece in there. your asking for trouble mister:Smarty: I don't really know what could happen. just didn't want you getting to confortable with it floating in there :bla: I'm sure it's fine...for now:laugh: [video=youtube;otKVMnR8FRs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otKVMnR8FRs[/video]
I'd leave it. Years ago, I had a '75 Electra with positraction, A couple clutch plates cracked, and was binding the axles (locking) BANG BANG BANG, it would go making a turn. I removed carrier, replaced the clutches, 2 halves were missing, guess the ring and pinion ate 'em, never found the pieces, and the rear didn't seem to mind either.
The plastic is softer and more brittle than any other material inside the rear. It wont do any damage.
Hell Jason...I had the outer bearing shred apart on my 3.90 rear end. I took it all apart and drained the fluid. Everything just stayed in the axle tube. I took a rag and piece of broom handle and shoved it in the center section when I cleaned it up. I also found the paper that was attached to the Moser axle in there. No harm at all. I doubt that plastic is going to be a issue...ever.
Yep, Can not tell you the JUNK that we find in rears that are on the road driving...lol. IF it is in the tube it will not bother a thing. If you ever have to remove the axle shaft you can get it out. Jim J D
