Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen again

Not a buick, but a nice car none the less.

My freind's gf was looking for a daily driver, and kinda had her heart set on a classic. She got a 67 Olds Cutlass, beautiful car. Its been converted to FI and winterized. Very well maintained, and shes a good driver and slight OCD about cleanliness and maintenance.

So she was driving home last weekend, and the AXLE FELL OUT!!! Yes you read right. Why on earth would this happen? Is it a common failure?

The only thing i can think of, is that the "c-clip" failed? Or someone never put one in...

Any thoughts? how did this happen? How do you prevent it?

At this point were looking for a regular 10 bolt 8.5 to stick in there as the 8.2 is probably not worth the trouble.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Yup, a common failure. Prevention relies on checking the lash periodically, which not many people do.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Please elaborate.

Is this common for the 8.5s too? I never knew about this. Thats kinda scary.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

I can happen on any rear axle with c-clips. I'm not sure what the 8.5 looks like, so I couldn't tell you that for sure.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Very similar to the 8.2.

Whats the procedure for checking lash?

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Saw that once happen to a mid-80's Chevy van when making a turn, whole axle slid out about a foot or so before he came to a stop.

I sometimes wonder how well or poorly my rear brake calipers and brackets will hold the axle in if a c-clip were to let loose.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

a 67 olds shouldnt have had a C clip unless a later rear was swapped for the original. I wonder if somebody put a chevelle 8.2 in place of the original BOP 8.2

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

WELL... I know you guys are all dead set against c-clip rears BUT it can and has happened with bolt in rears too.

THIS is one of those deals where it sounds like someone messed around with the rear and either NEVER install parts correct or maintenance issue.

If the bolt in axle bearing (sealed bearing) got over heated it could very well walk out too as the crush collar coouls have snapped OR never have been put on the axle to hold the press on bearing in place.

Yes the c-clip could have also fallen out esspecially if it was a POSI unit ...things could have gotten sloppy in the clutchpack and of you turn hard into a corner and hit a few bumps might have released and fallen out.

I have never seen a c-clip shatter... Bend yes shatter no. There are a lot of reason why such stuff happens BUT it is not from a design flaw. PERIOD.

I am going to go with installer error on parts.


ANY chance you will be posting parts for view? I am sure we can help figure out the issue and cause.

DO NOT down play your 8.2 for driving and doing burn outs etc. It will hold just fine Chevy or BOP axle. Jim

P.S. Shoot a picture of rear cover we can tell you what rear you do have.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

A few things to help back up your theory. We are certain it is not a Posi. However ive just never thought to look at the rear end, so i dont know if its an 8.5 or 8.2, im only assuming. Will check to make sure.

The other thing that caught my eye was overheating. this is entirely possible, as she visits my freind in Ottawa every other week, and works maybe an hour away from home. She has put close to 9000 miles on the car since August, and its used on 2-5 hour trips regularly.

Ill ask my freind to take some pictures and post them when we get to the car. Might not be for another week. Its stuck at a garage about 2 hours from here, they are gonna quote to fix it. Were also shopping for a 8.5 10 bolt.

She maintains the car, but isnt going to rebuild it peice by peice, and of course we cant account for everything the previous owner may or may not have done. Id just like to know what to check to prevent this.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Thats exactly what happened here. She heard a wicked noise and called my freind, he told her to pull over. As she was pulling over, the wheel pull out about a foot.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Hi Azeem,
I have a 66 Skylark 8.2 inch rear end if your interesred.
thanks Bruce

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Yes! i am. Please PM details and co-ordinates ASAP.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Hi Azeem,
It's currently still attached to the 66 Special rolling chassis, it has a 225 v6 in it, I can't remember how many miles were on the car, I did drive it up and down my driveway a few times. (450') PM sent.
thanks Bruce

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

another cause that i have seen is the end of the axle wearing on the cross shaft,giving it enough endplay to allow the c-clip fall out.a bent axle flange will cause this.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Bent axle flange?... ???

Cross shaft will certainly be an issue...If you bent that...BUT you would need to hit a concrete wall to bend that shaft ...So an accident is in order for that.

Bent axle flange...I do not know where that one would be an issue for the c-clip to fall out? You will have to explain further on that one. Jim

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Got an update. Still dont know if its an 8.2 or an 8.5 but the mechanic had a look at it and he used the word "grenaded" to describe the internals. Time for a new rear housing/axle assembly all together. Would be cheaper in the long run.

They are going on vacation for a week, so ill have them contact you when they get back Bruce. Thanks for the offer.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

NO- Wait till you see and hear the damage first. WAS it a posi or open?

If it was a open - Just PM me and stick some spiders back in and you are on the road again. IF it is a posi Yes you will need a 400.00 unit and you might want to rethink things.

Let's just see. I wish we could get some pictures. Jimo No:

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Yes i wish i could too!.

We have a trailer, maybe we should just bring the car back to my freinds house and work on it there.

Its not a posi.

 

Re: Really strange failure, your thoughts? Trying to make sure it doesnt happen agai

Jim.if you hit a curb & bent the wheel or flange,this would cause the axle shaft to work in & out while driving (doesn't need to be bent much),then this wouldd wear the end of the axle against the cross shaft creating way too much end play.i've seen the end worn to almost nothing.

but until we see the diff in question,we are only guessing.