Forums General Counties Cars Discussion Somerset differential breather

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
  • Author
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  • #1433
    malcolm622
    Participant

    Hi does anyone know how to remove the differential breather for cleaning on an Austin Somerset?
    With kind regards
    Malcolm

    #1435
    number5
    Participant

    Hi Malcolm,
    On A70 and 90’s, atop the breather there is a screw driver slot, and using a wide but stubby driver, they screw out. I think they are either 5/16 or 3/8 inch BSF.

    If that fails, there may be enough room to use a pair of multi-grips on the stem. Just be careful, for I know that at some time around late 53/54, A70 Herefords had plastic ones fitted, and they can break quite easily.

    Cheers-peter

    #1437
    malcolm622
    Participant

    Hi Peter
    Many thanks for your helpful reply
    Malcolm

    #1457
    malcolm622
    Participant

    All removed and cleaned with no dramas.

    #1459
    number5
    Participant

    H there Malcolm,

    Just viewed your note about the removal of the previous posting was undertaken without any dramas. Are you able to advise if there was any technical hassles arising from it. I would not like to think there was any “virus” that may have been transmitted from my lap top. As a precaution, I have just undertaken a scan check and it all was OK.

    Look forward to hearing from you.

    Regards-Peter.

    #1461
    malcolm622
    Participant

    Hi Peter
    I cleaned around the breather and used a bit of penetrating oil. The breather did not want to shift with a screwdriver, but a gentle twist with mole grips and the breather loosened with no problems. Hub seals all changed, but unfortunately one slightly damaged thread on the axle tube. Hope to try to dress the same with a needle file (fingers crossed). The ever helpful Austin Counties club supplied me with a couple of used nuts.

    #1463
    number5
    Participant

    Hi Malcolm,
    Trust the threads will clean out OK. If you have a spare old nut, once you have addressed the threads with the file as best as possible, If it is still hard to get a good nut to screw on without excessive force, with the bearing housing removed, one approach to ease the problem could be to place the spare nut in a vice holding it on the inner and outer sides, then cut a slot on one of the flats. keeping it in the vice to ensure the nut does not warp, gently open it up using a narrow drift, sufficiently enough so that it can be screwed loosely over the axle housing thread.

    Ensuring that the cut across the nut threads is clean, apply some grease on the housing thread, and place it at the rear of the axle housing thread, and using a clamp, close the nut so that is a snug, but not too tight a fit onto the axle threads, then screw the nut off. This acts as a chaser, starting from good thread.

    This has been effective on a number of occasions when working in the field, and not having access to appropriate thread dies and die nuts.

    When you are ready to fit the nut, I would suggest to use some good quality thread cleaning agent, and thread lock compound. When folding the lock washer onto he flat of the nut, see if you have a “heeled” bar, that can be sharpened to get behind the washer to start the bend, the a appropriate drift to seat them home.

    Were you able to get a proper socket, or nut spanner. Whatever you do, resist the temptation to use a chisel to tighten them.

    “Austineering” is good fun.

    Cheers-Peter

    #1465
    malcolm622
    Participant

    Hi Peter
    Sorry to take so long to answer!
    I have dressed the thread this morning and after getting a couple of spare axle nuts from the ever-helpful Graham Potts, all is well.
    Next job now is to tackle the pinion seal!!!!

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