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Prop too short ???
wrxseeker - 13/9/14 at 05:02 PM



I think the prop on my Luego is way too short.

The prop is moving on the gearbox splines and oil is leaking out of the gearbox (type 9) seal.

Can anyone confirm looking at the pics ??
And
Can the seal be replaced with the box in the car ??

Thanks

[Edited on 13/9/14 by wrxseeker]

[Edited on 13/9/14 by wrxseeker]

Ben_Copeland - 13/9/14 at 05:12 PM

Yes it does appear too short. It's possible the oil seal will stop leaking if it was pushed in more. Unless you've been driving like that, then it's probably damaged the seal

wrxseeker - 13/9/14 at 05:23 PM

Thanks - yes it's been driven so it will need a new seal I guess.

The guy who built it did 120 miles in 5 years - I have done 500 in 2 months.

The prop bolts were loose as I guess the prop has been moving about a lot.

If I remember from years ago the seal isn't expensive or hard to do is it ??

Does anyone have any pics of how far the joint should roughly be from the box please ???

ian locostzx9rc2 - 13/9/14 at 05:26 PM

[Edited on 13/9/14 by ian locostzx9rc2]

ian locostzx9rc2 - 13/9/14 at 05:27 PM

About 40 to 50mm should be fine

ian locostzx9rc2 - 13/9/14 at 05:27 PM

[Edited on 13/9/14 by ian locostzx9rc2]

wrxseeker - 13/9/14 at 05:33 PM

Thanks - I am getting myself a bit confused - how much further (roughly looking at the pic) does it need to in ie how much length is needed on the prop please ??

ian locostzx9rc2 - 13/9/14 at 05:52 PM

40to50mm from the end of the gearbox. You should have 40 to 50mm of the sliding part away from the gearbox if that makes sense ?

[Edited on 13/9/14 by ian locostzx9rc2]

britishtrident - 13/9/14 at 06:23 PM

With IRS you can go as close as 20mm
With live axle you really need to check under normal ride height and full droop and full bump.

Re-propshaft bolts they do tend to slacken after intial running and should be checked for tightnes after initial running, again at 500 to 1000 miles and from then on at least every 5,000 miles.

big_wasa - 13/9/14 at 07:01 PM

I would say you have had a lucky escape there as there cant be much engagement.

JAMSTER - 13/9/14 at 07:08 PM

is the engine to far forward ???

jossey - 13/9/14 at 07:39 PM

Get a spacer for the diff side it should sort it...

[Edited on 13/9/14 by jossey]

JoelP - 13/9/14 at 07:48 PM

I'd say the prop needs to be 2 inches longer, which isa bit much for a spacer on the diff.

Smoking Frog - 13/9/14 at 08:04 PM

Had this in my notes, don't know where it came from. I assume this would be for a IRS where the diff is fixed.

When calculating length of prop-shaft leave 25mm of the splined section showing from the gearbox seal. From this point to the diff flange is known as the working length. It is ideal to have at least 70mm of spline engaged.

Looks like you need a new prop shaft unless you can move the engine further back.

wrxseeker - 13/9/14 at 08:14 PM

Thanks Guys

It's IRS and I agree it would be a bit much for a spacer.

I will get the prop off and over to Dave Mac prop shafts in Coventry and get it lengthened !

Do you think I might as well do the seal while the prop is off or see whether it seals with a longer prop ?

Is the seal main dealer only ?

jacko - 13/9/14 at 08:16 PM

That prop shaft look a bit pitted any way so you might as well get a new one the right length and new seal
Jacko

wrxseeker - 14/9/14 at 09:46 AM

The flange on the prop is too big to drop down between the chassis rails.

Sorry if I am being thick but am a missing something ???

rusty nuts - 14/9/14 at 11:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by wrxseeker
The flange on the prop is too big to drop down between the chassis rails.

Sorry if I am being thick but am a missing something ???


Do you mean that you can't drop the prop out ? You may be able to lower the diff enough to remove the prop , if not it may be an engine and gearbox out job? If lowering the diff it might not need the drive shafts removing just take the weight on a trolley jack and lower enough to slide the prop rear wards and out

chrism - 14/9/14 at 12:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by wrxseeker
The flange on the prop is too big to drop down between the chassis rails.

Sorry if I am being thick but am a missing something ???


IS there enough space to swing the flange all the way to the right if left on the UJ and then drop it out, if not then it may be a case of removing the diff or moving it backwards if possible to make room to get it out of the back as I'm guessing it wont fit through the top rails either. Probably easier than removing the engine/gearbox and unpluging all the wiring etc.

wrxseeker - 14/9/14 at 07:27 PM

I think it's going to be at least dropping the diff a bit if not totally taking it off - what P.I.T.A !!

mcerd1 - 15/9/14 at 07:42 AM

quote:
The prop bolts were loose as I guess the prop has been moving about a lot.


quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
I would say you have had a lucky escape there as there cant be much engagement.



loose bolts and minimal engagement - that could have gone badly wrong

while you in there sorting this out fit some prop catchers in case it ever works its way loose again... they are cheaper than new legs !
(see the multiple old threads about the benefit of prop catchers)

wrxseeker - 16/9/14 at 07:40 PM

Props out after dropping the diff.

Don't think there was much engagement in the gearbox.....

wrxseeker - 22/9/14 at 12:25 PM

Thanks for the help and advice guys.

New prop and oil seal in (Dave Mac props in Coventry built the prop in 24hrs !). Car back on wheels and seems to drive better.

Getting the oils seal in square was the worst bit !