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Thread: MK1 Escort English Axle question

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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Morning Guys & Girls

    Got a question about the rear axle in Kermit?
    I fitted a MK1 Cortina axle to give me slightly thinner track so I could fit wider wheels/tyres at some point.
    After fitting everything and getting it on the road I took it for a track day.
    I noticed I was getting some oil on the inside of my rear wheel, passenger side.
    When I investigated it was rear diff oil that had weeped out through the bearing/housing/retaining plate???

    And that's the question, what/why do you think that's happening?

    In theory, looking at it (I've popped the drive shaft out) I believe the bearing itself when pushed in should stop any oil escaping?
    so could it be the condition of the housing?
    If so, could I just use some sealant round it to stop the leak?

    Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

    Many thanks
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Mechanic

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    I would suggest pulling the half shaft out, cleaning (with brake cleaner or similar) and a smear of silicon sealant before the shaft goes back in, also a very thin smear around the 4 hole plate.

    That will be a belt and braces quick fix.

    Do not over fill the axle, as this encourages leaks.

    Most of this kit (axle cases & half shafts) are over 40 yrs old, they need an extra chance now and again.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    You did a track day. Were most of the turns to the right? If so, you might have been loading the left side bearing with a lot of diff fluid. I have run various live axle cars with SCCA for more years than I can remember, and on all of them I fitted with axle baffles at the entrance of the axle tube from the diff. This prevents diff oil from stacking up in the axle tube. Also keeps the fluid around the differential gears.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Replacement / aftermarket bearings are notorious for leaking - some after a few weeks / months from fitment!
    Genuine Ford bearings no longer stocked - there's a surprise - but if you can find SKF brand they have a good rep and were an original bearing supplier to Ford.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by greengoredstop View Post
    You did a track day. Were most of the turns to the right? If so, you might have been loading the left side bearing with a lot of diff fluid.
    thats what i would have thought,

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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by greengoredstop View Post
    You did a track day. Were most of the turns to the right? If so, you might have been loading the left side bearing with a lot of diff fluid. I have run various live axle cars with SCCA for more years than I can remember, and on all of them I fitted with axle baffles at the entrance of the axle tube from the diff. This prevents diff oil from stacking up in the axle tube. Also keeps the fluid around the differential gears.
    Yes, it was Castle Coombe so majority right turns.
    I understand that and that's probably what happened but it doesn't mean it should
    Baffles would be a good idea and might be something I could look at some time.

    I think I will have to try the silicon/sealant idea and see how it goes on the next track day
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    I wouldn't have thought the baffle was a good idea, because obviously the bearing still needs lubricant. I realize it wouldn't cut the oil supply off completely, but surely it could restrict it enough for the bearing to overheat due to lack of oil?

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    The outer axle bearings in Datsun/Nissan live axle cars from the 60's were sealed on the outside. Some of the replacement bearings were pre lubricated and sealed both sides. Bearings are bearings dimension wise and totally sealed bearings most likely are available for the english axle. There is a Cortina axle assembly on the garage floor, I guess I'll have to pull and axle to find out what Ford installed.

    I ran baffles in H140 through H190 axle assemblies for 40 years without a single bearing failure. Baffle assemblies were offered in the Comp Catalogs from the time of the roadsters. NLA today, they are simple to make if you have a shrinker/stretcher.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    anglia and some cortina axles have a seperate oil seal that is pressed into the axle casing just for this reason. it seals against the halfshaft to stop oil getting past and out through the bearings which are not very well sealed against oil coming through, they are generally just a dust seal on both sides. the internal seals are easily and cheaply replaced. pull a shaft out and see whats down the hole. depends on the age and model of the cortina casing.

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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Mines a Mk1 cortina axle and I have the shaft already out.
    I'll take some pictures tonight and put them up so you can all see
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Sorry, just didn't get the chance to take pictures but I have done my track day.
    And, it did it again but probably worse and from both ends.
    So, I've just done some more research and it would appear that the MK1 cortina axle has different size bearings AND it's own oil seals!!

    So, I've just put a thread in the main message page asking for anyone who belongs to the mk1 cortina owners club to do me a favour reference helping me buy them from the club.

    So watch this space
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    might sound strange but also check the axle case breather that its clear / not blocked - case pressurisation won't help with oil sealing especially on a track day car.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Dont know if this guy might be able to help you.

    http://www.bearingkits.co.uk/FORD-AN...BEARING/67.htm

    He mentions the exact issue you've been having.
    Apart from the fact that it also says the website is closed till the 27/05.
    Last edited by rallyrob; 20-05-2017 at 06:54.

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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by rallyrob View Post
    Dont know if this guy might be able to help you.

    http://www.bearingkits.co.uk/FORD-AN...BEARING/67.htm

    He mentions the exact issue you've been having.
    Apart from the fact that it also says the website is closed till the 27/05.
    Thanks Bob
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by katana View Post
    might sound strange but also check the axle case breather that its clear / not blocked - case pressurisation won't help with oil sealing especially on a track day car.
    I'll take a look at that, thanks
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    So, just to close out a thread, I wanted to let you know that I have now resolved the problem and just did my second track day with no leaks for the bearing ends

    Ended up getting what I believe to be original bearings and oil seals from the MK1 Cortina owners club (BIG thanks to ColR6 )
    Decided not to use the seals as they were the old style leather seals so used them as a reference and got some seals from a transmission supplier who was local. Fitted them with the new bearings and no leaks
    Well, I had a slight leak from the breather but seeing as I drive it like I stole it, the diff housing was very hot so not surprised if some of it decided it wanted to leave!!
    I had put some slightly thicker oil in after the rebuild, will probably go back to the normal stuff I use

    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Glad it sorted your problem�� Was reading your post on suspension and I run 350lb front springs and 160 rear on my Anglia gaz adjustable shocks and still suffer with body roll. I have fitted compression struts plus anti roll bar still rolls so thinking of going to 450lb fronts and 180 rears to try and keep the wheels on the floor.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Click image for larger version Name:	image.jpg Views:	131 Size:	102.4 KB ID:	81073
    This is mine mid to late corner with foot to boards

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    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by Colr6 View Post
    Attachment 81073
    This is mine mid to late corner with foot to boards
    Nice looking car Col

    Thanks for the advice, I think I'll start with 300lb springs then go from there
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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    Racer Decade Plus User rallyrob's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Would you not start to suffer understeer if you go to hard on the front.

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by rallyrob View Post
    Would you not start to suffer understeer if you go to hard on the front.
    With 350lb on the front don't suffer with any under steer at all,running 8" with 235/45 tyres 9" on rears did try 200lb springs on the rear to stop front wheel lift under acceleration but it suffered with massive oversteer to the verge it was unpredictable. Don't think there is any hard fast rules on what to use or not to use, different driving styles require different set ups. Going to be a play about with various things, camber/ castor/ tyre pressures and if all fails driving lessons...lol

  22. #22
    Racer Decade Plus User dazzle's Avatar

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    Re: MK1 Escort English Axle question

    Quote Originally Posted by Colr6 View Post
    Going to be a play about with various things, camber/ castor/ tyre pressures and if all fails driving lessons...lol
    That's what I need
    Cheers

    Dazzle


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