Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

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RajoRacer
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Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by RajoRacer » Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:28 pm

Over on the Ruckstell breakdown illustrations thread recently provided by Mr. Vowell, there seems to be a question regarding the proper or correct orientation of the rear axle key being installed onto the axle - I install with the taper pointing down and towards the bearing - there is an "artist's" rendition in the T Bible which appears to be the orientation shown & Jim Bartsch also follows. Does anyone else having definitive proof or documentation of the correct installation ?

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by Steve Jelf » Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:08 pm

I install with the taper pointing down and towards the bearing...

Me too. But after having to cut a notch in the outer end to pry one out when it was in the slot really tight, I grind a little chamfer on the bottom of the outside end so I can drive a screwdriver under it to get it out.

IMG_6036 copy.JPG
This didn't work.

IMG_6037 copy.JPG
A little pry bar made from a piece of key stock finally got it loose.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

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RajoRacer
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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by RajoRacer » Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:44 pm

I've always grabbed the key with a dykes (side cutter) - works 95% of the time.


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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by sweet23 » Sun Aug 01, 2021 2:38 pm

Some of the aftermarket keys are long. Be sure to check that it is not getting into your outer seal.


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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by speedytinc » Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:26 pm

RajoRacer wrote:
Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:28 pm
Over on the Ruckstell breakdown illustrations thread recently provided by Mr. Vowell, there seems to be a question regarding the proper or correct orientation of the rear axle key being installed onto the axle - I install with the taper pointing down and towards the bearing - there is an "artist's" rendition in the T Bible which appears to be the orientation shown & Jim Bartsch also follows. Does anyone else having definitive proof or documentation of the correct installation ?
The axle key slot tapers up @ the seal side. That ground radius in the key fits that. Later ford keys are shorter & dont have a ground radius in the key.
The short key works fine as is if it doesnt move inward.


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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by Dan McEachern » Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:53 pm

Just a trick to keep a well fitting but loose key from moving-1) upset a slight "ding" on one edge of the key to hold it in place in the axle. 2) a drop of super glue will hold the key in position also.


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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by Original Smith » Mon Aug 02, 2021 11:46 am

I lucked out many years ago, and obtained several NOS Ford script keys.

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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by DanTreace » Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:23 pm

RajoRacer wrote:
Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:28 pm
Does anyone else having definitive proof or documentation of the correct installation ?
Ford Service , paragraph 639.

axle key install direction.jpg
Original Ford axle keys, the taper goes down and into the taper end of the axle keyway, toward the rear axle housing.
That way the entire length of the axle key surface is within the hub.

Square end of the axle key enters the hub keyway.

IMG_1737 (670x358).jpg
Axle key position.jpg
Axle key position.jpg (134.86 KiB) Viewed 1278 times
Don't forget to place a well greased new wheel hub felt, {B} into the groove of the inside of the rear hub, helps prevent axle lube leaks and acts as a nice bushing against the retainer cup over the ends of the Hyatt bearing.
hub felt.jpg
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford

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Topic author
RajoRacer
Posts: 4307
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First Name: Steve
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Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???

Post by RajoRacer » Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:24 pm

Thank you Dan - that is quite definitive !

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