1986 drive axle (Page 1/1)
sanderson231 JUN 22, 02:59 PM
I've got a torn boot on the driver's side drive axle for a 1986 SE with manual transmission. I'm trying to get this car in good enough shape to sell it. Rock Auto had a new drive axle for $30 so it didn't make sense to repair the boot. The part number was GM8071. When it arrived it looked nothing like the Fiero drive axle. It had teeth on the outboard perhaps for an ABS system. So look like it is from another car that Rock Auto is cross referencing. However the real problem is that it is about 1" shorter than the OEM drive axle. I'm hesitant to install it it. Any thoughts?

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formerly known as sanderson
1984 Quad 4
1886 SE 2.8L
1988 4.9L Cadillac
1988 3800 Supercharged

PhatMax JUN 22, 05:33 PM
Under the “info” tab on rock autos site for that part number it says
Installation Tip: If the part comes with an ABS Ring, but your vehicle does not have ABS, you may leave the ring in place if it does not interfere with installation. It also looks to be the same length between other mfg’s.
sanderson231 JUN 22, 06:23 PM

quote
Originally posted by PhatMax:

Under the “info” tab on rock autos site for that part number it says
Installation Tip: If the part comes with an ABS Ring, but your vehicle does not have ABS, you may leave the ring in place if it does not interfere with installation. It also looks to be the same length between other mfg’s.



There are teeth machined into the outer CV joint - not a removable ring. The compressed length is clearly shortly than one that was removed from the car and the tripot joint housing isn't any longer. The box it came in said GM8071. The tripot joint is almost an inch smaller in diameter than OEM. Tried to call Rock Auto but they don't take phone calls. I'm going to order one from Autozone and see what it looks like.

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formerly known as sanderson
1984 Quad 4
1886 SE 2.8L
1988 4.9L Cadillac
1988 3800 Supercharged

[This message has been edited by sanderson231 (edited 06-22-2023).]

theogre JUN 22, 06:31 PM
Compress both axles to see if length is same.

Has ABS Tone Ring doesn't matter much if clear E-brake cable etc.

But length matters a lot...
Too short then axle will fail often when installed or 1st time driving.
Too long then can do same or even break the trans.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

sleek fiero JUN 22, 07:49 PM
Mr Ogre . you are one smart fellow. I was a little unsure ( intimidated ) about you but the more of your posts i read the more I realize you are very grounded and accurate with your answers. Thanks for your encyclopedic Knowledge of the Fiero. sleek
I still can't get to the cave !!!!

[This message has been edited by sleek fiero (edited 06-22-2023).]

sanderson231 JUN 22, 10:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Compress both axles to see if length is same.

Has ABS Tone Ring doesn't matter much if clear E-brake cable etc.

But length matters a lot...
Too short then axle will fail often when installed or 1st time driving.
Too long then can do same or even break the trans.




The compressed length is clearly at least 1" shorter than OEM

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formerly known as sanderson
1984 Quad 4
1886 SE 2.8L
1988 4.9L Cadillac
1988 3800 Supercharged

jelly2m8 JUN 22, 11:42 PM
Contact RockAuto and send it back, they are super quick with returns and making it right. If it's a rebuild it's entirely possible the wrong axle got thrown in the box, that does happen.
Patrick JUN 23, 01:05 AM

quote
Originally posted by sleek fiero:

Mr Ogre . you are one smart fellow. I was a little unsure ( intimidated ) about you but the more of your posts i read the more I realize you are very grounded and accurate with your answers.



Yeah, he's always been kind of a grump ... but in 24 years I've only disagreed with The Ogre a couple of times.
(ie He doesn't like my burping procedure.)