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1962 Lotus Seven Differential Problem


TEM

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It does not appear that removal of the hub from the axle is needed in order to remove the center section on a Triumph TR-10 axle. Looks like the axle and brakes are retained by four bolts and can be pulled together with a slide hammer. The assembly could be taken to a mech shop with a hydraulic press for hub separation for outer seals.

 

If you have any plans for autocross, bigger tires, engine output improvement, or driving faster than 60 mph (4.11, 4.55, or 4.88:1 ratio), consider an axle upgrade/swap. A woodruff key and taper keeps the hubs from spinning on the axles and is a good indication of the torque capacity limitations.

 

EDIT: The axle and hub come out as an assembly:

https://www.simplesevens.org/history/t10axle/axlebeebe.htm

 

 

 

 

Edited by MV8
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The diff was bone dry.  Added about a quart and a half, spun one wheel to slosh it around a bit then lowered the car.  Pushed the car a few feet forward and back.  It was a little stiff at first but no binding.  A few pushes and pulls and the car was rolling nice and smooth.  I can now push it around by my self without much effort.  I think I will roll it around a bit more then drain and replace the oil, no doubt it will be full of rust.

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More picture of the axle.  I don't see a breather.  Also that E-brake Christmas tree looks kludged with two zerk fittings.  Hopefully someone can help identify it by the numbers stamped on it - sorry for the blurry one, no matter how many times or how many directions I took the picture, it came out the same.

Axle 5.jpg

Axle 4.jpg

Axle 3.jpg

Axle 2.jpg

Axle 1.jpg

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I can't positively identify yours, but here are a couple pictures of the S10 axle from my 65 when I had it out for cleanup.  You should be able to zoom in for markings, but I don't see any similar to yours.  The 2nd pic is of the handbrake tree arrangement.

 

IMG_20230924_200134.thumb.jpg.7a49d77c8bff4f9c039e1447e07dbfba.jpg

 

IMG_20230924_201230.thumb.jpg.2d5d96d748a4d8ec0088a6598e39ad05.jpg

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Well, I can assure you it will be worth it.  I worked 35 years on sports cars of all flavours.  Drove them all and owned a few myself.  The Seven is the quintessential expression of a car where nothing is superfluous.  A minimal amount of suffering for maximum joy  …as long as the top is off, that is.

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