Drive shaft needed (badly)

[Kitcat]

Thx Martin, off on vacation abt 3 weeks, will do when return.

[dallasdude]

I was ordering parts from Mick at Redline this morning and asked about axles. He said they will have both sides in stock Friday.

I have never had a problem dealing with them.

 

011 44 1883 361515

 

mick@redliinecomponents.co.uk

[Kitcat]

Spoke w/Mick @ Redline: no right hand side halfshafts. Maybe in 1-2 weeks (and maybe not). BTW-# above is off a bit-use 011 44 1883 346515 to get thru.

 

Will now take what I have to place JohnK suggested to see if it can be rebuilt.

[Kitcat]

I have struck-out in my efforts to have the drive shart rebuilt. And auto parts stores dont know what it is. Not clear when Cat UK/Redline UK will have the part, just that it wont be anytime soon. Unfortunately, extreme disinterest by them.

[jlumba81]

Can you ask Cat UK/Redline Uk where the drive shafts are sourced from and get a part #?

[jlumba81]

Did a blatchat search and got this hit that might help you.

 

"Hello

 

Just by way of an update and in case anybody is following this thread or my downfall!

 

The driveshaft outer joint was a GKN part obtainable directly from them in Birmingham. The part numbers I needed were as follows:

 

Housing: UL3G014

Tripod EO1701/019

Large clamp EO1754/048

Small clamp AO7554/007

Grease – tube MS9U025

 

I hope this helps and thanks again for all those who offered ideas and guidance."

 

Looks like GKN refers to this group.

 

I sent their UK branch an email regarding new axle or at least rebuild parts. It helps to know in case I end up needing an axle too.

Edited October 1, 2013 by jlumba81
Added GKN link

[jlumba81]

Looks like they have a branch in Ohio.

 

GKN Driveline - Bowling Green, United States of America

2223 Woodbridge Blvd, Bowling Green, OH43402, United States of America

+1 419 354 3955

+1 419 354 5075

[dallasdude]

I spoke with Mick with Redline this morning and he says they have one left side remaining, and no right sides for 2 or 3 weeks. The usually get 50 pairs, but the last shipment was all left sides and no right sides, who ever does the assembly must have been missing one of the parts that was different (the length of the shaft itself is different and the threads on the end of the axle nut are different). He said the CV joints are Ford Sierra or Cosworth pieces, in fact when the started to convert to the de dion in the 80's they just got the whole Sierra axle and cut it down to make it work.

 

GNK may very well be where Ford buys them from. Don't know if Caterham buys from Ford or GNK or most likely has a third party make up the assembly with the axles. When we get the rebuild kits from Redline with the boots and clips, the grease is in a Ford packet. (which ironically we throw away and use Redline grease from the US).

[Kitcat]

Today's update. After some tutoring by Alpineturbo, and a consult with my mechanic, it turns out I dont need a right side 1/2 shaft, I "just" need a complete "outer CV joint." Mick at Redine just advised me: "Those are as scarce as right side driveshafts".

 

I will ask Ford/independent parts stores/GNK if they have this item.

 

BTW my ''reseach" into the driveshaft suggests it is a cut down Ford Sierra part.

Edited October 2, 2013 by Kitcat

[Kitcat]

Thx to additional help from my new BFF, Alpineturbo, I have located a source of CV joints for Caterhams:http://www.automotiveunlimited.co.uk. My outer CV joint has been ordered and is on its way (we shall see).

 

They are a major supplier of parts that Ford no longer makes or cares about for Ford Sierras. Since the rear 1/2 shaft of the S3 is based on the front 1/2 shaft of the Sierra (tho cut down), this CV joint it a direct replacement.

 

I spoke with Duncan there who was easy to deal with and friendly. He was interested in visiting our humble site, also was surprised Caterham and Redline are so unhelpful (business opportunity?).

 

Caterham also now has the 10" vented rear disc in so that has been ordered and is allegedly winging its way here. I might actually get back on the track this year.

 

Final point: for those trying to call UK from US: first dial 011 44 AND then delete the 1st digit of the UK # (usually 0), then dial the rest of UK #. So Automotive Unlimited's # is 011 44 1279 816049, for instance.

[Robert O. Urfer]

Just to clarify the sierra was rear wheel drive so the only sierra's that had front half shafts were those that were all wheel drive.

 

I am guessing they used a sierra rear half shaft and cut it down to fit. The Sierra's and Merkur XR4ti's have side specific shafts. the drivers side shaft is shorter than the passenger side.

[Kitcat]

The Caterham's rear 1/2 shaft is a cut down front half shaft from a 4 -wheel drive Sierra, or so I am told.

[Robert O. Urfer]

Wow! That is an rare oddball piece....

[Kitcat]

Got the above-referenced CV joint from AutomotiveUnlimited. Not even close to fitting. On to plan B (or E, maybe F?).

 

I will contact GKN as noted above by Jlumba. They even have a store in Ohio. Then back to Caterham/Redline who each "thought" they mite have the part later this month. Just glad I am not stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere next to the road.

Edited October 10, 2013 by Kitcat

[fastg]

Kitcat, have you just tried a machinist that specializes in Diffs and Transmissions. We have a guy west of Chicago (Paw Paw IL) that is amazing, no matter how bizarre the request he can pull it off. We also have a large local Merkur XR4TI presence. Those guys are swapping to larger Ford diffs, Surpa Diffs, even Porsche 930 drive shafts, no problem for Roy. If you have seen the American Pickers TV show, his place looks like that but all car related. Old school machine shop. If you want I will PM you with a phone number.

 

Graham

[Kitcat]

Fastg: Thx. Caterham sez it will have the part 10/21, so I will wait til then and see. If date gets pushed back (as has been happening), I will f/u w/your guy. Plz pm me his # and I will have it if needed.

[Kitcat]

My car is operational:)!

 

The long awaited part is still unavailable but Caterham UK found a used CV joint that I cld add to my otherwise intact rt side drive shaft and sent it to me (for no charge but postage).

 

I hope to squeeze in a track day before storing til Spring.

[yellowss7]

Excellent News Mike! We had a great day on Saturday, Karl, Croc,Jeff and I represented the 7's crowd at NJMP. Big turnout 65 cars. A bit chilly during the first session, tires never really got up to temp. But the afternoon sessions were awesome temp wise. Sunday it was just Karl and I and the temps were good all day. Got a little windy in the afternoon, and I think I finally felt the lift from the front clams.

 

Hope you can make it out this weekend for the last drivers club days. Weather looks good so far, we'll know better by Wednesday.

 

Tom

[Kitcat]

Tom:

 

You are right, the weather looks dry for nextweekend at NJMP, so hopefully I can get there. The cold doesnt bother me and the car, except for the tires, seems to like it.

 

Mike M.

[IDreamOfChapman]

You guys are making me think I should buy a spare set of these.