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Posted

Hi all,

 

I'm in need of a short front stub axle. I've attached a photo with dimensions for reference. It's my understanding these short stub axles were used on cars equipped with clamshell fenders (the short bit is on the inboard side). These are no longer available from Caterham Cars UK; they only have the longer front stub axles which are used on cars with cycle fenders.

 

I don't know if these are originally Triumph parts (or some other source) or if they are Caterham-specific so if anyone here knows I'd really appreciate the guidance. Conversely if anyone is selling any please let me know. I'm only in need of one stub axle, but if anyone has a pair they are looking to sell I'll entertain take them both.

 

Thanks very much in advance. Cheers!

Front Short Stub Axle.jpg

Posted

If you have had one of these snap in two on you like I have, you can buy an upgraded piece from Dave Bean Engineering.

Posted

Hey guys, thanks for your posts.

 

xcarguy - Thanks for the links. Good to know this stub axle is something I can get without going through Caterham. Cheers!

 

James A - The reason I need one is because I only have one and need a second. However, I have contemplated getting an upgraded pair of stub axles instead; Caterham sell upgrades, but I didn't realize Dave Bean did as well. Do the upgraded stub axles require different bearings or hubs?

Posted

You should be able to find them several places: bean, redline, etc. May as well upgrade to Chromoly while you're in there (as james suggested). Here's another place

 

http://www.leechapmanracing.com/lotus7.htm

 

You don't need upgraded bearings/hubs, but it's a false economy not to replace the bearings while you're there. If you want to spend some big money, some of these places sell alloy hubs.

Posted

The Dave Bean upgrade will fit the existing hub and bearings, they do sell a premium bearing and have a nice inner seal modification that seems better than the felt seal that is standard. I for one would never track a Caterham without one of the upgraded spindles, whether it is the Caterham upgrade or Dave Bean. We have had a wheel separate from the car on the track and it was quite dramatic.

Posted

Thx for explaining what my next part failure will be, I have been wondering:). (Calling Dave Bean next).

Posted
Thx for explaining what my next part failure will be, I have been wondering:). (Calling Dave Bean next).

 

 

I think you should add that to your list and omit the tire wall: :jester:

 

 

Car refresh is coming along nicely. I got the aluminum pellets that Croc recommended to replace foam in my fuel cell, + new wheel bearings, new bushings, new cycle fenders, new quick release mechanism, new 1/2 shaft, nut/bolt check, new muffler bracket, added a fuel filter before the pump in addition to one after the pump, etc. New harness belts have been ordered. Now, after all that maintenance work, watch me drive it straight into the tire wall on my 1st lap:).
Posted

Thx Tom. Probably true, but my car also sported the upgraded, heavy duty (etc), rear hub assembly wh/nonetheless went bad and destroyed a lot of my rear drive train, including the unobtainable (for 7 long months) 1/2 shaft. So am trying to be proactive, ounce of protection, etc....(Must avoid the tire wall, must avoid the tire wall.....:)).

Posted
The Dave Bean upgrade will fit the existing hub and bearings, they do sell a premium bearing and have a nice inner seal modification that seems better than the felt seal that is standard. I for one would never track a Caterham without one of the upgraded spindles, whether it is the Caterham upgrade or Dave Bean. We have had a wheel separate from the car on the track and it was quite dramatic.

 

I'm just thumbing through the Dave Bean catalogue right now - any idea what the part number is for the upgraded stub axle?

Posted (edited)

The 2003 and up Caterham spindle is far far larger than the Spitfire one. I think Dave Bean's theory is a smaller spindle leaves more room for the bearings and seals..and they have a point. The Spitfire size spindle also uses bearings that are much more readily available. The large (later Caterham) spindle and hub uses a bearing that is similar to one available from third parties (used on a lot of utility trailers), but without the built in lip seal they use with this setup due to limited space.

 

So from the way I understand it, there are three setups.

 

2002 and earlier Caterham

Dave Bean compatible upgrade for above

2003 and up Caterham....which requires everything. Spindles, hubs, bearings, nuts and spacers. Caterham does not sell the old style hubs anymore and this is the replacement from their standpoint.

Edited by dallasdude
Posted

A great summary Mike!

I don't have the Dave Bean part number, just give them a call they will know exactly what you are talking about! I have purchased 3 full set-ups from them.

Posted

I wanted to correct one thing....I did see a replacement front hub for the smaller (pre-2003) spindle on the Caterham site. It is aluminum not steel. I also took a picture of the older and newer style (larger) spindles side by side.

spindles.jpg

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Awesome! Thanks dallasdude.

 

I'll call Dave Bean during the week and see if I can't get a set from them. Cheers for the info!

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