Too low = blown axles??

[adrians_s13]

Hey guys... I'm replacing my rear axles (5 bolt j30 diff) for the 2nd time in a less than 2 years (i'm on my 3rd pair now)... and I'm trying to figure out why the heck the CV boots keep blowing. Granted all the axles I've been replacing them with are used with god-knows how many miles on them....
But I'm wondering if its because of how low I am that's whats causing them to blow.

Just wondering if any of you super low guys have the same issue? if so what's your solution?

[Corbic]

Hey guys... I'm replacing my rear axles (5 bolt j30 diff) for the 2nd time in a less than 2 years (i'm on my 3rd pair now)... and I'm trying to figure out why the heck the CV boots keep blowing. Granted all the axles I've been replacing them with are used with god-knows how many miles on them....
But I'm wondering if its because of how low I am that's whats causing them to blow.

Just wondering if any of you super low guys have the same issue? if so what's your solution?


$70 a piece, reman... get them, life time warranty.

[spooled240]

i have the same problem i just recently replaced my axles with lower mileage axles for 20 bucks and they are ripping again

[Corbic]

i have the same problem i just recently replaced my axles with lower mileage axles for 20 bucks and they are ripping again

*sigh* reman.... oem-ish parts, brand new... life time warranty.

want to buy my used ball joints too? I'll sell em cheap!

[spooled240]

where do you get these axles for 70 a piece w/ lifetime warranty?

[upsdude]

i need the bolts that hook the axle to the output shaft...the ones for the 5 bolt pattern...any idea where i can get 'em

[joeapple8]

i need the bolts that hook the axle to the output shaft...the ones for the 5 bolt pattern...any idea where i can get 'em

My friend used Grade 8 bolts and lock nuts on his diff, and he spins tires all day.. not a problem yet.

[GSXRJJordan]

Yes, low cars always have this problem, because of the misalignment of the joints. If you look at the axles from behind you can see the steep angle (especially on the short one) from diff to hub on a really low car.

Matt Powers (one of my sponsored drivers this last year in FD) blew stock axles a few times before upgrading to Driveshaft Shop 300M's, but he's on 265-series NT05's.

[Corbic]

where do you get these axles for 70 a piece w/ lifetime warranty?

I lied... they are $60 a pop.


Master Pro CV 60-6059 - CV Half-Shaft Assembly 1993 Nissan 240SX | O'Reilly Auto Parts (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MPV0/606059.oap?year=1993&make=Nissan&model=240SX&vi=1209046&pt=01424&ppt=C0362)

[Def]

If you keep blowing axles up, raise your car. It's got to be super ricer low.

Raising your rear subframe up with bushings also helps this slightly, but won't correct ricer ride height.

[upsdude]

If you keep blowing axles up, raise your car. It's got to be super ricer low.

Raising your rear subframe up with bushings also helps this slightly, but won't correct ricer ride height.

i have pbm subframe risers if needed... :)

[WISH ONE]

yeah Matt's (one of jordan innovations sponsored drivers this last year in FD LOL)car is super low, or was super low.

[azndoc]

I concur that Matt Powers (one of Jordan Innovations 2010 FD driver who finished 16th place overall) did indeed have his car super low, but has since raised it a little bit. I would try the PBM or SPL subframe risers as a means to solve the problem.

-Jack (one of Jordan Innovations sponsored driver who does not drive in FD)

<--------- 9,000th post just for you Jeffrey

[adrians_s13]

subframe risers eh?

got it. I'll definitely give that one a try.

thanks for all the responses guys.

and yeah... my car's super ricer low

[fckillerbee]

so matt powers (one of jordan innovations sponsored drivers this last year in FD LOL that finished 16th with a ka-t going LSx) runs a different axle huh?

and jeff...you mentioned something about the short side?

I'm also really low as well, but have not had this problem yet....or at least that I know of.

If you could let me know what to "feel" for when it does happen? or is this one of those things that when the nuts break...your fooked? aaaaaaand....wouldn't a welded diff put less stress on those axles in comparison to an open diff that doesn't have the other side helping it rotate?

[xiaphin]

Was concerned about this myself before even driving my car. S13, Z32 NA Diff, J30 5-Bolt axles. The driver side shaft boot is at a creepy angle and the boot has an "underfold" in it. On jackstands btw.

[fckillerbee]

subframe risers eh?

got it. I'll definitely give that one a try.

thanks for all the responses guys.

and yeah... my car's super ricer low

pics?

msgbettyboopfuckingleght.

[adrians_s13]

pics?

msgbettyboopfuckingleght.

pics of what? the blown axles or my car's ride height? either way, I have neither, lol.

As far as what made me notice is I started hearing a clunking sound when driving slow, but only on accel, not on decel or while coasting. So the other day I took a look under my car, and bam, I noticed the cv boot busted and axle grease all over my subframe. FML

[fckillerbee]

damn...looks like I have to do a little investigation. lol

[Sileighty_85]

I bought some remans from oreillys

They redesign the boots to where they dont make contact with each other when the cars are lowered

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i235/Neil_85/180SX/DSCN1298.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i235/Neil_85/180SX/DSCN1299.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i235/Neil_85/180SX/DSCN1300.jpg

No issues with mine at all

[wannabdr1ftr]

those are some nice looking axles ^^

[Corbic]

those are some nice looking axles ^^

That's what I'm rocking too. @#%k AdvancedZone Boys.

[GSXRJJordan]

I concur that Matt Powers (one of Jordan Innovations 2010 FD driver who finished 16th place overall) did indeed have his car super low, but has since raised it a little bit. I would try the PBM or SPL subframe risers as a means to solve the problem.

-Jack (one of Jordan Innovations sponsored driver who does not drive in FD)

<--------- 9,000th post just for you Jeffrey

Lol <3 you Jack.

yeah Matt's (one of jordan innovations sponsored drivers this last year in FD LOL)car is super low, or was super low.

Not quite as low as it used to be, but still damn low.

so matt powers (one of jordan innovations sponsored drivers this last year in FD LOL that finished 16th with a ka-t going LSx) runs a different axle huh?

and jeff...you mentioned something about the short side?

I'm also really low as well, but have not had this problem yet....or at least that I know of.

If you could let me know what to "feel" for when it does happen? or is this one of those things that when the nuts break...your fooked? aaaaaaand....wouldn't a welded diff put less stress on those axles in comparison to an open diff that doesn't have the other side helping it rotate?

Yeah he swapped to $$$ axles, and then swapped again to even more $$$ axles when he got his quick-change rear end. The short one has more misalignment angle than the long side, usually that's the CV that breaks.

You'll know it's broken when you clutch kick and you hear/feel the sick clunk, and only one tire spins. It's not the nuts that break, it's the CV joint itself. No a welded does not put less stress on anything lol, if anything it stresses axles more since whenever you're turning there's major stress on both sides.

[spooled240]

I lied... they are $60 a pop.


Master Pro CV 60-6059 - CV Half-Shaft Assembly 1993 Nissan 240SX | O'Reilly Auto Parts (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MPV0/606059.oap?year=1993&make=Nissan&model=240SX&vi=1209046&pt=01424&ppt=C0362)

sweet thx man

[fckillerbee]

hey jeff....would the short side...also be the driver side?

and from the sounds of it...my axle has yet to break...just the boot. so i may be seeing you guys today at the sonic meet after my cousins bday.. lol

[chiboy002]

my cv joint broke like 1 week after i slammed my car lol. awaiting to put new ones on

[1on1]

old thread but i have discovered this problem today:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a327/1on1/559dba0a.jpg

As you can see, my boot is done. luckily, i kept my old axles which i will be replacing today.

I don't have money right now to get it replaced but is it ok to drive for a short distance?

i can hear clunking noises

[az_240]

^you're fine. It will just make a mess. Just get them replaced when you have time.

My brothers been driving on blown axles in his FWD ford probe for over 3 years haha

There were some spacers posted in the roll center thread that should help with this issue on very low cars. They space the axles away from the diff so there is not as much stress on them. Not sure where to get them though.

[1on1]

after i swapped my axles, I have the same problem.

I guess having -6 camber + being really really low causes this problem. going to re-raise the car tomorrow morning T__T

[sw20g]

I was worried about this same thing when I had my fc, luckily the studs from the axle to diff broke/ came out first... I replaced em once and never had a problem with it again, this was almost maxxed out on kei offices on 17's with a decent amount of camber no clue exactly how much

hopefully my 240 doesn't have this problem

[1on1]

Shits weird, I reraised and still have the same clunking noise (when I hit bumps). Gonna check if I have preload on springs.

[nieko]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/NiekoG/brokenaxlesss.jpg

3rd pair in a few months. LOLOL
fml

[az_240]

Shits weird, I reraised and still have the same clunking noise (when I hit bumps). Gonna check if I have preload on springs.

Clunking over bumps could be the strut mount... the top nut came loose on mine once and it clunked over bumps.

Check to make sure nothing else came loose back there.

Maybe disconnect the shock and try moving the suspension to see if anything is loose.

[1on1]

^it was my tophats. Smashed, a member here, pointed it out that he had the same problem.

thanks for information.

[hellaslows13]

Didn't mean to bump on old thread..but I keep breaking axles as well... I'm about to get some pbm subframe risers but I'm not sure if this is enough... I am also DDing a welded..

[az_240]

I'm sure the welded diff isn't easy on the axles but was the rear ever hit? Check the subframe for cracks or bends. If it's really low you might need spacers at the diff/axles.. or try getting a different diff and/or 5 bolt axles which are supposed to be stronger.

[joefresh]

I blew 2 boots in a week after putting my car back together after sitting for a year.
before that my car was lower than it is now, buddy club specll scraped on road reflectors...drove like that for atleast 2years on the same oem axles.
after blowing my shit twice i took it all apart and the bushing on the knuckle for the RUCA is destroyed allowing the RUCA to flex down and hit the boot under compression.
this is my theory anyways since the driver side bushing is fine along with the axle.
ordered some poly bushings to fix this problem I hope

[iRONDONkey]

i'm ripping mine.

on my 3rd set.

ugh.... so there is no solution? only just raising the car?

i'm also installing ES subframe bushings right now too.

what really messed my car up was pulling out of really bad shopping center lots.

[1on1]

Honestly, I gave up on replacing axles if the boot is blown. Just as long there is grease and your axles are not clunking, you're good to go (probably not the best solution). I have been on the same axles for almost a year now and no clunking.

IIRC, there was a guy who was selling axle spacers that helped but I don't know where he went. He was some guy from norcal who sold them for $100 a pair though.

Also, raising the subframe (solid risers) will help but I have a friend who installed PBM Risers and his boots still blew.

[shiftdrift]

i have a fantastic solution. don't lower your cars to ricer stance!

[edmorl]

how about the pbm or the drifworks rear knuckles ? it'll make the axles straight again

[iRONDONkey]

Honestly, I gave up on replacing axles if the boot is blown. Just as long there is grease and your axles are not clunking, you're good to go (probably not the best solution). I have been on the same axles for almost a year now and no clunking.

IIRC, there was a guy who was selling axle spacers that helped but I don't know where he went. He was some guy from norcal who sold them for $100 a pair though.

Also, raising the subframe (solid risers) will help but I have a friend who installed PBM Risers and his boots still blew.

do you think a couple of washers would help out a bit? probably have to get some new bolts and nuts, but it only being a few MM think, i think it should be fine.

[iRONDONkey]

I think I have a solution.

Bicycle tubing.

just wrap that crap up, inject a ton of grease, and it should be good to go.

you can even double wrap it for twice the boot protection.

[TheRealSy90]

I'm still running the original 1989 axles and lower than most of you. Fuck the boots.

[zooopreme]

I'm still running the original 1989 axles and lower than most of you. Fuck the boots.

Would you like a cookie to go with your certificate of achievement?

Your post absolutely doesn't help anybody out. Don't post stupid replies like this-- it's already bad enough that we got the majority of this community failing hard, the last thing we need are more people that bullshit their cars.

Some people want to know how or actually take care of their cars when they slam their cars.

If your axle is constantly taking a shit on you, the solutions are to purchase axles that are replaceable for free or cheap, aftermarket axles that are made better than OEM, subframe risers, or raise your car.

[CaliforniaMayhem]

Sorry to raise the dead but I found this while searching and no one mentioned this so I thought I'd contribute to the next lucky person to use the search function.


If your axle is constantly taking a shit on you, the solutions are to purchase axles that are replaceable for free or cheap, aftermarket axles that are made better than OEM, subframe risers, or raise your car.


In addition to this, there are companies that sell axle spacers that can help alleviate this problem (10mm, 15mm). I know Circuit Sport sells them but there is an Australian company that sells them as well: Products by Vehicle (http://www.gktech.com/index.php/vehicles/?veh=2)

[TheRealSy90]

What a coincidence that you bumped this thread just now, I know of a local company "made in the USA" that is working on a new option for axle spacers that are going to be better and cheaper than the GKTech spacers.

[az_240]

S13 axle boots are a little smaller than S14 axle boots for those that are blowing axles cuz they are hitting the RUCAs. S14 axles are a tad longer but still interchangeable between s-chassis. Will be swapping my s14 axles for s13 or notch my RUCAs one of these days cuz of this. I'm running full PBM suspension including the knuckles.
IMO the spacers are really only needed if you extend the RLCAs or run dual e-brake adapters.

[TheRealSy90]

My cv joints were barely sitting inside the cv cup because of my ride height. Actually had one set pop out. I need spacers and don't have extended rlca or dual ebrake calipers.

[benarovi]

lets see iv gone through about 6 pairs of axles in the past 1.5 years. cars super low and putting dry rotted boots in doesn't help. I did purchase the duralast gold axles from autozone, and they clicked really bad but the boots weren't torn. I returned them.
Where can I buy those spacers its annoying always having blown axles

[CaliforniaMayhem]

... I know of a local company "made in the USA" that is working on a new option for axle spacers that are going to be better and cheaper than the GKTech spacers.

Hey I fully believe in supporting American made products over other brands to be sure but they must be as good or better. Care to share some information behind your post or is it just hot smoke?

... Where can I buy those spacers its annoying always having blown axles

You can read my post above or use the search function. I also found some made in USA on FRSport's website today as well.

[FaLKoN240]

Hey I fully believe in supporting American made products over other brands to be sure but they must be as good or better. Care to share some information behind your post or is it just hot smoke?



You can read my post above or use the search function. I also found some made in USA on FRSport's website today as well.

Care to share? I can't find anything resembling axle spacer on frsport.

[TheRealSy90]

Hey I fully believe in supporting American made products over other brands to be sure but they must be as good or better. Care to share some information behind your post or is it just hot smoke?


I will post more info when they are finalized but I had an idea and told a friend that owns a very successful fabrication shop in Phoenix that had build a couple Formula D level cars and he is working on getting them into production right now.

[Motary]

how about the pbm or the drifworks rear knuckles ? it'll make the axles straight again

They only change the arm's positions, how can you change the axle's height without changing the ride height?

the solution for your problem is axle spacers!

buy some (http://www.gktech.com/index.php/products/#43)

[pacotaco345]

So has anyone figured out what actually makes the axles go bad? I really don't think it has to due as much with ride height as everyone says it does. My cars been pretty darn low for the better part of 3 years now (its currently maxed on PBM comps in the rear with all collars pulled drooping spring), welded diff and the car is my daily. I've actually made a couple trips from TX to CA and back with no issues. Stock 24 year old axles (200k+ miles) that still don't click. Only thing I have done are subframe risers to correct the issue and those only raise the subframe maybe 15mm. Here's a pic for reference:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e392/pacotaco345/1545711_10202394118709521_255251624_n_zps79f6cc63. jpg

Are the people blowing axles running J30 diffs usually or what?

[TheRealSy90]

Your subframe risers is why you haven't had a problem. They blow out because the cv rollers are barely inside the cup at our height.

If someone did risers & spacers it would be even better.

[dazed]

OEM Axles will sustain more abuse than any remanufactured ones, or even brand new auto part store axles.

Duralast gold axles fucking blow.

Torn boots are caused by a combination of being really low and having excessive camber.

I went through boots all the time, but then I got smaller spacers and pulled some camber out the rear. Haven't had any blow in awhile.

Though the current axles I'm running were used OEM i found on eBay. I'll probably never buy anything but ever again.


Those axle spacers are interesting.

[pacotaco345]

Your subframe risers is why you haven't had a problem. They blow out because the cv rollers are barely inside the cup at our height.

If someone did risers & spacers it would be even better.

I've only had subframe risers for about a year, the car has been low wayy longer than that lol

[PoorMans180SX]

EDIT: Never mind. Axle spacers it is!

[rebornz]

hey pacotaco have you had any issues with your control arms hitting your frame? I just put subframe risers in and now my frame is sitting on my control arms.

[bbliss126]

i have pbm subframe risers if needed... :)

I would highly recommend these ^^ & the PBM rear s chassis drop knuckles, together they will correct alot of those roll center problems. I've installed them on a buddys car before for these exact reasons you're having and am installing them on my own car very soon. They're a bit pricing but Quality parts > a Quanity of used axles in my opinion

[CaliforniaMayhem]

Care to share? I can't find anything resembling axle spacer on frsport.

Yeah my mistake. I was thinking of this when I made that post: DIF 10086 Steering Rack Linkage Bushing 1989-1994 Nissan 240sx S13 (http://www.frsport.com/DIF-10086-Steering-Rack-Linkage-Bushing-1989-1994-Nissan-240sx-S13_p_16342.html)

I will post more info when they are finalized but I had an idea and told a friend that owns a very successful fabrication shop in Phoenix that had build a couple Formula D level cars and he is working on getting them into production right now.

Keep us posted as if they are reasonable in price I'm sure people will be interested. Especially since there doesn't seem to be a lot of reputable companies making these pieces here.

So has anyone figured out what actually makes the axles go bad?

I think TheRealSy90 hit it on the head there. Your subfame raisers had a lot to do with it as it changes the geometry of the suspension in such a way as to make the LCA's flat (or something like that). I read about it in the roll center suspension post (600+pages). Also adding spacers on top of that will help and that's just what I've gathered from reading this thread.

To answer your question though, they go bad because the boots are not made to be at such an extreme angle when lowered so aggressively. Someone who posted the link to the OReily brand suggested that the new boots were made to correct this but at the end of the day, why not do it right the first time.

[ZacKisBacK_Fr]

Just received my GKtech spacers last week and the quality is very good!! Took both width (10mm and 15mm) and they even provide the matching length bolts and nuts. Combined with the sikky subframe risers, I should be good to go.
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5766/hq8.JPG
http://imageshack.com/a/img845/9328/m2x7.jpg

[pacotaco345]

hey pacotaco have you had any issues with your control arms hitting your frame? I just put subframe risers in and now my frame is sitting on my control arms.

Yeah actually, I had problems with my toe rods hitting my (stock) subframe washers/collars which is why i got the risers in the first place. Now with them installed I still hit the spacer with the toe rods and now my RUCAs hit the chassis right above it. I just figured if it binds it binds... I like the way my car drives so I don't worry too much about it. These are ebay arms too that have been bashing into stuff for years without issue.

[benarovi]

might have to try the spacers out. to the guy saying you can get them on fr sport and circuit sports i couldnt find any why dont you post a link

[pablito_s13]

do you guys also have this problem wth the racknpinion?

[CaliforniaMayhem]

...to the guy saying you can get them on fr sport and circuit sports i couldnt find any why dont you post a link

Hey I read somewhere that they did but after searching I didn't find it either. That means the only company I've seem that sells them is the Australian company. They have all kinds of versions too. Shipping starts at 40.00 though (if you're in the US)


Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[TheRealSy90]

Yeah that's why pbm came out with the version 2+ angled ruca to clear the chassis with raised subframe. I never has as much problems with my axles until I went from negative camber to 0 camber and really stretched the axle out.