Wild Wolf keeps breaking RR axles

[racerone3]

Thanks to all for the tips. I'm trying to stick with the 3/8 bolt in the stock location for the simple reason that I build axles a bucket load at a time. I'd like to have them all the same. I already have to have a couple oddballs for the right center position on my 2 ST400 based machines.

I ended up making a new sprocket tube from some much heavier material, and adding 8 (4 per side) massive gussets from the sprocket down to the tube. I'm hoping that the old tube (very thin wall) was flexing too much. There was also evidence that the old tube had broken once and been rewelded. All axles on this machine have the bolt hole in the same location, however the RR sprocket is nearly dead center between the bearings, where the LR has the sprocket much closer to the inner bearing. I would have to think that this puts more load on the RR

[L.D.Bruce]

I had a broken right rear axle on my super chief and a broken axle on the front right which I just fixed couple of days ago. both broke at the sprocket sleeve bolt hole. They may have been broken when I bought it with the locking collar on the outside bearing you would never know until it fails and the axle slips out. I talked to a steel guy that told me using hardened steel axles they will break before the bend I don't know what type of steel was used I have been replacing with cold rolled I made up 10 axles and have been replacing bearings as needed. Lucky for me the machine is in nice shape and everything comes apart with ease

[racerone3]

The Wild Wolf has pretty much been relegated to the "loaner machine" slot in the lineup. As such it is frequently driven by people with little or no experience, and on the rare occasion that I drive it, I drive it like a rental. I finished the rebuild on the machine almost exactly 2 years ago... the Saturday before fall Busco, and have probably put 20 axles in it sense between the breaking RR's and bending axles everywhere else. It, along with the tank trainer will eventually get upgraded to splined 1 1/4. Hopefully what I've done on this sprocket tube will beef it up. I plan to bring it to Busco next week and let my Niece see if she can destroy it again

Generally speaking, when I break an axle in the Wolf, I know it instantly. It looses drive to that corner and won't climb out of a mud hole. the last 2 breaks have resulted in the RR tire getting folded around the back of the machine and a chain wadded up in the sprockets so it was abundantly clear.

[amphibious drew]

I too have been having rr axles breaking. last night I put a 4140 keyed sproket axle on. it always broke at the sprocket bolt hole so I figured the keyway may solve the problems. results to be reported after busco.

[L.D.Bruce]

I went on a pulled all axles on the left side I'm glad I did I had a cracked axle on left front and sprocket sleeve hole on left rear was wallered out pretty good. Changing all the bearings the super chief is to fast to be taking chances I should have it back up and going tomorrow

[Toys4Me]

I just changed a left rear in my dads SC.

[amphibious drew]

I thought that i would give an update on the 4140 keyed rear sproket axle. As most know, i went to busco right after i had a splined axle machined for me. After 6 hours servicing my machine today, thanks brian, becky and dakota for a tub full of mud, I was able to inspect my splined set up. Mind you the wheel hub is still using the bolt through axle set up, the keyway at the hub held up with no signs of wear or stress. I have never had a axle last more than 8 hours of use on that side. It always snapped at the bolt hole for the sprocket. I had 13+ hours of moderate to hard play at busco. I am not sure if this is the absolute best solution, but I am pleased with it for now, and it may be at least one feasable option. The sproket and hub I used for the set up was just stuff from tractor supply.

[racerone3]

An update to an old thread. This seriously gusseted sprocket/ tube is what finally fixed the problem in my wild wolf. With the sprocket being dead center between the frame rails, I think a lot of stress was being transfered to the center of the axle which also happens to be near the bolt hole (weak spot). this eliminated the flex, and last fall at Busco (with "beckerthewrecker" driving) It held up fine. I've sense upgraded the wolf to 1 1/4 splined axles, so it won't be an issue for me anymore. $10 + shipping for this sprocket, or grab a welder and some scrap steel and beef yours up!

[LarryW]

Good idea with the bracing. Makes sense. Thanks for the update.

I bet that will also work as a bulge pump. It would probably spray the water out, lol.