Force will not shift them. You need the shock of a slide hammer or similar.

When the axle is out of the car it is even more difficult to remove the shafts since its difficult to hold it while you use the slide hammer etc.

Thanks for all the advice.

No matter what I did the shafts would not budge. Sadly my garage isn't wide enough, I've removed both wings for better swing access but to no avail.

I have now completely removed the axle and started one side using the slide hammer. It's braced well and it's started to move now but jee whizz, I can't believe how difficult it is!

I now have Popeyes arm and squinting frustrated face and have given it a rest until tomorrow. It is moving but only a small amount.

Incidently there was a sticker in the casing: SPC components. Would this have been the original supplied by Caterham or would a previous owner purchased this direct? I see they have a website, anybody used them? http://www.spcomponents.co.uk/


Cheers

Used them several times. Off down in the next couple of weeks with my diff which is getting a little grumbly 15 years after they built it.

They have been a supplier to Caterham in the past.

Update:

Eventually got both shafts out, removed diff and Eugene you were spot on.

The carrier has failed in a number of places. Fragments galore and a large crack! Completely seized and fubared!

I need to find out the ratio of this unit now, I can't turn it to count so does any of the serial numbers represent the type? I spoke to SP components and sadly it appears he won't have spares for what he believes will be the 3:62.

I will now be on the hunt for a replacement.

Eugene, you stated that you changed your unit for an LSD. What was involved with this??? Many questions etc.


Cheers

I wanted to check the ratio of the diff as I now need to source one. I've counted the teeth of the crown wheel & pinion and it is 37 & 9 which I think equates to a ratio of 4:11.

Sticking with the LSD query, I see Quaife stock them for the Marina/Ital version, any recommendations? Either way I need to source a new crown wheel and pinion as a couple of the teeth to the pinion is slightly damaged.


Cheers

Hotfuzz
Hi Hotfuzz
Have a word with Phil at Road and Race Transmissions he can rebuild your Diff using Quaife LSD he might still have some Crown wheel and pinion sets left (new)
Does a lovely job not cheap but not expensive .Tel 01959 525105 Been using his services for years

I'm off to Kent tomorrow to Road and Race to drop the diff off for a new crown wheel & pinion including a Quaife LSD. I will then be tourist for a few hours while they rebuild it!

I have been looking at the state of the rear axle while cleaning it. The oil seals either end don't look the best, one of them is slightly deformed and the other has metal showing though the rubber. With all the effort I'm going to I think it would be daft not to replace these however are they easy to remove and replace?

On the same subject I'm not sure if the driveshaft bearings will need replacing. I'm taking them to Phil to have a look. I'm assuming this is a garage job and not a DIY! Sould there be a gasket between the oil catch plate area?

Update:
New CW&P fitted along with a Quaife LSD by Road & Race.

New and shiny!

Seals removed from axle waiting to be cleaned and whilst everything is off the back end a new lick of paint and new brake parts. Bearings ok.

Now happy albeit car still in bits!

Good news!
Will be interesting to see how different you find the LSD.
I love mine.

Hopefully one last query relating to the axle as its all back together, painted and looking rather shinny and new!

Is it possible to overfill the diff oil in the axle? I believe the official capacity is around 750ml however I'm guessing as long as the level is upto the filler level then this should be sufficient?

I don't want to overfill it and cause problems!

Presuming its an Ital axle I would suggest overfilling it. Always did with mine because the oil surge you get with the cornering forces in Seven compared to an Ital will potentially cause problems. Always used to fill mine before I fitted the last drive shaft, simply jacked up that end of the axle and poured the oil down. The extra oil never caused me any issues and never had an oil leak. Didn't stop me wrecking CWP's (3 in 2 years), 150 bhp and slicks will do that.

That's why I built a De-Dion car, 22 years and no wrecked CWP's with more power and bigger tyres.