New chromoly axle shafts for rear Dana 44 - retainer plate bend

[Eruntalon]

Hey all,

I just imported a set of rear Dana 44 chromoly axle shafts for my TJ and the company I purchased from installed the bearings/seals/retainer plates as part of their service. During transit it seems as though one of the retainer plates has received a 30 degree bend right down the middle (I presume due to the opposite axle shafts spline end pushing into it?) as opposed to being flat (see photos).

Is this something that could be flattened out whilst still on the axle shaft? The other alternative is to press off all the components and start again which I don't really want to do. I've contacted the supplier in USA for advice.

[Eruntalon]

I spoke to the company and they are sending me an entire new shaft and bearing assembly :S

[nitrobrent]

Just be mindful that the flanges on the mollys arent as strong as stock axles.
Skidding sideways into a rut should be avoided .

[bonza]

Originally Posted by Eruntalon

I spoke to the company and they are sending me an entire new shaft and bearing assembly :S

that worked out well, you will now have a spare axle.

with the bent retainer it is probably only mild steel sheet stamped out in a press shop. therefore you should be able to rig up a support for it and flatten it out with a hammer and dolly without any detriment to the retainer material properties and without the need to remove the bearing assy.

[Jonesy]

Who was the company ? , I'd like to get some pre assembled axle shafts too.

[RPG]

I think it would squash flat again in a vice. Use a small vice and you should be able to work around the flange and bearing. As stated the steel is nothing special and relatively soft. It is not uncommon to have to flatten out the retainers when you replace the bearings

[Eruntalon]

Originally Posted by Jonesy

Who was the company ? , I'd like to get some pre assembled axle shafts too.

It was East Coast Gear Supply in USA.