help with swing axle trike

Adsman Officially Full-On Dubber

393 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 14 Sep 2007, 8:21 pm

#611995

Im posting for a friend regarding a trike running swing axle VW transaxle coupled to an EJ motor. He has trouble with the rear wheel bearings colapsing every few years and also oil leaks on the tube at the wheel end. The bearing and seals have been changed a few time before with different brand parts. One thing believed to be causing the problem is rear end shake when cross railroad lines or hitting bumps. IRS cant be fitted to this trike due to fuel tanks and engineering. Are there any ideas out there for stiffening up the rear end on trikes? I though maybe fillet plates on the frame horns? Has anyone done this?

What my garage isn't messy........Well chaos is a form of order isn't it?

RISKY_VW Commited Dubber

56 posts · joined Jun 2007 · 14 Sep 2007, 9:37 pm

#612018

yeah i have the same prob with the oil leaks
and keep replacing the seals not sure about the bearings
would it have somthing to do with the extra power ?
what swing box is he running

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pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 14 Sep 2007, 10:29 pm

#612031

Adsman wrote:Im posting for a friend regarding a trike running swing axle VW transaxle coupled to an EJ motor. He has trouble with the rear wheel bearings colapsing every few years and also oil leaks on the tube at the wheel end. The bearing and seals have been changed a few time before with different brand parts. One thing believed to be causing the problem is rear end shake when cross railroad lines or hitting bumps.

Not sure where I heard this, but someone mentioned using double seals on bearing housings with this issue. Also, check the axle shafts. If they are too worn that will make leaks worse between the bearings and the axle shafts.

As for the bearings, the olderstyle ones on swing axle cars are BALL bearings. Roller bearings are stronger as I understand it. Get him to go and talk to his local bearing specialist about the problem. They may be able to put him onto a tapered roller bearing that will be stronger.

Are there any ideas out there for stiffening up the rear end on trikes? I though maybe fillet plates on the frame horns? Has anyone done this?

The easiest thing is the kafer cup style braces.

a few people have made these out of old tie rods so they are adjustable. As far as suspension goes, thicker torsion bars are also available, but I can't see you needing them on such a light vehicle.

Hope this helps. 🙂

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mackaymanx Custom Title Time!

1,611 posts · joined Jan 2006 · 14 Sep 2007, 10:43 pm

#612035

A bent axle will cause oil leaks and premature bearing failure.
Pete you have to use ball bearings because they locate the axle (axially)

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Adsman Officially Full-On Dubber

393 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 15 Sep 2007, 12:17 am

#612058

thanks pete that looks like a very interesting setup, I will have to do some research and check to see if it will fit around the tanks/body.

What my garage isn't messy........Well chaos is a form of order isn't it?

MickH Hairy Gutted Sloth

3,389 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 15 Sep 2007, 1:16 am

#612068

A bent axle is a high probability....Is this the twin turbo trike??

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Adsman Officially Full-On Dubber

393 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 15 Sep 2007, 8:15 pm

#612181

No Mick only an EJ18 due to your fav engineer 😂 :vader

Although a twin turbo setup sound like a blast......maybe with dual wide tyres and a mean set of wheel bars 😁

What my garage isn't messy........Well chaos is a form of order isn't it?