M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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Yarder
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M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

Post by Yarder » Sun Sep 29, 2013 8:03 pm

So, I had some fun this weekend removing the rear wheel bearings off my stock M38a1. When I removed the left and right sides, I noticed the keepers were previously installed in exact opposite directions.

So, number one, does it matter which way the keepers are installed?

Or if it does, which way? The taper side towards the axle or away, then inboards or outboards? The Military manual doesn't really give any direction nor does the illustration give any guidance.

It seems to me that the taper side of the keeper might go inbound towards the axle so as to fit in the taper on the axle. Or not. I dunno.
1953 Willys M38A1, SN 52612


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Re: M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

Post by SB5477 » Mon Sep 30, 2013 12:00 am

Flatside goes outside, toward wheel.

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Re: M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Sep 30, 2013 3:12 am

Installing the Rear Axle Shaft Keys can only damage the hubs. The simplest way to install them correctly is to install the hub first and slide the Key in after. The tapered end goes first and when correct the edge of the key is parallel with the hub. Installing them wrong will distort or crack the hub creating an out of round seal surface. The key will slide in easy with thumb pressure and tightening the nut and washer will seat it in place.

TM9-8014 actually gives good instruction, if you follow Paragraph 216c (9),and (10) on Page 262, it will be failsafe as the key is installed after the hub is in place on the axle.
Don't forget to Torque the Rear Axle Shaft Nut to 150 Ft/Lb..
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Re: M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

Post by Yarder » Mon Sep 30, 2013 7:41 am

Thank you! I must have read Section 216 a dozen times! Naturally, I just skimmed over the part where I thought the key should go in. And then the rascals called it a keyway.

I did find in a different Army manual where the key way is flat side out, and the bevel towards the axle and would go in first, mating up with the slope on the axle.

And extra thanks for the torque value! That would have been another search. By the way, I have the downloaded manuals in my computer which does help with the searches. And, the computer PDF manuals zoom in better too, giving clear closeups. I have my PDF printouts hole punched in three ring binders where I put my own notes in it.

My old original Army Manuals are kept at home in a warm place, not in the wet cold garage.

Thanks to EVERYONE who makes this forum such a great place!
1953 Willys M38A1, SN 52612

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Re: M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

Post by pedormont » Mon Jun 18, 2018 11:48 am

Okay. So the entire assembly from axel tube to castle nut has been overhauled, shimmed and reassembled. The only remaining obstacle is the cotter pin. The castellated nut aligns just exactly on the hole with its corner and not the flat. What now, Ma?

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Re: M38A1 Rear Wheel Assembly

Post by pedormont » Mon Jun 18, 2018 11:53 am

TM 9-8015-2, Fig 127, Index N. Clear as a bell.


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