Differential Cross Pin Bolt

[Brunojohn3337]

I recently changed the axle seals, drums, shoes, etc. Requiring me to remove the axle shaft. In doing so I had to replace the cross pin bolt because I had to weld a nut on the old one to remove it. The new volt cane with red thread locker applied to threads. Not knowing better, I put a dab of anti-seize on the threads. My concern is that the bolt may not stay in place. Should I be concerned?

 

[BKennedy]

Yes. Anti-seize is not needed in a oil bath environment. Thread locker is needed.

 

[Brunojohn3337]

Yes. Anti-seize is not needed in a oil bath environment. Thread locker is needed.

Now I know better, was just trying to prevent the new one from getting stripped if I were to remove it in the future. I assume the factory applied thread locker will do no good with anti seize applied overtop of it. IOW I should replace bolt then yes?

 

[BKennedy]

The stock carrier cross pin bolt is supposed to be replaced every time its removed. Its a one time use part.

 

[Brunojohn3337]

The stock carrier cross pin bolt is supposed to be replaced every time its removed. Its a one time use part.

Correct. Thanks for info. When I do replace the bolt do I add any lock tight or thread locker? Or do I leave it alone given the fact that the bolt comes with factory red thread locker already on it.

 

[BKennedy]

Use what's on it

 

[imp]

Use what's on it

Who here has installed one with NO THREAD LOCKER and had it come out during use? Years back, the hundreds of ring gears I mounted were attached with lubricated grade 8 bolts, only oil on the threads. Never had one back out. The really crazies designed them with wire holes, wired the bolt heads all together! This was never seen in automotive use.

I suppose we could here argue right or left hand lug nuts?

 

[massacre]

Who here has installed one with NO THREAD LOCKER and had it come out during use? Years back, the hundreds of ring gears I mounted were attached with lubricated grade 8 bolts, only oil on the threads. Never had one back out. The really crazies designed them with wire holes, wired the bolt heads all together! This was never seen in automotive use.

I suppose we could here argue right or left hand lug nuts?

I usually just install any fastener that comes with loctite installed on it already - as is.
Same with like an oil pressure sender or coolant temp sensor, the threads come coated already.

The differential cross pin bolt does not serve the same function as the ring gear bolts.
Some racing sanctioning bodies specify the safety wiring of many parts, but you’re right, not on a stock application

 

[BKennedy]

Who here has installed one with NO THREAD LOCKER and had it come out during use? Years back, the hundreds of ring gears I mounted were attached with lubricated grade 8 bolts, only oil on the threads. Never had one back out. The really crazies designed them with wire holes, wired the bolt heads all together! This was never seen in automotive use.

I suppose we could here argue right or left hand lug nuts?

I have never installed one with no thread locker, but I have had ring gears and carrier bearing cap bolts loosen with thread locker. Recently, I opened up my diff to find only two of the ring gears were tight and all four of the cap bolts came off way too easy. Haven't had a cross pin bolt in a long time because I run a Detroit locker, so no recent reference on that. Not worth the chance of it all coming apart for 10 cents worth of thread locker.

 

[imp]

I usually just install any fastener that comes with loctite installed on it already - as is.
Same with like an oil pressure sender or coolant temp sensor, the threads come coated already.

The differential cross pin bolt does not serve the same function as the ring gear bolts.
Some racing sanctioning bodies specify the safety wiring of many parts, but you’re right, not on a stock application

The Ford 9-inch differential, for example, had NO CROSS PIN BOLT, or any other kind of retainer. The exposed ends of the cross bolt were COVERED by the installed ring gear; thus the cross bolt could go nowhere. The pic below shows how it looked:

It's a beautifully-designed set up. It had a few drawbacks, one being a very short pinion shaft, that being overshadowed by a third bearing making the pinion gear "straddle-mounted".

I have never installed one with no thread locker, but I have had ring gears and carrier bearing cap bolts loosen with thread locker. Recently, I opened up my diff to find only two of the ring gears were tight and all four of the cap bolts came off way too easy. Haven't had a cross pin bolt in a long time because I run a Detroit locker, so no recent reference on that. Not worth the chance of it all coming apart for 10 cents worth of thread locker.

Agreed.