O ring found on the end of stock axels.

[Blueinfan]

Hi Mustang community,

Need some help. I removed the axel from my 1991 Ford Mustang Convertible and noticed that the axels had an O ring where the C-Clip goes. Does anyone know what purpose do they have there, where can I get them, and official name?

 

[manicmechanic007]

Find another one
It is supposed to be there to cushion the axle noise

 

[Blueinfan]

Find another one
It is supposed to be there to cushion the axle noise

Can I use any O rings or have to use one made for the axel?

 

[manicmechanic007]

You may not find another that works easy without Ford Parts counter
I do not remember the size but a standard o ring kit does not have the right one I think
Call a place like Six States

 

[manicmechanic007]

It is a regular o ring
I think any one you find that lets you install the c clip would be okay
Red green black blue yes sir its just there for a little cushion

 

[Blueinfan]

It is a regular o ring
I think any one you find that lets you install the c clip would be okay
Red green black blue yes sir its just there for a little cushion

Thank you!

 

[Blueinfan]

Thank you!

I'm going to buy one and put it back the way it was from the factory.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Nitrile ( Buna-N) and viton are a common o-ring material that will tolerate oils well. Viton will take a bit more heat, but I don’t think in this application it matters

O-rings are standard sizes. Should be easy to track down one of similar size.

Let me see if I have one of those kicking around to measure and get the standard size


Edit: it appears to be a -018 size O-ring. My o ring is a bit beat up as well, so it’s possible it’s stretched and really a -017. I can grab a few at work tomorrow to try out.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

Why hav

Nitrile ( Buna-N) and viton are a common o-ring material that will tolerate oils well. Viton will take a bit more heat, but I don’t think in this application it matters

O-rings are standard sizes. Should be easy to track down one of similar size.

Let me see if I have one of those kicking around to measure and get the standard size


Edit: it appears to be a -018 size O-ring. My o ring is a bit beat up as well, so it’s possible it’s stretched and really a -017. I can grab a few at work tomorrow to try out.

Why have I not heard of or read about this before?
There were no O rings on the axle ends in my 87 Cougar. (I think the standard V-6 had a 7.5” diff, but the same axle set up.) The rear would clunk when shoved side to side when parked. The Stealership said that was normal, and I found nothing that looked worn and nothing else wrong except end play. This probably would have helped for a few miles.
I would want as tough an o ring as I could get, for both gear oil and sideways forces.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I always thought the purpose of the O-ring was simply to hold the C-clips in place during assembly. The c-clip just slides over the o-ring and the tension holds it in place

With the C-clip in place, and the axles pulled outwards with the center pin in place, there really isn't a whole lot of movement in the c-clip. I don't see how a little rubber O-ring is going to help with NVH but it's not something I really put much thought into.

On the used axles I checked, only 1 had the o-ring intact, and it was pretty crushed. In fact, it has two flats that aligned perfectly with where the C-clip fit over it. Supports the "assembly holding device" theory. I wouldn't lose any sleep over not putting it back on.

 

[manicmechanic007]

Yours will be noisy then 5L5

 

[OldManRiver]

The O-rings have absolutely nothing to do with deadening noise,they were installed as an assembly aid.

 

[91TwighlightGT]

I think they are probably as good at reducing noise as the hood insulator is at being a fire blanket.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I didn’t have any -018 o-rings but a -017 fit fine

 

[manicmechanic007]

The O-rings have absolutely nothing to do with deadening noise,they were installed as an assembly aid.

You are mistaken

 

[General karthief]

Does it matter??
Prolly not.
Never noticed an O ring on any axle I've removed.
I'm with the assembly aid theory
But until proof surfaces, does it matter?
I think not.

 

[manicmechanic007]

I stand corrected c clip retention it is
Not sure when they started using them
1991 or so

 

[Mustang5L5]

I don’t think it’s a subject worth debating.

If you want to stick them back on, -017 or -018 o-ring is what you want. I used the -017 although I think -018 is the correct size. I’m just unable to confirm as I don’t have that size in my o-ring bin because one of my minions failed to reorder.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

I don’t think it’s a subject worth debating.

If you want to stick them back on, -017 or -018 o-ring is what you want. I used the -017 although I think -018 is the correct size. I’m just unable to confirm as I don’t have that size in my o-ring bin because one of my minions failed to reorder.

Is this the employee?

 

[General karthief]

(Feverishly looking for that Trump 'you're fired' gif (or meme or whatever they are called)