[Steering & Suspension] Rear axle.

[malgpz900]

Got the chance of a failed rear axle for Mk1, for coppers.  Is it worth a speculative purchase to be refurbished at leisure, just in case. 
Mine has 96k on the clock. No signs of any problems with the rear axle yet. 
Cheers,
Malcolm.

[homeruk]

Its normally the trailing arm bushes which fail.

Unless you have some serious pulling kit, refurbing an axle is beyond the scope of a home mechanic.

It might be worth it if you know of an engineering company that can replace the stubs for you cheaply then it becomes a viable option.

[malgpz900]

Its normally the trailing arm bushes which fail.

Unless you have some serious pulling kit, refurbing an axle is beyond the scope of a home mechanic.

It might be worth it if you know of an engineering company that can replace the stubs for you cheaply then it becomes a viable option.

I thought as much. I do have options to have the work done, might just keep my fingers crossed. 
Malcolm.

[ffrenchie]

If you thought yours was likely to fail it would be worth getting as an exchange unit for a reconditioned one so you can do the job at your own pace.

[malgpz900]

If you thought yours was likely to fail it would be worth getting as an exchange unit for a reconditioned one so you can do the job at your own pace.

Mmmm. That's me thinking now. 

[Kokain]

I would say if you feel like want something to keep you busy during the winter, go to the car morgue and take one from there. Load it in the van and away you go. Preferably from a MK2 or something as newer as they got. From there it's about cleaning the rust, painting it, maybe throw some money on nice thick torsion bars, get new mounts for it and you are done
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq3/B...AG0758.jpg

If you have a wheel bearing problem one day, or the torsion bars snap, or the mounts give in, you have a nice refurbished axle ready to go.