We
have just launched a new and improved version of the X-Shaft tool.
Now it's even easier to use, smaller to stow, more robust and even
looks pretty bling!
We've not even put the price up!
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We have to thank 'BIG Ron' who, at Slindon off road site came
up with the idea behind the new design.
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The
X-Shaft Mk2 consists of a telescopic, anodized aluminium tube which
extends to form a rigid rod, easy to guide into the axle tube. It
is rigid enough to hold large chunks of half-shaft without flexing.
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| Have
you ever broken a half-shaft? |
You
know the broken end is always stuck in the differential. Sometimes
(depending on the type of diff) you can pull the other side shaft
out and knock the offending bit out with a long metal rod. If you
happen not to have such a long metal rod - your only option is to
remove the diff. This is a totally horrible job if you're lying
in the mud - and it will put you out of action for an hour or two
- not good if you're in a competition / challenge.
Although these photos show the Mk 1 in use, the principle is exactly
the same.
This tool forms long metal rod with a hyper strong rare-earth metal
magnet at one end capable of grabbing the broken end and pulling
it out of the axle tube without removing or draining the differential
of oil. |
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To
extract the broken end, simply insert the shaft into the axle
tube until it meets the half shaft. In most cases it will pull
straight out. If not, there is usually a small amount of movement
(even if you cannot feel it. Try wiggling the shaft in & out
for a few mins. eventually this will wear down the sharp edges
on the broken end and allow it to be withdrawn.
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These
photographs were taken at the 'Grand Canion' site in Sussex where
I used the prototype tool to extract the broken end of my shaft.
I was rolling again in under 10 minutes!
Once the magnet has grabbed the broken end, it can be pulled out
through the stub axle (Left).
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The
relief is obvious!
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