MGA Where to Buy, What to Buy? Axle Nut

[bammons]

Well I have searched and have been to the MGA Guru's site. I know the size 1 61/64". I had gotten some suggestions from my search, of some sockets that others have found even at their local parts store. When I go to try to find these units nothing comes up. Wilmar W31477 is one the Guru says may be very good but nothing comes up when I search. British Tool supposedly has one but I can't find it. Others say a Ford 4 x 4 socket fits but I don't see anything at Autozone like that. The MGA Guru says the unit offered by Moss is too loose. Where specifically can I get a good MGA axle nut socket at a decent price? Be specific. Bruce

 

[BobHaskell]

The factory tool is 18G152 made by Churchill and Zelenda. It was used for the Austin-Healey 100 (up to chassis 221535), the Metropolitan, the Sprite, the MGA and MG Magnette and others. They come up on ebay periodically. A network search should show you what it looks like.

Here's a different version of the tool: ESM. Another possibility is from English Parts. I don't have any experience with either company.

For the later big Healeys, a 12 point socket is often used. You might be able to find a socket to fit the MGA nut. If you go that route, I would suggest grinding the face of the socket flat as the nut is thin.

 

[Scargo]

I use this 12 pt. 1-7/8" 3/4" drive socket. It's labeled "Northern 1-7/8 CR-V", so I am assuming I purchased it from Northern Tool & Equipment. It's worked like a champ for me many times on my Sprite.

 

[bammons]

Thanks guys. English Parts may have what I want unfortunately their description stinks with no picture. Good to know a 12pt works. I may go that way if I can find one. MGA Guru says start at 140 ft lbs and go up so I want a good fit so it doesn't mess me up or the original nuts. And I have another MGA that I may get to use it on. I, by luck am getting to borrow one I think but still want to get my own. Bruce

 

[JPSmit]

I bought a 3/4 drive socket set from Harbor Freight when I needed to take the crankshaft not off (and axles) - also because it is very manly to have a 3/4 socket set. That said the individual sockets seem readily available - amazon, Home Depot etc.

 

[bammons]

Well I got to meet Barney "The MGA Guru" yesterday and he said to go to the local auto parts and buy a pressed steel axle nut socket for Ford 4 x 4 fronts. Stopped at O'Reilly's on the way home and guess what? They said I would have to order it. I need to see/measure one to see if it will work unless someone gives me a specific item number. I will look at NAPA and see what they have. My loaned socket mentioned above did not work out so still looking. I may have to order the one from English Parts. JP the problem is with a socket set is what fits 1 61/64" 8pt axle nut? Everybody seems to think this is not much problem but it seems to be hard around here. A club member is loaning me a 1 7/8" 12pt socket to try but even if it will be big enough is will only catch 4 corners max. Bruce

 

[JPSmit]

JP the problem is with a socket set is what fits 1 61/64" 8pt axle nut? Everybody seems to think this is not much problem but it seems to be hard around here. A club member is loaning me a 1 7/8" 12pt socket to try but even if it will be big enough is will only catch 4 corners max. Bruce

Not doubting you and having no desire to rip mine apart, but, 1 61/64 seems such a non standard number - I have been googling around to see if it is a whitworth measurment - though in fairness I have no idea how to read the charts google showed me.

1 60/64 = 1 15/16 which is 1/64" smaller - and I would suggest a 1/64" gap over almost two inches is the amount needed to let it fit.

1 15/16" is on Amazon

Amazon.com

Also, 1 31/32 (62/64) = 50.1 mm so a 50 mm socket should also work

Amazon.com

weird.

 

[bammons]

None of the local auto parts stores (I went to the 4 big ones) have the stamped steel axle nut sockets anymore. I found a couple that were way larger but that was it. So I found a Textron 12 pt 1 15/16inch socket on Amazon and ordered it. Hoping it will work. Bruce

 

[Scargo]

Post the results after you receive and try it. If it's too large, PM me your address and I'll loan you my 1-7/8" socket which I mentioned earlier in this thread.

 

[bammons]

I wanted to post the result of my trying a 12 pt 1 15/16" socket I ordered. It did not fit well at all even though decimally it is the same size. I did get the nuts off but it did start rounding off the corners. I did grind the beveled surface of the socket. No way I would be able to torque this back on at over 140lbs. I am going to order one from one of the parts suppliers out there specifically for this but wanted to post the result so nobody would waste their money. Bruce