Hope for the BX 4x4

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Brian King
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Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Brian King »

I have been talking to engineers about the 4x4 spline self-destruct tendency. I have a 4x4 and the splines sheared about 3 years ago. I had to buy a BX4x4, scrap it, and transfer the gearbox and transfer box to my car, since when it has gone well with a light right foot. But without the need to go down that route hope is at hand. Basically there is nothing that cannot be repaired or rebuilt, even better than new . Money is the answer to every engineering problem. But in order to get a good idea of the cost per car I need to know how many people would be interested in rebuilt/modified spline shafts for their car from a firm of transmission specialists. I think the cheapest would be about £150. Is there any interest?
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citsncycles
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by citsncycles »

Dunno how good the splines are on mine, but as I plan to take it on the challenge next year I want to check stuff like that beforehand.
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Brian King
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Brian King »

It would be ideal for the challenge, though personally I prefer a sunroof. It's another exit. Are you just checking or are you potentially a definite for about £150 even before you come to a graceful halt on some gravelly French pass? Remember there will be no availability without paying customers, unless you find a better way as you check around, in which case we will all go with you!
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by hilarystone »

Yes I would definitely be interested at around £150...
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by citsncycles »

Will they be modifying my shafts or making new from scratch? - I assume the former due to the price.

I would probably go for anything that would strengthen the system, because I have friends who have discovered the pitfalls of european breakdown cover and have been out of pocket by more than that amount as a result.
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Kaapelimies »

They ask £500 for the repair here, and as they go in pairs (total £1000!) I would also be interested in £150 offer! This is for the pair I guess?
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Brian King
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Brian King »

What I posted was as a result of a telephone conversation with an engineer in Cheshire who has experience of preparing Citroen 2CV 4WD competition cars. You have made me doubt what I wrote about cost. I have today sent a message to the engineers to give me an estimate of what the cost would be for the job for one car ie with one male and one female spline. Then we can compare like with like, and can be sure the cost for several members will be lower. But do you agree that if we get enough members interested it doesn't matter where they live or where the engineers are, as long as they are good - it's the only way of getting a professional job done with economies of scale. This is a forum so please, if you have other ideas let us all know! the main thing is to release back into service all those BX 4WD's.
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Kaapelimies »

The job is quite complicated because you have to fill the old splines with medal (welding or some other mean), then machine the threads, and then give an appropriate heat-threathing to maintain the stregth and sturdiness required for the power and torsion available from the angine, as 100% of the power goes through the splines.
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David
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by David »

This is something I would be interested in, Especially with having a 4x4 diesel. However the problem at the moment is I don't have a job so would be unable to have it done yet.

Just find out whether they redo your existing shafts or make complete new ones.
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Tim Leech »

Welcome back Brian, long time no see.
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Kitch »

For £150 you couldn't not buy a set!
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Jaba »

Someone posted here a few years back that a simple (relatively ) solution was available by simply machining slots to allow the insertion of dogs or keys leaving the unmachined splines remaining for location and some extra grip.
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Brian King
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Re: Hope for the BX 4x4

Post by Brian King »

This is the solution recommended by Philhod who has gone so far as to make a working jig with the offending shafts in it. We are waiting for a quote for the cutting and welding, as well as one for the alternative solution, which is to make brand new splined ends. Basically we need quotes for each solution, but they're slow coming. We will post them as soon as they are received.
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