Rear sub axel Refurb & clean up or replace?

[clipperjay]

Sorting my rear sub axel and not sure think the metal is quite solid, but not sure to replace as they arent cheap! 

[Mr Blue]

looks 'ok' but see a big big flaking off? If so replace!

VW only stock the correct bolts for these. Aftermarket ones dont work when tightening (bolt heads to big)

[clipperjay]

I've still got the original bolts they came off easy so not rounded or damaged threads!
There seems to be about 1mm of flaking, but no where near the bolt holes just the space where the brake shield had rotted against it. I think its okay just need to clean it up.
The metal where the bolt holes are are still new?
Unless there is a balance thing issues with a few grams of metal flakes?
Under neath is fine.

[DOA]

I've still got the original bolts they came off easy so not rounded or damaged threads!
There seems to be about 1mm of flaking, but no where near the bolt holes just the space where the brake shield had rotted against it. I think its okay just need to clean it up.
The metal where the bolt holes are are still new?
Unless there is a balance thing issues with a few grams of metal flakes?
Under neath is fine.

The big flake on the flat isnt an issue (certainly wont cause any imbalance, it doesnt rotate and neither does the shaft lol), the issue is at the root of the shaft where the rot has got to it. Saying that, there is more than enough shaft material to keep you safe and I doubt many other golf stub axles of the same age knocking around on the road are in much better shape. If you were ultra paranoid you could get the root of the shaft turned back to good metal and crack tested but its a bit OTT......

[X4MGS]

You've had 20 years out of it.... Replace it (whilst you can) - then you know it's good for another 20..... 

[Thom89]

Have em shot blasted Jay, they'll come up like new, then i'd be tempted to get them powder coated

Thom

[Mr Blue]

ahh looked like a huge chunk flaking off in the first pic. Look fine but remember to order those bolts from vw

[Seanl]

Looks like a proper crack to me. 

I replaced mine when I did the bearing up too tight, and scored the shaft. 

I just replaced the bearing at first, but after a couple of days I had to change it, as I kept hearing what was just road noise, but in my mind it was the bearing grinding on the stub axle!

Just get it changed for peace of mind, cos you will be constantly worried otherwise! 

[clipperjay]

TBH there is no cracks and that surface rust will be cleaned up!
I've ordered new bearings kit which have dust caps oil seals.
The disks are on order and pads aswell.
The caliper union bolt is finished rounded that right away.
Two new splash covers aswell!
Its costing me over £100 per side just to make it go through the MOT properly!
I'll have to cut back the copper brake pipe and re flare it onto a new union nut, but its been a right B*tch to sort it out!