Rear wishbones &c.

[dillyman]

Any comments from other experts on the letter in last week's Classic Car Weekly newspaper. A one time Daf agent and worker on Dafs comments that there are two things to watch out for on 33s,44s and 55s. They are the rear suspension wishbones which, he says, are likely to fracture after a very few years due to corrosion and excessive stress. Has anyone experienced this? Also he says that half shafts commonly fail due to tight manoeuvring in urban conditions, this due to lack of differential on these models. 46s and 66s having De Dion axles are exempt from these woes. What about that then?

[dkbhojani2]

having driven Dafs [ 44 & 55 models ] over 30+ years in Lodon with roads full of ramps & lumps+potholes.I must have also bought dafs with broken wisharms & half shafts so there must be touch of truthabout it. Never kept record of how many changed but a good few................Eric B

[Bob Scrivens]

Hi Folks
Did have to replace a N/S half shaft about 6 months ago, the break was before the splines in the reduction unit, and could have been due to it not being harden correctly?
Have been told that a batch of O/S drive did cause a bit of trouble.
Also if the belts are over tightened.
Had no trouble with the rear suspension on my 33 or 44 (touch wood)
Still at least I manage to get back home with the one drive left.

Bob

[dkbhojani2]

Mostly all broken half shafts were on 55 models but not often on 44 ( Signs of damage to rear wheel rim reversing on high pavements & curbs resulting stress) 18 years ago I do recall buying a 55 marathon with modified rear wisharms of rally spec, they were made of thicker guage metal. this daf also had sports steering wheel & Daf guages, vacume-oil-water temp etc. the car was sold minus these, today guages are connected & all working..........Eric B

[starider]

Hi,worked on all models of DAF through the 60's & 70's.Only remember two 32 half shafts breaking,no 33,44 or 55 breakages or wishbone failure in that time. starider.