500E Rear end question

[JeffSpicoli]

I have discovered that the spacing of the hubs from left to right rear are different. I guess I should say the mounting surface not necessarily the hubs. The difference is +/- 3/8". The driver side sticks out farther.

Would the pedestrian 124's have different dimensions?

I honestly don't even know where to begin, I've never seen anything like this. One thing I didn't do is pull the rotors and compare them. Possibly one has a thicker hat?

 

[gsxr]

Rear rotors should have matching hats if they are the same rotors. The 036 rear rotor hats are 2mm thicker vs 034, but that's less than 1/8", not 3/8".

All I can think of is the rear hub isn't fully pressed into the wheel bearing, which would be bizarre... and would also result in the brake rotor pushed out away from the backing plate too.

 

[JeffSpicoli]

I'm wondering if the hub would function being over 1/2" out? The last thing a shop did to the car was replace a rear wheel bearing...

 

[gsxr]

I'm wondering if the hub would function being over 1/2" out? The last thing a shop did to the car was replace a rear wheel bearing...

That's quite the coincidence. The hub would still function normally, the main difference would be the parking brake shoes would not line up correctly inside the rotor. For that matter, the brake caliper on that side wouldn't line up either if the hub (and brake rotor) was pushed outward 3/8" from normal position.

You'll need to do additional investigation...

 

[JeffSpicoli]

Does anyone know if the axles are the same length on both sides? Or if an axle from a 400 model would be a different length?

I'm trying to think of a repair scenario where someone with limited access to parts (car is from Japan) might have "made due" with a similar part that isn't quite right.

 

[gsxr]

Does anyone know if the axles are the same length on both sides? Or if an axle from a 400 model would be a different length?

Axles are identical left to right (same part number). 400E ASR axles are also the same part number.

400E non-ASR axles are slightly longer, I think.

I'm trying to think of a repair scenario where someone with limited access to parts (car is from Japan) might have "made due" with a similar part that isn't quite right.

Axle length wouldn't change the hub position. If the hub was pushed out, the axle CV joints would extend to make up the difference.

Can you post a photo of what you are seeing that is 3/8" different left to right?