Bicycle Mechanics - Front Axle Options

I am new to this forum, but not biking, I have an 05 Hardrock Pro with Ditchwitch rims and quick release, and recently my front inner axle(the one that is bolted in with the dust covers) broke where the nuts thread on, so the nuts were only held on by the axle of the quick release. What are my options for more sturdier axle, perhaps a bolt on instead of quick release? where can i find the repleacement parts for my bike? Any help would be appreciated, thanx

bump

Okay, I'm not sure about exactly what you've broken... you call it "the inner axle". Normally, the axle refers only to the solid steel piece which remains fixed while the hub rotates around it. What you refer to as the "inner axle" is normally called the "skewer" or the "quick release". I am also not sure what you mean by "dust covers".

Am I right about what you are asking? Did you break this piece shown here?
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/NS-QRS.gif

If what you broke is indeed the skewer, it's easy to fix. $12 from Nashbar, for some skewers: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=135&subcategory=1175&brand=&sku=2453&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
Or your local bike shop will probably carry them for a similar price.

You SHOULD NOT ride the bike while it has a broken skewer!! This could cause the front wheel's axle to fall out of the fork, which would probably cause a serious crash. When you get a new skewer, read the instructions carefully to learn how to install the skewer properly ... it is NOT as easy as it looks to install one safely :)

PS- How did the skewer break in the first place??? It is fairly unusual for a skewer to break, since the skewer itself does not actually absorb any of the vertical stress on the front wheel as long as it is properly installed. The skewer's only purpose is to compress against the fork horizontally, holding the axle in place due to friction. When you install a new skewer, MAKE SURE that the axle (steel hollow part that the skewer fits through) is fully seated in the fork ends.

Sounds like you cracked the actual axle. I checked Specialized's website and it lists the stock hub as generic Joy-Tech disc hubs with loose ball bearings. You might want to take some measurements and contact your LBS. They should be able to order generic axles from QBP. If you want, take a look at Sheldon Brown's website on hub parts (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub-parts.html) to get an idea of what you'll need. Another option will be to view this as a "window of opportunity" to upgrade to a higher quality hub.

Sounds like you cracked the actual axle. I checked Specialized's website and it lists the stock hub as generic Joy-Tech disc hubs with loose ball bearings. You might want to take some measurements and contact your LBS. They should be able to order generic axles from QBP. If you want, take a look at Sheldon Brown's website on hub parts (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub-parts.html) to get an idea of what you'll need. Another option will be to view this as a "window of opportunity" to upgrade to a higher quality hub.
Yeah, it wasn't clear if he broke the axle or skewer...

A replacement axle will cost about $10 + installation, typically. If you want to upgrade to a new front hub, the XT is about the most rock-solid hub around, and you can get a front hub for about $27 these days: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=95&subcategory=1115&brand=&sku=3007&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
(the Deore hub is also available for $15 from the same site, a slightly lesser but still very good model). If you decide to replace the whole hub, you'll need to have the front wheel rebuilt, which may cost around $20.

Look here
http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi?c=Hub&sc=Axles&tc=Front&id=896174024273