pfrederi 18,323 #1 Posted January 19, 2024 (edited) Frequently come across spindles that have been damaged by failed wheel bearings or lack of lube in the front axle ...some others have been bent out of shape. I can drill out and put bushings in the axles but don't have any idea how to repair the damage to the spindle itself. I am not a metal worker and don't have a lathe but given the shape of a spindle I doubt that would help. Anyone come up with ways to restore spindles?? Edited January 19, 2024 by pfrederi 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 70,697 #2 Posted January 19, 2024 I've looked at filing a deeper groove and using JB Weld. Haven't done so yet because good used spindles are still here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,513 #3 Posted January 19, 2024 3/4" round stock. Chop off the old. Chuck the stock in a lathe and cut a snap ring groove or drill and tap the end for a bolt. weld the new stock on to the spindle 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,323 #4 Posted January 19, 2024 6 hours ago, squonk said: 3/4" round stock. Chop off the old. Chuck the stock in a lathe and cut a snap ring groove or drill and tap the end for a bolt. weld the new stock on to the spindle But that is a lot of money to get a lathe and then be confident I can weld it on straight. I save old hubs I got a broach set for new keyways just hoping there was similar reasonably priced alternative for repair. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,513 #5 Posted January 19, 2024 Find an retired old time machinist who's got a lathe in the basement. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,963 #6 Posted January 19, 2024 One "issue" with standard cold rolled round stock is that it runs .003 to .005 undersize. The bearing is usually right on the money for size - that allows the inner race to spin if it wants to - and that is what wears the groove in the spindle.... We have had decent sucess with TIG welding the groove back up and hand filing the excess down to size so that the inner race has a light press fit onto that area. Thre inner race cannot spin , but the bearing does.... Shown is one such repair, with a dab of JB Weld to fill in any small remaining voids....... 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,087 #7 Posted January 20, 2024 @pfrederi @ri702bill , another thing I see on tractors , is very common wheel / side to side shucking , if you eliminate that and enhance the grease lubrication , the problem goes away , of course if your axel shaft is wiped out / deformed , that has to be replaced before the detailing . since WASHERING UP MY FRONT WHEEL SIDE TO SIDE SHUCKING , have had zero problems with wheel play , also like a vinyl wheel bearing cap . experiment , make a change , Pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,963 #8 Posted January 20, 2024 Pete - I did the same on the 502 - tapped the ends for a center retaining screw, the E clip groove was well worn. There is a slight "pinch" on the inner races now. Tossed out the original worn hub bushings, pressed in new sealed flanged ball bearings - after purging the original grease & replacing it with Lucas Green.... 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,087 #9 Posted January 20, 2024 @ri702bill frequently take a road ride , pavement , nearby cull de sac , that solid pavement drive really highlights , wheel steering movement and any related play . initially , brought extra washers , small tool bag , for tweaking , also a screw jack , for wheel lift . the firming up , and solidity , was instant , bringing it back home , also let me look at other small areas to correct . have not had a bearing or related wheel issue since , the firm up , vinyl wheel and top axel / spindle covers , ensure debris free movement . thanks for the shout , Pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
