Front Axle Bushings. Where to get them and the tool

[Goofey 89]

I read a lot about reaming out and putting in bushings for the spindls to get rid of play. I would like to do that to my c-195 with 1" front spindls. Also would like to do it to the middle hinge point. 

 

Can anyone recommend a place to go get the bushings and the tools and also what sizes we are talking on bushes and tools.

 

Haven't been able to find that info. Just a guide on how to do it.

 

Not a metalworker I am. But I know a guy that can help me do it 

 

Sorry for the trouble.

 

Thanks

[pfrederi 17,743]

I did the center pivot on a Charger.  Drilled the axle hole out to 7/8" pressed in two sleeve bearings and made a new 3/4" pivot pin.

[Goofey 89]

so looking at mc masters site. 1" ID bushing 1 1/4" OD for the spindl. I know nothing about reamers and the first i found was 150 some $. Can an apropriate tool be found cheaper somewhere?

 

and would it be better to go for the 1 1/8" OD bushing?

 

Oh and could I just drill it out instead of reaming?

 

Edited July 31, 2019 by Goofey

[pfrederi 17,743]

I think i would go with 1" x 1-1/8" x3/4 press one in from the top one from the bottom that is where the spindles and axle housing wear.. top and bottom not center also leaves room for grease in middle.

 

I drilled out the hole with a regular drill bit on my drill press.

[Goofey 89]

Any thoughts on where to get the reamer or big size drillbit without breaking the bank?

 

Edited July 31, 2019 by Goofey

[ebinmaine 67,766]

13 minutes ago, Goofey said:

Any thoughts on where to get the reamer or big size drillbit without breaking the bank?

 

1 1/8 in drill bit can be purchased on the Jungle site for about $20.

 

Take it easy. Take it slow. Use the appropriate lubrication. Should be fine.

 

[oliver2-44 9,787]

The 1-18" OD bushing would have 1/16" thick sidewalls vs 1'8" sidewalls on the 1-1/4" OD bushing.  The thinner side walls would work, but make it a little more challenging to drive in with just drilling the hole, but they should work. to help, put the bushing in the freezer for a few hours to shrink it a tiny bit to help installation. Lay the axle that the bushing goes in out in the sun or even in front of an electric heater to get a tiny bit of expansion.    

[953 nut 55,393]

29 minutes ago, Goofey said:

Any thoughts on where to get the reamer or big size drillbit without breaking the bank?

 

        Unless you have a BIG dill motor and will be having a future need for the large drill bit I would suggest that you take the axle to a machine shop to have it done. Chances are it will cost about the same and they will do it right, it is too easy to have a bushing distort while being pressed in and then it will need to be reamed.

[Goofey 89]

27 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Take it easy. Take it slow. Use the appropriate lubrication. Should be fine.

 

Don't even want to say it  

[pacer 3,174]

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

Unless you have a BIG dill motor and will be having a future need for the large drill bit I would suggest that you take the axle to a machine shop to have it done. Chances are it will cost about the same and they will do it right, it is too easy to have a bushing distort while being pressed in and then it will need to be reamed.

 

I'm sorta with 953 here and am a bit negative on an amateur doing this ... First off a drill bit will NOT make a round hole, is never to the exact size, and will tend to wander, plus at least a fair sized drill press to handle that large a drill bit, If all 3 of the holes are worn to the point they are sloppy, then the holes will be almost certainly egg/oval shaped meaning finding center can be a pill. The spindle holes are on an angle meaning you have to make a 'jig' to mount the axle at that angle to maintain it.

 

I've done several axles with my large milling machine using end mills which make a decent hole with out having to ream them, usually taking some several minutes getting the axle mounted up in the mill vise at the necessary angle, and getting as close as possible to the center.

 

As most machinists will say "yeah the fix didnt take but 5 minutes but setting up takes a LOT longer"

 

 

[Skipper 1,788]

So to summe it up, you better take it to a machine shop, and if that ain't an option, a long slightly tapered reamer is the way to go. 

 

On bushing size, I wouldent remove more of the front axle material than necessary, so a 1 and 1/8 OD would be my take on it too, if that lets you clean out the hole 100%.

 

And where to get a cheap usable reamer, I do not know. Would like to know though................

Edited July 31, 2019 by Skipper

[953 nut 55,393]

You may want to consider finding a good used axle. Lincoln at A-Z Tractor is a very honest supplier and can probably help out.

https://a-ztractor.com/

[pfrederi 17,743]

Also keep in mind if the axle housing is worn so are the spindles themselves.  Sleeveing the axle will only fix 50% of the problem.  For the center pivot I made a new pin as the original was worn.

 

I was surprised how well my drill press and 7/8" drill did i had to use an small arbor press to put he sleeves in.  Obviously 1/18" would be more challenging. 

 

Big problem...finding a machine shop that will take a small job like this and actually do it before you die of old age

Edited August 1, 2019 by pfrederi

[pacer 3,174]

59 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

.finding a machine shop that will take a small job like this

 

Indeed! that can be a problem.... In my area of some 250-300,000 people I cannot find anyone to do a rebore/grind crankshaft on a small engine! My friend/mentor is a highly skilled machinist and has worked several of the machine shops around and said he did not know of anyone doing that small service -- anymore (at one time yeah) Thank goodness he took me as a student and I have become pretty good with a mill and lathe