Posted by Matt Wilson [172.69.70.128] on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 16:27:38 :
In Reply to: Re: Front Axle Shaft Bronze Bushing Dimension posted by Wayne [172.69.62.163] on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 13:50:18 :
Thanks for the comments, Wayne.
Yes, I am paying as much attention to the shaft as I am to the bushing. In some places, the shaft diameter is barely within the range for new parts, and in others places, it is slightly lower, but still far from the wear limits stated in one of my manuals, so I think I’m good to go in that regard. It had some light rust pitting in the seal contact area, but I chucked it up in the lathe and polished those out pretty nicely while maintaining an acceptable diameter.
I'm pretty sure I'm measuring correctly. Definitely not the first time I've used calipers. Having said that, I was planning to double-check the measurement tonight by using an inside micrometer, or perhaps a telescoping gage in conjunction with an outside mic.
The last time I replaced these bushings, 25 years ago, they literally fell out like yours when I removed the shafts. A few weeks ago, when I removed one, it was in there pretty firmly. I have a Snap On slide hammer puller, and it would not budge the bushing/seal (of course, the main problem is that it couldn’t get a good bite on the seal). I had to rig a threaded puller to pull it out and it resisted the whole way. If my new bushing fits as loosely as the ones I replaced 25 years ago, then you're right, there will not be much reduction in diameter, but if it fits like that latest one I had to pull, then I expect there will be some reduction - there has to be.
I will double-check my measurements and I will look for your article. Do you happen to remember the month and year of your article?
Have you used your front axle much since your rebuild? If so, have you found any leakage issues or other issues?
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