I've been measuring rear axle parts, and I'd like a more experienced hand to tell me if I'm getting it right.


The roller which new was .500" is now a little over .498".




The axle shaft which should be 1.062" is now 1.051" and a good candidate for replacement. Am I reading these right?

You are reading it right! Measure both ends of the rollers in the bearing. The end which was to the outside will be worn the most. Your axle is toast. Will make a great tent stake at the circus tent. I remember seeing them used that way. Not sure if there is any circus left.

Yes. Even with a brand new bearing that axle would have too much wear. Total acceptable wear is .005" to .006" combined when you add up all measurements of the bearing and the axle according to the MTCA videos by Bruce McCalley I have.

Steve - Micrometers take an experienced "touch" to get accurate readings. It is easy to over or under tighten and be off .001 and even .002 inches. Additionally you need to make sure they are zeroed correctly.

You can practice the feel on the 0-1 micrometers at .000 and the 1-2 if you have a 1 inch standard to check them against. Most micrometers have a friction ratchet on the end of the barrel but you can easily get erroneous readings with it if you are not careful.

My dad - a true tool and die maker that could accurately read micrometers to 0.0001 sat me down one day and showed me how to do it. I could get to 1/2 thousandths but no better.

I know this doesn't answer your question but I would not want to say your right unless I know you did the measurement correctly

Steve,

If the axle key ways and tapers are good on the shafts and the inside bearing surface is good (it usually wear much less than the outside bearing surface) then you probably could use that axle with a floating rear hub set up. Depending on the cost of two floating hubs vs. two replacement axles, bearings, and sleeves one or the other may turn out to be a better cost solution. A quick look at all new parts shows the original style parts are considerably less expensive in the 2008 Lang's catalog. However, the floating rear hub is a better safety solution (i.e. if the axle breaks the wheel should still stay on the car). And even if it is more expensive than the cost of the original style, now might be the time to do it -- especially if you were thinking about doing it at some later date.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 Model T Ford touring cut off and made into a pickup truck and l907 Model S Runabout. Sumter SC.

Right on, Hap.