Son Bryan an I are trying to get his 1925 touring up and running for the HCCA tour this summer. There is a lot to be done but today we tackled the front end and was in the process of bushings and pins replacement. On the right spindle where the threads stop (the area where the bearing stops) has a significant worn cut into the spindle shaft just where the threads stop. We have no idea what caused it, the bearing seems fine but we are replacing the spindle as it goes about 1/4 the way through. Any thoughts on what I should look for??
Sounds like typical ball bearing cut.I have found it on others also.
Not sure what you're asking. What caused the damage? What kind of spindle to get? If the first: 88 years is along time.I'd guess that sometime in the past 88 years somebody ran the car with a worn out bearing that cut into the shaft. If the second: you want one like the one you're replacing, but without the damage.
Jack, you may be correct but it almost seems like it was cut. The cut doesn't go all the way around. It is at the bottom of the spindle and goes about 1/4 deep. I have access to others but was puzzled as to the cause. It would seem that if it were a ball bearing, it would work its way around the spindle. Maybe not. The bearing we took out was fine although I question if it was seated properly because the inner threads were starting to get messed up. Thanks for the input, it will be replaced tomorrow.
What you are describing sounds like a cage cut,where the rollers left and axle was riding on the bearing cage. It doesn't take very far or long to do this.
Perhaps the bearings were set too loose and the washer was spinning with the outer bearing. Does the nut and washer look polished/worn on the contact sides?
Clean out the wheel hub and check to see if the bearing races are completely seated.
You all are probably correct. The previous owner may have had the problem and didn't notice the cut and installed a new bearing and went on. Can't do that: got to fix it right. Thanks all, Dick C.
R.S. Just make sure your replacement spindle for the right side has the left hand thread for the bearings!
Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.