The left rear wheel wobbles about an inch on my barn yard cruiser. I took off the wheel and the axle wobbles. I sure it's bent as there is a crack just in from the threads so it'll have to be replaced. My question is, is the housing bent also and how do I measure for housing straightness other than eyeballing it? I'll check for babbitt while it's apart. Thanks for any ideas in advance John
A good way to judge whether the housing is bent is with a good axle shaft in place but the outer bearing is out turn jack up the other side and turn the axle in the housing. The axle should be centered in the housing and should turn true. The housing could be bent, or the radius rods could be adjusted wrong. The radius rod adjustment will affect the axle shaft forward or aft. If it is out of center either up or down, the problem is a bent housing.
If you're checking the thrust washers, you have the rear axle out of the car and apart. You might as well do the whole overhaul. That includes setting each housing on a flat surface and setting a square next to it on each side to see if it's straight upright.
Thanks, guys. The Fahnstock book echoes what Norm says. Jeff, Good simple idea. I'll do both. John