In checking my '14 touring car I noticed a difference in the pitch between the left and right sides. The service manual states that the pitch should be between 1/4 and 5/16 of an inch. I have 5/8 inch on one side, way too much. The manual says one should use a bending bar to bend the front axle and correct the problem. Has anyone actually used a "bending bar" to correct the pitch in an axle? Can you post a picture of the said bar. I would like to know what the look like. Thanks, JP
Jack,
If all of the parts are within specifications, you should “NOT” need to been the front axle or the wishbone. If you have time, I would recommend find out which part or parts are off. If you do not have time, then bending the axle has worked for folks in the past.
Please see:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/40382.html where it discusses setting up the front axle correctly. That is also where the photo below was posted by Michael Pawelek of a tool used back in the day.
Lang's also has them listed at: http://www.modeltford.com/pl.aspx?t=s&v=2691AW&page=1 or if that does not load properly, it is part number 2691AW.
A large pipe wrench would also work but putting some metal between the teeth and the front axle would keep from scaring the axle. You can use a jack under the handle or a piece of pipe on the handle.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
I think that on a '14, like mine, with the above-the-axle wishbone, the rake is 4-1/2 degrees instead of the 5-1/2 degrees of the cars covered by the service manual, published in the mid-20s. As I recall, Chaffin's front axle manual states that with a 2' carpenter's square on the floor and butted up to the spindle, you should have room at the top of the spindle to slip a pencil between the square and the spindle body.
As to the wrench, Lang's carries them:
http://www.modeltford.com/item/2691AW.aspx
A person should be able to jury-rig up some kind of an axle bending tool without too much trouble.
Or you can buy this one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/200933489259?lpid=82
Here is one from a past thread:
From: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/166384.html?1287758439
Jim
Jack,I have one,and you can use it,but you gotta come get it.
Thank all of you for the information. The axle in question has 5/8 inch tilt on one side only. It is on a car that has all new parts on the front axle. Rather than trying to "fix" it on the car I will replace it with a better axle. One that will be checked with the alignment fixture before installation.
Here's a photo of one I have.
There is no way to bend an axle without taking it off the car. Any attempt while on the car will result in bending the wishbone. Axles are haaarrrd to bend (two syllables) with or without heat. My press won't do it.
Hey, I have a tool like that but the long part is bigger around. Now you all have me wanting to dig it out. I thought it was something for the rail road but now I remember the end looks just like that.