I am going to restore a low mileage 1922 TT fire engine. I am wondering if the worm drive rear axle has babbit thrust washers like the car axle does?
NO
Thanks John! Simple answer
Any reason to take it apart if it seems to be working fine with no abnormal noises?
Thanks John! Simple answer
Any reason to take it apart if it seems to be working fine with no abnormal noises?
The ring gear is bronze and may be worn.
Thanks James! I suppose it wouldn't hurt to check it out, plus maybe replace some bearings. Is there a good manual available illustrating the disassembly and assembly of a TT rear axle?
Run It....Make sure it's well lubed first but I wouldn't tear it down unless it needed something. Your mentioning "Low Mileage" Is why I would just run it.
If it seems to be OK I'd run it, but:
1. Do the axles seem snug at the outer bearings or is there a lot of play? Excessive play would indicated worn a bearing or axle shaft.
2. Is there rear end oil leaking out to the hub? This would indicate a need to replace all the seals, 2 of which require it to be taken apart.
Yes, there is some oil seeping out of the axle tubes, guess it should come apart. Are there any good manuals outlining this type of service?
It's VERY simple. Just take it apart and bolt it back together. There are no adjustments at all. The hardest part is sliding the new inner oil seals back over the axle shaft.
You'll need a gasket set and 7 seals altogether. There are seals as follows:
1. Outer grease seal at the hub, one each side for a total of 2.
2. Inner grease seal just inboard of the wheel bearing, one each side for a total of 2.
3. Oil seal just outboard of the inner ball bearing, one each side for a total of 2.
4. Oil seal at the drive shaft spool, 1.
All of this stuff is easily available from several of the vendors.
Well I inspected a pair of axles and they are junk. I'm afraid I won't be able to find my others till the 26th when I unload at the Long Beach Model T Swap meet. I ran into several wasps nests in my trailer under the tarp so have been "eliminating the threat" before I dig through things. I haven't forgot about you.