MTFCA Forum

I noted some front right wheel wobble. I removed the wheel. Bearings are fine. Sighting straight along the length of the spindle from the threaded end, it moves slightly up and down by hand in the Y axis only, and none the X axis or Z axis. I guess that rebuilding the spindle body with new bushings will eliminate spindle movement, but I don't want to assume anything. Advice, please. TIA.

Remove kingpin cotter pin, snug up nut & replace cotter pin. Also tighten wheel hub nuts.

When loaded, the upper bushing rubs & pivots on the upper axle arm. The lower does nothing. You have NO issue.
Wandering is typically a toe in issue.

Testing for front end wear: Have someone move the steering wheel back & forth such to see the extent of the play.
Look @ all the component joints for looseness. Also note the steering shaft side movement in the lower frame mount.
Address any & all loose bushings & joints.
With the axle up off the ground a bit, grab both wheels. Pull together & push apart. That will show spindle bushing wear(which you say there is none)
and excess wheel bearing slop.

GBarr wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 06, 2023 1:42 pm

I noted some front right wheel wobble. I removed the wheel. Bearings are fine. Sighting straight along the length of the spindle from the threaded end, it moves slightly up and down by hand in the Y axis only, and none the X axis or Z axis. I guess that rebuilding the spindle body with new bushings will eliminate spindle movement, but I don't want to assume anything. Advice, please. TIA.

If I understand your description of movement it sounds like there is excessive wear in the flange of the spindle bushings. They should appear somewhat thick. Then they need replacing. Their thickness is fitted to the axle jaw.
While your at it you should check the other steering arm components for wear as well

Thanks, everyone, I have homework!

The up and down movement is of no real importance, assuming there's still a flange remaining on the upper bushing and that all else is in good condition.

As for wheel wobble... yup, they do that sometimes. Again, unless it's excessive, or the spokes are loose, and if the bearings are good and adjusted properly, it's not a problem.

If you have an axle that still has good threads in bottom of axle, it is one of a thousand. You better go buy lottery tickets, cause you are one lucky guy. Most are worn out.

Then it is a job for STEVENS FRONT AXLE TOOL!!!!!

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 06, 2023 2:02 pm

Wandering is typically a toe in issue.

AND/OR Loose motor mount to spring connection… AND/OR axle/perches installed backwards… AND/OR kingpins installed with yokes adjusted too tight…

I have been working on my ‘24 Touring this past year and found the front axle bent which I straightened in a press. Also spindle bushings worn badly, so replaced them and reamed to fit new king pins. Also replaced bushings and pins in the tie rod ends and drag link. I found that a little play here and a little play there creates a lot of play at the steering wheel. I got that down to less than an inch. I know there is wear in the steering box in the bottom end of the column and will fix that this winter. I must say, I am very satisfied with the way my T drives now.
Harvey Bergstrom