MTFCA Forum

This is a common 1917-25 style spindle, but apparently a bearing cage or something came loose and cut a groove about 3/16" deep. Yes I know they don't make 'em anymore, but there are still a lot of these around. I just hate to throw it out if there's a chance someone might need it. Is it worth saving?

Wouldn't go on any of my T's - scrap IMO !

not only is it grooved, but it had a Model A bearing on it which has ruined the threads

your instincts are sound...

TOSS!

You could save it and make one of these centering tools. Jim

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=51401

I agree with Steve T. I save a lot of pieces that should be scrapped just because I dislike throwing out pieces that have survived so long and given their full measure of service. But any foolish attempt to repair something like that could result in disaster. It is very likely that microfractures have already begun inside, and even being welded by a good welder could likely result in an unsafe piece waiting to fail at the worst time.
There are enough good ones around to be used, that one should go into the scrap bucket.

There are uses where such a part could be safely used. A useful tool for turning wheels for painting wheels or checking for trueness (as long as the spindle is cut or altered such that it cannot return to its original purpose?), or maybe even a garden tractor that cannot exceed about ten miles per hour, might be safe enough? But even that could leave it available for a reckless use later.

It's the perfect part for yard art.
I would probably throw it in the raw materials for the lathe bin or maybe keep it for a tech show and tell when going over front ends.
It's good quality steel but rear axles are bigger for raw material.
I have a bad parts pile I use to teach others what to look for and hope not to see.

On anything that sees the road, No
Mike

Wayne Sheldon wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 04, 2026 4:38 pm

There are uses where such a part could be safely used. A useful tool for turning wheels for painting wheels or checking for trueness (as long as the spindle is cut or altered such that it cannot return to its original purpose?)

Yes! Making certain it can't be re-used for road use is critical. We know never to re-use it, but we won't necessarily be its keeper forever, and when it gets re-sold, the next owner may not be aware.

When my employer manufactured airplane parts, ALL non-conforming parts were purposely damaged beyond any possible use before they went into the scrap pile so there was no chance of them ever being put into use, either by mistake, or by an unscrupulous scrapyard trying to market them.

Rodger Erickson wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 04, 2026 2:52 pm

Is it worth saving?

Wayne Sheldon wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 04, 2026 4:38 pm

It is very likely that microfractures have already begun inside

If that came off a car of mine, I'd polish it up and proudly put it on the mantelpiece next to a photo of my parents and any other things I owe my life to!
I'm not sure I'd be able to sleep if I passed it on to anyone else.

So what does the surface for the inner race look like? Worn too?
Is that a crack? Sorry no 1926-27