T2508X outer bearing

[paul hoogendoorn]

Does anyone have any experience with fitting these to the rear side shafts. I would like to know of the side / half shafts need any machining to make this bearing fit.

[Humblej]

OK, you stumped me, what is a T2508X bearing and where is it used?

[Terry_007]

I am pretty sure "half shaft" is the commonly used British name for "Axel shaft."
Terry

[CudaMan]

Is this of any help?

https://www.modeltford.com/item/2508DUAL.aspx

[DanTreace]

2508X is Snyders part number for the same Langs offering, it's made in Texas, a very short modern outer bearing with Timken taper fitted to shell race that has to be pinned to the axle housing, by using that existing hole in the outer housing that holds the Hyatt sleeve dimple, and using a 1/4” dia. set screw. Supposed to replace the long flexible ribbon roller Hyatt bearing used by Ford.

Instructions says it will slip on, but maybe if axle is old worn, if new (factory spec is 1.062-1.065”), likely you have to remove a bit to slip it in place.

BFF39C03-09DB-4981-AD32-C97CED57FD1B.jpeg (106.32 KiB) Viewed 2629 times

[Adam]

In viewing the above image, does anyone think the “new, better bearing” is a bit shadetree? The instruction even says it isn’t an ideal fit...

Picture an original axle shaft being a light slip fit to loose fit in the inner bearing race of that modern bearing. The axle shaft is now “rolling” on two thin hardened races that are likely much harder than the Rockwell C 50 hardness of a Ford/proper axle shaft. And unless this entire assembly is set up to be greased by the rear grease cups, then the interface between axle shaft & race now is absolutely dry. I would anticipate a much more rapid work hardening and potential failure of the axle shaft versus the “original” setup.

[speedytinc]

i have only seen 1 sheered axle. It was on Lee Chases sedan in Kanab Utah. he had a ball bearing substitute axle bearing. The axle sheared right at the edge of the bearing.
I believe the hyatt "spring" spreads the load over its total length. these "substitutes" are not for driving T's.
why think somebody"s brilliant idea is better than Henerys? 15,000,000+ T's proved his design.

[CudaMan]

My 1924 sheared an axle shaft a few years back. I use OEM Ford Hyatt bearings. From the rusted surface, it looks like the crack had been spreading for a long time. The location of the crack lined up with the spring "fingers" that supported the Ford style leather inner oil seal.

[speedytinc]

So Mark, did you ever figure out why? bent axle housing(s)? Brand x axle? Washboard roads? Stunt driving?

[CudaMan]

Too many burnouts!

Seriously, my theory is that the hard steel spring "fingers" backing up the leather seal were rubbing on the axle shaft, and over the years a crack started in the scratches and slowly propagated in fatigue until it finally broke.

[Adam]

It’s very very common to see a broken axle shaft that is broken where the ‘26-‘27 Ford style seal has scratched a little groove in the axle shaft. So common that you shouldn’t re-use an axle shaft if it has even a hint of a groove there. It’s also something that was known about back in the day. I seem to recall mention of it in an old reference book or a trade magazine like Ford Owner & Dealer or something similar.

[speedytinc]

that all makes sense. thanks for that info.

[Allan]

Some of Henry's ideas for the T were open to improvement. Rear axle bearings were one. Ford built 5 million A models with rear axle bearings of the floating design so the weight of the car was no longer carried on the axle. Just 'cos Henry did it one way, doesn't mean it was the best way.

Allan from down under.

[Adam]

Model A axle shafts got most of their torque load in only one direction because of wheel brakes.

Model T axle shafts get torque loads in both directions due to the brake on the drive line.

They are completely different animals in that respect.

[jab35]

While the torque loading may be different between Model T and A, Mark's axle clearly failed in bending mode due to metal fatigue. fwiw, jb

[Allan]

Fellows, the original poster was concerned with the bearings. It was the floating bearing set-up which was the big improvement in the A model. The weight of the car was then carried on the bearing and the axle housing, relieving the axle of considerable load and propensity for wear.
The T model set-up served its purpose at the time, millions of times over, but it was not flawless.

Allan from down under.