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Front axle rebuild questions
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:28 pm
by JacolbEdwards
I’ve finally gathered up most of all the tools I need to repair a front axle except a way to check straightness, Herm used a tool that used rods and cone centers to check straightness, is there anyone that is using a system like this that would post some pictures,dimensions and description of tool. There are many different ways to skin this cat I’m sure so any tips are appreciated. My next question is after I take the hardness out of axle yoke to perform stevens repair and to face spindle bearing surface how do I re harden yoke? Could a guy use a case hardening compound? What is the preferred method? all advice is much appreciated
Re: Front axle rebuild questions
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 2:05 pm
by speedytinc
JacolbEdwards wrote: ↑Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:28 pm
I’ve finally gathered up most of all the tools I need to repair a front axle except a way to check straightness, Herm used a tool that used rods and cone centers to check straightness, is there anyone that is using a system like this that would post some pictures,dimensions and description of tool. There are many different ways to skin this cat I’m sure so any tips are appreciated. My next question is after I take the hardness out of axle yoke to perform stevens repair and to face spindle bearing surface how do I re harden yoke? Could a guy use a case hardening compound? What is the preferred method? all advice is much appreciated
I believe, I asked once & was told here that removing the hardness wasnt necessary. Shortly after I did one. Very hard to cut.
To the guys that do this regularly, whats the answer?
Re: Front axle rebuild questions
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 2:08 pm
by Scott_Conger
a picture is worth 1000 words...see this:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1323764885
BTW, you do not do anything to the temper of the axle. You use plenty of cutting oil and lots of bicep and forearm with a Stevens Tool. A '26-27 axle is heat treated differently and will really put a hurt on the reamer (but it is still done without drawing temper), but earlier axles, while tough, can be reamed as-is with somewhat less effort.
Re: Front axle rebuild questions
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 2:56 pm
by Dan Hatch
The first sentence in the original Stevens Instructions says to check the “hardness” of the axle with a file. If a file cuts it, proceed with the installation. If file does not cut it, aneal the axle with a torch. Says nothing about reharding the axle.
If you lack the instructions, email me an address and I will mail you a set. Dan
PS use LOTS of a good cutting oil. Like hog fat aka lard.