MTFCA Forum

This was quite the accomplishment for me. I haven't reamed or shaved metal for 30+ years and then it was under the watchful eye of my father. To put the bottom-line up front, here are before and after videos of the play in my driver's side spindle...

Before: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Bhf4ptnmuxV91Fv6

After: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8zfFNnHhXbTLPniEA

Here is how I went about it...

I acquired these specialty tools:
3/8 " threaded rod, 4 washers, 2 nuts from my local hardware store - I would have preferred to use a 7/16" threaded rod, but they were out of stock
Split end spindle bushing driver - Langs
Spindle bolt reamer alignment tool - Langs
Spindle bolt reamer - Langs
Bushing face cutter - Snyders

Removed the wheel...
Pulled the spindle and inspected the bushings...
Used the bushing driver to force the bushings out. This was easier than I expected, although I did have to push a screwdriver into the spindle and bushing driver in order to widen it enough to catch the bushing. (photo) Then I used a block of wood to hammer the bushing driver.
Old vs. new bushings...

Used the threaded rod with washers to force the bottom bushing into the spindle, the impact driver was set to low, and I took breaks so nothing got too hot... I then used the reamer, alignment tool and cutting oil to gently ream the bottom bushing. The alignment tool was placed in the top of the spindle.
The reamer slid through the alignment tool, into the spindle body and into the bottom bushing. (photo) The reaming required very light pressure and even, clockwise turning. The top bushing was then forced into the spindle with the threaded rod using the same technique as before.

I reamed the top bushing, using the bottom bushing as a guide.
Next I broke out the cutter and put it on my 1978 drill press. I took two measurements, one of the gap between the spindle arms on the axle and the other was the spindle with the new bushings installed. Don't use these measurements to shave the bushings to size, just use them to know when your bushings are getting close to the right size. Instead, I shaved a little, and tested the fit multiple times. I alternated shaving the top and bottom bushings. From what I have read, you should aim for a snug fit between the spindle and the axle.
After a few iterations of shave and test fit, I got it just the right size. I tightened everything down and the spindle moves freely without any play in unwanted directions.
I'm very happy with the results and I'm surprised how smoothly this went. With the driver's side done and the learning curve behind me, I had the passenger side done in about 30 minutes.

For more history on this project, check out this thread.

Good job with minimal equipment.

Don't chuck out the old bushes. They make ideal tie rod end bushes when bored to the correct size, You can even leave part of the top flange on them to ac as a thrust surface to take the weight of the rod at the yoke ends.

Allan from down under.

Well Done! Nice little Tech Thread.

I only face the bottom bushing

Allan wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:05 pm

Don't chuck out the old bushes. They make ideal tie rod end bushes when bored to the correct size, You can even leave part of the top flange on them to ac as a thrust surface to take the weight of the rod at the yoke ends.

Allan from down under.

Great idea. Thanks Allan.

Nice job Dan, you are going to end up with a 2023 T touring.

Nice thread. This is perfect for the "How-to" Should be moved or copied to the section that has maintenace tips.

Nv Bob wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:26 pm

I only face the bottom bushing

Bob,
I faced my top bushings but only to where they were flat and true. I did not trust the flatness of my press when I installed new bushings. Then I faced the bottom bushings for fit to the axle.

it exists; just not on this website

https://www.youtube.com/@modelt-tips6985/playlists

I'm very happy with the results and I'm surprised how smoothly this went.

That's because you stepped up and acquired the right tools for the job. They're not cheap and while there may be alternative methods, good tools always pay you back with a good end product. Kudos to you for that alone! Nice work!

Joe Reid wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 17, 2023 1:48 am

Nice job Dan, you are going to end up with a 2023 T touring.

I know right... Your comment made me chuckle a few times already. Now every time I put a new part on, I'll be thinking of this.