MTFCA Forum

Once more, I've hit a snag in my restoration attempt on my 1910 T and I need some help. I'm in the process of mounting new tires on my new Stutzman wheels and I'm test fitting the new outer threaded Timken bearings (yes Timken, not ball bearings) on the spindles and the passenger side goes on fine but the drives side binds up about a quarter of the way on. The threads appear to be mostly o.k, but may be a little flat in a few areas. I've cleaned off all gunk and old grease but it still won't thread on. I'm thinking I need to clean up the threads with a thread chaser, but not sure if that's the correct terminology. Anyone know what size chaser I would need?

“Universal “ thread chasers are available. Check with the local quality tool stores. Snap-on comes to mind

Bill,

You might consider a thread file. Each one has 8 different thread pitches and there is a file for metric as well. The nice thing about a thread file is; you can start anywhere on the threads and not worry about getting it started exactly right. These have saved my rear end ( not axle ) a bunch of times. They will work on right OR left hand threads as well.

Good Luck,
Terry

X2 on a thread file.
If you have the old bearing race, you may be able to use it as a chaser.

Thanks for the two suggestions! Les, do you know what size threads the spindles have? I see the Universal thread chaser is listed for use with 5/32" to 1/2" threads. Terry and Dave; is there a particular size in the thread file or are they basically universal?

The thread size is 3/4" x 16.

Remember your spindle threads are left hand and right hand, be sure you know which spindle you are chasing.

The best way is a thread chaser, if the beginning threads on the end of the spindle are good, that lets the chase die turn easy on.
those square thread tools work for flat spots on threads, but I've preferred a good set of thread chasers in the tool box.

Left or right chasers are rather inexpensive. About $3-4 ea.


https://www.mcmaster.com/thread-chasers

3/4"-16 1 1/8" Carbon Steel 2667A438 2.89
Product Detail
Thread Repairing Die, 3/4"-16 Thread Size, 1-1/8" Wrench/Socket Size

How does the nut fit? If it binds in the same place, your problem is in the spindle threads, but if it doesn't bind, your problem could be in the bearing threads. If that is a new bearing, you can considering sending it back in exchange for another. Otherwise, try to find someone who would have a tap which would fit. If it just binds, you could possibly try some timesaver on the threads and tighten it again, working back and forth till it seats. I would have a problem using a file on the spindle threads unless I could see where it was binding. Usually caused by dropping the part and denting the threads.
Norm

If you have an extra spindle nut you can cut a couple of thin slots about 1/4'' deep across the back of the nut. Clean any dust and debris from the nut and thread her on with a drop of oil. Works just like a die or thread chaser.

Gary has a good idea. I was wondering how to cut grooves across the thread in a hardened old bearing to make a chaser. His nut idea is much more easily achieved.

Allan from down under.

Alan, use a three corner file to cut three grooves in your old bearing. It will make a nice thread chaser. I have also done this with a castle nut to make a chaser.

Bill,

Thread files are universal, left or right hand threads. They will cut anything the same way as a regular file would. Each file has 4 different thread pitches on EACH end for a total of eight per file. You only need one file with the pitch you're looking for. 16 is the pitch I believe. You can look up thread file on the web and find them just about everywhere. This is one time where I will recommend Harbor Garbage. This is an item you will need but not often. Thus, there is no need to buy an expensive set, unless you wanted a high quality set for any future needs.

Good Luck,
Terry

I assume that the 1910 is the same as the later Ts, if not, excuse my ignorance! It is good that the right side with the left hand threads went on well as a 3/4x16 left hand die might be hard to find. However, the thread file has always worked for me, and will work on either side. Another trick is to take a nut with the same threads and hacksaw a slot all the way through on one side of the nut, perpendicular to the threads. You can use an old bearing as well, just cut it with a die grinder. Thread this onto the spindle and it will expand over the bad threads. Once all the way on, take a vise grip and clamp it tight across the flats and unscrew it, using lots of oil You may have to go looser on the first attempt, but tighten it more each time.

Thank you all for the great ideas; I really do appreciate it! I'll keep you posted.