Front hub archeology

[Daisy Mae]

So, in going over the mechanicals, took the front hubs apart to check the bearings.

Both hubs are running on ball. 80% of the balls have flat spots, but no scarring or pitting.
The races actually appear to be in decent shape, again, smooth face, but where the larger inner races do show a slight run in groove.

I decided to get the new NOS inner hub races and outer spindle cones from Lang's before they're long gone, along with some new balls and I figure she'll be good to go for the rest of her limited drive/parade life. The only unobtanium being the outer hub race and inner spindle race..but...appears they're in good shape. Certainly way cheaper than the current options for rollers.

The obvious though is, like most everything else on a T, is the history of replacement parts over time.

While Daisy is a March1914 build, the left hub is a 1910-13 variant. Also, cast with a "GHC" Logo... CH? I tried doing a search but came up empty....anyone confirm? Possibly a Cleveland Hardware??

The right hub being a later "Ford" marked hub.

[Steve Jelf]

My 1923 touring came with ball bearings. I changed to Timkens because some ball bearing parts were made of unobtainium. Some parts were easy, but others were impossible.

[DanTreace]

That early hub with wide threads can be suspect to cracking so inspect carefully.

Yes the forging mark is Cleveland Hardware

Company still in business, other info from post by T. Boggess.

[Daisy Mae]

Thanks Dan!

[Allan]

From the photo of the earlier hub with the long thread, the outer end looks to be somewhat wallowed outwards, so Dan's advice to check thoroughly is sound advice. The Cleveland Hardware logo appeared on a number of forgings on my 1915 Canadian tourer, especially on front axle assembly components. However, I do not believe the hubs were forgings. They are more likely castings. Rear hubs with cracked flanges certainly show this.

Allan from down under.

[Daisy Mae]

From the photo of the earlier hub with the long thread, the outer end looks to be somewhat wallowed outwards, so Dan's advice to check thoroughly is sound advice. The Cleveland Hardware logo appeared on a number of forgings on my 1915 Canadian tourer, especially on front axle assembly components. However, I do not believe the hubs were forgings. They are more likely castings. Rear hubs with cracked flanges certainly show this.

Allan from down under.

Good eye Allan! Yes, while the hub is crack free, it very definitely was wallered out. I had noted the hub cap had multiple cracks when I removed it, but that by itself wasn't an immediate concern given in my experience most original caps bear cracks to some magnitude.
But, once I had the new parts in hand and started the cleaning/prep, the outer bearing race came right out in my hand as I was wiping it down...it was definitely no longer a tight fit, but, neither did it show signs of spinning on the outer surface.
So, this hub just became a museum piece for me.
When I sold my TT, I handed off tons of spare parts I had collected over the years, including spare hubs... so...snagging one for Daisy. Kinda disappointed though taking off an original part, but....not like I want a wheel to keel over...

Once I get one of my old hubs I'll see how tight the bearing race will fit, and make a decision from there....