Outboard noise Right Rear axle

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bear67
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Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by bear67 » Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:15 pm

I am new to Model T's as I am a tractor and engine guy. I recently acquired a Doodlebug (farmer built tractor from automotive parts) and it has a Model T rear axle with Ruckstell two speed.

I have a slight grinding noise in the right rear outboard axle. It also gets a little warm when ran for a while. I can tear this down and look for problem, but thought I would seek any advice available here. I can't find an exploded parts diagram and expect a worn bushing/bearing. Any help before I tear down would be appreciated.

Looking forward to enjoying this Doodlebug at Tractor Shows, parades ect--younger grandkids and neighborhood kids already love riding in my buggy trailer behind it. It is a 1930 Model A engine, tranny and frame, Model B front axle and wheels, Fordson tool box, Farmall seat and fenders, Model A lights, and of course Model T rear end with Ruckstell split and Budd Wheels.
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Humblej
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by Humblej » Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:26 pm

A grinding noise is bad. Get the rear axle manual from MTFCI or Snyders or Langs Old Car Parts, or other model T parts vendor, tear it down and see what is going on.

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perry kete
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by perry kete » Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:29 pm

Beautiful tractor.

If you go to the "Board Index" heading and then to the "Vowell Art" heading Martian has tech drawings posted with different car parts and the rear axle is one of them.
1922 Coupe & 1927 Touring


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bear67
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by bear67 » Thu Jan 02, 2020 6:21 pm

Thanks guys. I have torn down hundreds of tractor rear axles down through the years and I suspected bearings.
Not a bad grinding yet, but time to fix.

I guess I need bearings, retaining washer, seal and nut. I assume that these were originally felt seals.
Thanks again. Bear

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Oldav8tor
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by Oldav8tor » Thu Jan 02, 2020 6:44 pm

Is the rear axle a Model T axle and driveshaft? If so I suspect it would have to be cut down. Model T rear axles were supported by Hyatt bearings both just outside the differential and just before the wheels. Not your typical wheel bearings at all. Pictures of what you have might help.
A typical Hyatt Bearing
A typical Hyatt Bearing
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1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor


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bear67
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by bear67 » Thu Jan 02, 2020 7:37 pm

Thanks Oldav8tor

I had to locate Hyatt bearings for an early Twin City tractor several years back. Many early tractor axles were just bushed with bronze.
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Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Sat Jan 04, 2020 6:17 pm

The axle you have there is from a TT, or "Ton Truck". It takes a larger Hyatt than a Model T rear end I believe.

Since it's a low speed affair, try researching Berliss bearings. http://www.berliss.com/


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bear67
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by bear67 » Wed Jan 08, 2020 10:20 am

I have found bearings available for the T rear axle, but not for TT. Is there a difference in OD measurement between T and TT axle housings?

I have not pulled this down as there is no room in shop currently as I am doing head work on Case tractor--too many machine tools and engines in the way and I am too old to build bigger shop or that is what my wife lady says.


Dallas Landers
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by Dallas Landers » Wed Jan 08, 2020 11:16 am

Yes TT larger bearings. Someone here probably has a set good enough for your project. Post a wanted add in the classifieds. I have several TT rear axles but I have major project going in the shop and no room to tear one down mining for usable parts.

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Outboard noise Right Rear axle

Post by Steve Jelf » Wed Jan 08, 2020 11:39 am

As this is a Ruckstell rear axle, you want the MTFCA Ruckstell Axle book. The stock front and rear axle book doesn't apply.
The inevitable often happens.
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