flanged axle shaft wear

[stmftr395]

I got both final drives tore down. The only area of concern found is on the flanged axle shafts, where the triple lipped seal rides. There is a measurable amount of wear and uneveness is this area. Rebuilt axles,from the local dealer are $345.00 a piece plus shipping. What are your thoughts and experiences? Any ideas on what would be acceptable wear would be appreciated. Mark

[DiggerLarry]

I have had acceptable results by putting the axle in a lathe, welding in a bead in the worn area and then turning it back down. Ground to the axle, not the lathe.

[Lavoy]

The other thing I would worry about is how rough the axle is. If it is very rough, the seal will likely wear quickly.
Lavoy

[stmftr395]

I can certainly do a od build up using gtaw welding to keep the heat input low. I don't imagine that the axle shaft surface wear the bearing race will ride is a hardened surface, so that a little heat should not bother it? I am not a tool and die maker but I'm sure I can turn the shafts down after welding to provide a smooth even surface for the seal. Any thoughts on this proposal? Mark

[Lavoy]

Keep the overall temp as low as you can, and as long as you do not have a "arc line" on the shaft like you would with stick or wire, you should be fine. Best bet is metal spraying if you have the capability or access to someone that does.
Lavoy

[FarmLife]

I know you can get thin collars that go over the seal surface on pinion yolks on vehicles. I beleive they also make these in universal sizes so you may be able to find one that will fit the crawler axle and that would keep you from having to weld the shaft.

[stmftr395]

Once again thanks to all for the input. Lavoy I was given a old but never used oxy/acetylene powder welding set up (spray) in lieu of payment for a job I did, but thats another story. Unfortunately it is missing a few pieces and I have not been able to set it up and try it out. I do not believe that the seal surface part of the shaft has to be all that hard, as a rubber seal will ride on it. The only difference might be that the welded surface could wear faster than a hardened surface in service. From the wear present on the axle shafts I would not guess that they were all that hard to begin with. Mark

[Lavoy]

No, they are not that hard. Chrome would be the best deal, but way too pricey.
Lavoy

[stmftr395]

Last year while rebuilding a 16hp single cylinder engine I was close to tolerence on the crank . I priced chroming the journal. Between $450 and $500. I was fortunate enough that there was some extra meat opposite of the wear and was able to move the center of the pin which wound up stroking the thing 0.015". Chroming is to spendy for any but racing or last ditch moves.

[Lavoy]

I was getting quoted $450 for chroming an axle here probably 15 years ago, hate to see what they would want now!
Lavoy

[sbarr]

If it is a standard inch size there are hardened bushings you can get for inner races of needle bearings.Turn the axle down and press one of these on and fixed forever,I've used these for bushings in the whole blade assembly for all the pivots on a 61 blade ,from the A frame end holes to the lifting links, they are the same as the bushings you would get if you were rebuilding a newer JD dozer.

[Lavoy]

That is an interesting concept as far as dozer blade repair, where were you able to find them?
Lavoy

[sbarr]

I have been getting them at local bearing supply stores, One brand name is Torrington,I know we have got them at work from Macmaster Carr also.The only problem is they are ground to exact size ex. 1.750" so the pin or shaft you are using has to have the clearance on it,the bushings can be machined but they are very hard.

[wwattson]

Been thinking about this one for a few days. The jet powder spray setups generally have a few different powders you can select from to get whatever hardness you'd nee. Check the Stoody site and you'll see about 8 different powders.

The other thing I thought of was using a Stoodite 6 (or Stellite 6) bare rod with a gas welder. You could get the same result with TIG but I'm still saving up for that. The Stoodite 6 is in the range of Rockwell Rc42 for hardness and is machinable with carbide tooling.

[Lavoy]

The fear I would have using a bare rod and gas is the temp of the axle, you are going to get the whole thing very hot. With metal spray, you don't get anywhere near that hot.
Lavoy