Stub axle steel?

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Not strictly a traction engine query but the nearest forum I could think of to pose this question.

 

I have a Wheelhorse garden tractor and the king pin/stub axle is made from a bent piece of 3/4″ steel with an annular flange forged into it to act as a bearing stop for the wheel bearings and a steel plate welded onto it to act as the thrust plate for the king pin.

 

Both the stub axle portion and the king pin bearing areas are worn and I want to replace them, manufacturing my own to suit.

 

I would like the opinion of experienced traction engine bulders as the problem is quite related to the steering principles of a TE.

 

What grade of steel do I use, are there any hardening considerations (I have bored out the cast iron bearing surfaces and replaced them with phosphor bronze) will welding flanges on weaken the unit or am I safe to have them welded.

 

If more information is needed I will furnish a photo or two.

 

Best regards,

 

Mick

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Query on what type of steel to use for replacement stub axles on a mini tractor

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

A lot of model traction engines of this sort of size will have cast SG Iron axles but those that are fabricated just specify mild steel and the backing flange to the wheel is either welded or silver soldered into place. So you should be OK with Mild steel.

 

Have use used phosphor bronze or a leaded bronze as the former really should run on a hardened surface ( case harden or use a hardenable steel) but the leaded is Ok on plain steel.

 

Jason

Edited By JasonB on 05/04/2011 15:59:36

[Richard ParsonsParticipant @richardparsons61721]

I have successfully used ‘Starting Bar’ Aka ‘Rebar’ scrounged from building sites. It is filthy stuff to machine to start with, but it is tough, ‘chewy’.

If you tell them your name is ‘Dare’, then shout out ‘Hello,’ someone is sure to know you and say ‘Hello Dare’! So you might get it for Nowt.

[Author]

Posts