The Ford Barn

48fordnut · 10-26-2021, 08:05 AM

Rebuilding a stock model A ft spindles and bushings.

There is a 3/16 to 1/4 space between the assembled spindle and the axle. It is at the bottom of the spindle. There should be a shim/washer there. I do not have one in my kit. The old parts did not have one either.

What to do?

I'm new to model a so go easy.

Thanks,

jim

MAG · 10-26-2021, 08:34 AM

Jim, there should be a felt seal there to prevent dirt from entering the area, See Bratton's PN 4390.

48fordnut · 10-26-2021, 10:22 AM

Thanks.
I did a google search for an expanded model a ft end. It shows a metal spacer onder the spindle and on top of the axle.

Will N · 10-26-2021, 10:30 AM

There needs to be a little space there even after the felt and cup are inserted. All the weight should be born by bearing at the top of the spindle, and the steering knuckle needs the clearance at the bottom where you see the space so that it can rotate freely without binding.

Bob C · 10-26-2021, 11:42 AM

Snyder's has the parts. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7702&cat=41626
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7706&cat=41626

saxman657 · 07-16-2022, 04:44 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have a question pertaining to this, but can't find a clear answer anywhere. Should the felt washer cup be facing with the felt against the axle, or facing down, with the felt against the king pin bushing. Its clear that the shims go under the thrust bearing, but not sure about this felt washer/cup.

Synchro909 · 07-16-2022, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxman657

I have a question pertaining to this, but can't find a clear answer anywhere. Should the felt washer cup be facing with the felt against the axle, or facing down, with the felt against the king pin bushing. Its clear that the shims go under the thrust bearing, but not sure about this felt washer/cup.

I just checked Les Andres' book so I could answer this one for you but he doesn't show it (Pages 1-6 and 1-9). He shows the felt washer and cup on the under side of the axle and I always assemble the felt under the steel cupped washer. I figure its job is to stop road grime from getting into the lower bushing and ruining it.

saxman657 · 07-16-2022, 08:49 PM

Answer: felt washer on the bottom, cup washer on top of the felt.

Bruce of MN · 07-17-2022, 03:51 AM

See https://www.brattons.com/FRONT-BRAKE...tinfo/AD%2D01/

saxman657 · 07-17-2022, 09:50 AM

Yup! This diagram came from MAFCA and answered my question. It’s the only schematic I have found with this kind of detail.

10-26-2021, 08:05 AM	#1
48fordnut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: warner robins ga 31088 Posts: 494	Spindle /king pin spacer. Rebuilding a stock model A ft spindles and bushings. There is a 3/16 to 1/4 space between the assembled spindle and the axle. It is at the bottom of the spindle. There should be a shim/washer there. I do not have one in my kit. The old parts did not have one either. What to do? I'm new to model a so go easy. Thanks, jim

10-26-2021, 08:34 AM	#2
MAG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 925	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. Jim, there should be a felt seal there to prevent dirt from entering the area, See Bratton's PN 4390. __________________ I noticed the harder I work the luckier I get!

10-26-2021, 10:22 AM	#3
48fordnut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: warner robins ga 31088 Posts: 494	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. Thanks. I did a google search for an expanded model a ft end. It shows a metal spacer onder the spindle and on top of the axle.

10-26-2021, 10:30 AM	#4
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,101	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. There needs to be a little space there even after the felt and cup are inserted. All the weight should be born by bearing at the top of the spindle, and the steering knuckle needs the clearance at the bottom where you see the space so that it can rotate freely without binding.

10-26-2021, 11:42 AM	#5
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,741	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. Snyder's has the parts. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7702&cat=41626 https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7706&cat=41626

07-16-2022, 04:44 PM	#6
saxman657 Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 73	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have a question pertaining to this, but can't find a clear answer anywhere. Should the felt washer cup be facing with the felt against the axle, or facing down, with the felt against the king pin bushing. Its clear that the shims go under the thrust bearing, but not sure about this felt washer/cup.

07-16-2022, 08:49 PM	#8
saxman657 Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 73	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. Answer: felt washer on the bottom, cup washer on top of the felt.

07-17-2022, 03:51 AM	#9
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,409	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. See https://www.brattons.com/FRONT-BRAKE...tinfo/AD%2D01/

07-17-2022, 09:50 AM	#10
saxman657 Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 73	Re: Spindle /king pin spacer. Yup! This diagram came from MAFCA and answered my question. It’s the only schematic I have found with this kind of detail.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode