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05-16-2020, 12:23 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,905
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Steering arm ball replacement
The balls on my steering arms are worn and I'm going to replace them. I've drilled a couple of test holes in some 1/2" steel to test the fit of the replacement ball shafts.
A 1/2" hole allows the shaft on the balls to slide in relatively easy but has some side play. I'm not comfortable with the amount of side play and would like have more of a press fit into the hole prior to welding it in place. The next drill bit size smaller in my drill bit index is 31/64" and the hole is too small to allow the shaft of the replacement ball to be pushed in by hand. Perhaps it could be persuaded in with a press but it looks like it might be quite a struggle. Is there a drill bit size available that is an in between the two? Suggestions?
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Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
05-16-2020, 12:51 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
12.5mm is .4921 or drill with 31/64" and ream to 1/2".
Bob |
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05-17-2020, 06:18 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 430
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
I drilled mine with 1/2” drill. I ground a slight chamfer in the area where stud enters arm and on back side where it exits. I had a professional (retired boiler maker friend) welder weld it on both sides with a TIG machine. It is not going anywhere. He makes it look easy.
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05-17-2020, 06:24 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Perry OH
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
Using new drills in progressive sizes will drill a closer hole. Most drills will drill over sized holes. JMHO
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05-17-2020, 07:54 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,905
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
I drilled them to 31/64" and then reamed them. Should work fine. I'm good enough enough with a Mig welder on most things but on this I plan on finding someone to Tig weld them for me.
Used the drill that I have from my great uncle Walt's blacksmith shop in Roca Nebraska. Frame for it is made up from what I think is a Model T frame. The front cross member with the crank hole is at the bottom by the floor. Converted it to an electric motor with a flat belt as it was originally run off a line shaft. Still drills nice holes after all these years.
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Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
05-18-2020, 05:54 AM | #6 |
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Location: Victoria, Australia
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
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07-05-2020, 12:42 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 1
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
Nice drill press 1crosscut it looks like a really good quality one. Who is it made by?
Tool Inspector Last edited by Davidid; 07-05-2020 at 01:42 PM. |
07-05-2020, 08:56 PM | #8 | |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,905
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
Quote:
It has patent dates of 1904 and 1910
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Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
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07-05-2020, 09:32 PM | #9 | |
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
Quote:
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07-05-2020, 09:42 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,905
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
Definitely not OSHA approved. This one has the auto feed option too. Not going to catch me using the auto feed. Nope, no way.
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Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
09-29-2020, 06:14 AM | #11 |
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Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: USA
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
I think a drill bit size of 15.5mm might work. You may give it a try.
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DJ E Feezy |
04-07-2022, 03:03 PM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2022
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
Quote:
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04-08-2022, 07:00 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Erie Pa
Posts: 684
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Re: Steering arm ball replacement
If you are trying to hold hole size , the best way is to ream .
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