Front Axle Staightening

dmaxweb

dmaxweb

Well-known member
I'm looking for someone knowlegable about Model As near Williamsburg, VA to straighten a front axle. It's in reasonably good shape but while I have the front end dissasembled I'd like to have it tweaked to spec. The truck frame/front end shops around here are not interested.
 
I took mine to same auto machine shop that is doing the work on my crankshaft and block. He has a 100 ton press and has it now straightened. Took him about 30 minutes.
 
dmaxweb said:
Where are you located?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure Ken is still in Texas.

Any local shop that has a press can straighten them. It really does not take a very much pressure and so a Harbor Freight press will work. The biggest thing is having mandrels that slip into the perch holes and into the spindle bolt bosses. Sighting an axle in a straight line is not difficult to do however measuring the ends from the perch holes to the spindle boss holes to correct the camber (-and caster) is much more difficult to do without the mandrels & rods.

.
.
 

Attachments

  • A-3010-C1 Front Axle4.jpg
    A-3010-C1 Front Axle4.jpg
    56.5 KB · Views: 104
  • A-3010-C1 Front Axle3.jpg
    A-3010-C1 Front Axle3.jpg
    68.4 KB · Views: 83
  • FrontEndAlignment_sm.pdf
    FrontEndAlignment_sm.pdf
    362.6 KB · Views: 52
May I ask, what would be the symptoms of a non-straight axle?

For my 1931 Fordor project the car was running fine when put away, is it advisable to look at this nonetheless?

Thanks!
Dan
 
DkFordor said:
May I ask, what would be the symptoms of a non-straight axle?

For my 1931 Fordor project the car was running fine when put away, is it advisable to look at this nonetheless?

Thanks!
Dan
Click to expand...


In a nutshell....

Wheelbase possibly different between sides possibly affecting Ackerman turning (scrubbing of one tire during turning).

Caster angle or inclination angle of the spindle which potentially causes the vehicle to pull in one direction.

Camber causing premature wear on either the inside or outside tread of tire. This also affects the surface contact patch of the tire when going into a turn or curve.
 
DkFordor said:
Thanks, Brent!

Guess I'll have to consider if the axle should come off again for checking :)


\Dan
Click to expand...

Not necessarily Dan. One thing to realize in all of this is, often times there are many operations such as straightening the axle that are overlooked when someone restores a Model-A. Just being aware of symptoms created by a bent axle allows you to diagnose easier should something not be right at a later time. Also, remembering to have it checked for bends should the front end be out for servicing will be good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top