Spindle /king pin spacer.

48fordnut

48fordnut

Senior Member
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
 
Jim, there should be a felt seal there to prevent dirt from entering the area, See Bratton's PN 4390.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
saxman657 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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