Original Front Wheel Bushings
 

My Original appears to have steel bushings in the wheel hubs instead of something that can wear away faster than the metal spindles themselves. My spindles have significant wear where they contacted the bushings and are intact in the space between the bushings. The only two solutions I can think of are 1) replace the spindle shafts, or 2) bush the entire hub from 1-3/8" down to 7/8" with oilite bushings in order to catch the small amount of spindle that is still circular. I would make provisions for the grease to get inside as well.

What have you done in the past to resolve this problem? Anyone try sealed bearings? Availability?

I'd like to know myself since I have the same issue.

Hey thanks for your response. I'm a little shocked that we haven't heard of any solutions here, other than welding on new spindles. I have chosen the route of oilite bushings. I put epoxy on the shafts and then slid 7/8"ID by 1"OD bushings on to get me up to 1" shaft diameter. Then I bushed the wheels from 1-3/8" down to 1" ID. Seems to fit and turn really nice, but we will have to see how it holds up. Nice thing about the bushings is that they are self lubricating, although I did drill out the larger bushings to accept grease. Total cost to do this was about $20 per side, so it was along the same cost as replacement OEM parts, but I get the fit I want. Welding new steel spindles would be the best option, but I was concerned about getting them on straight and dealing with cleanup, etc. I really think this is going to work out fine.

The O's are supposed to have greasable front wheels. I have welded front spindles before. Also the later steering knuckles I have welded.

I thought every Cub had bearings in the front wheel, that might have stumped responses.

I would like to see a photo of your spindles.

How did you deal with keeping the wheel on the spindle?

Here is the Front Wheel image from the TC-82 Parts Manual....

The Originals are the only GT model that didn't have ball bearings...they have 7/8" spindles and bronze bushings.

All I can say from an engineering perspective, the bronze should have worn away instead of the spindle. However, I'm sure as it loosened up, dust/dirt got into the mix which aided in wearing down the actual spindle.

Exactly if dirt or mud got in there it acted like sand paper and it got worn down. That's why they put in the grease fittings.

im thinking of welding metal back onto spindle and then bringing back to size and then adding bb wheels. since i have been redoing my entire tractor i think ide rather just go all out and be done with it. i dont know where in gonna get wheels or anything, havent looked into options.