70/100 Axle Bushings

Dirty Steve · #1 12-31-2017, 08:36 AM

The axles on my 70 had some slop. I was hoping for needle bearings but found bronze bushings. Of course these bronze bushings are NLA. I ordered a set of bushings from McMaster-Carr and now I am finding conflicting info on using the oil embedded style bushing. The new bushings have NO oil groves and are longer. The axels show some markings from wear but can barely feel it with fingernail.

I doubt I will ever do much ground engaging work with this tractor. I have a deck for it but that refurb is a long way off. Hoping to eventually make it show quality.

So I am in a quandary and need advice.

Will the oil-embedded bushings cause issues?

If using the oil embedded bushings should they be cut down to original length?

Anyone have some NOS bushings?

Steve

DeltaCub · #2 12-31-2017, 08:46 AM

Steve, I have installed those same bushings from McMaster-Carr in the little 72. I believe they will work fine but then again I don't plan on really using the 72 for any work.

john hall · #3 12-31-2017, 08:54 AM

Steve, I have ordered aftermarket bushings and modified them to fit for applications OTHER than what you are doing. Those silver, oil impregnated from McMaster seem to machine almost brittle, sort of like cast iron (going by memory, its been a while). Having said that, I might would get someone to put them in a lathe and face to length. At least that's what I would do, but I have a lathe in the shop so why not. Also, if you want oil grooves, you should be able to add them using a Dremel and a burr ball--I've done that as well.

R Bedell · #4 12-31-2017, 09:14 AM

IH-384664-R2 Bushing Dimensions: 1" ID x 1.125" OD x 1" length

Here is an option....

See: eBay Listing

Alvy · #5 12-31-2017, 09:45 AM

I’ve used them in an O that I redid Steve and other than shortening the length I also drilled a hole in them but that’s for the O with grease fitting there and dry axle tubes. They have held up fine for me over the years. The ones that Roland posted also look the same.

Stephen.Mellish · #6 12-31-2017, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Steve

The axles on my 70 had some slop. I was hoping for needle bearings but found bronze bushings.

If you have access to a later parts machine, another option may be to replace the axles and tubes with some that have needle bearings.

They started using the needle bearings on the 1x3 series. The axle tubes are the same, except they are machined for the bearings, so they will look correct. I once read somewhere that the axles for the later models are heat treated where the bearings are, but the parts listings show the same axle part #, so not sure if that is correct.

Jeff in Pa · #7 12-31-2017, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john hall

Steve, I have ordered aftermarket bushings and modified them to fit for applications OTHER than what you are doing. Those silver, oil impregnated from McMaster seem to machine almost brittle, sort of like cast iron (going by memory, its been a while). Having said that, I might would get someone to put them in a lathe and face to length. At least that's what I would do, but I have a lathe in the shop so why not. Also, if you want oil grooves, you should be able to add them using a Dremel and a burr ball--I've done that as well.

They need to be supported ( collet or bar on id ) so you don't have problems. I can do those for you Steve

Jeff

jaynjeep · #8 12-31-2017, 08:47 PM

Steve,

Years ago dad got a machinist to bore a set of bushing tubes to accept the later needle bearings.. Or I'm sure a set of tubes set up for bearings wouldn't be hard to find.

I don't think you will have any issues with the bushings you have though.. especially if you let Jeff in PA shorten them for you