Inner Bearing Races (Sleeves) on Axle Pivot Shaft, Interference Fit?

[JohnnyC]

Greetings,

I am in process of a rear axle rebuild and I can't find information about the fit of the sleeves (Figure 35-5/5, items 11a and 11b, BBB) on the connecting bolt, item 7. When I disassembled the assembly, the sleeves were not a press fit, and with very light force I was able to slide them off the connecting bolt.  I now have new sleeves and they slide on the connecting bolt very nicely (after cleaning of course.)

I am concerned that the sleeves should be an interference fit onto the connecting bolt at their specific location to mate-up to the right axle half yoke brass bushings, which I plan on replacing. I am thinking the manufacturing tolerance was made too large for an interference if required.  Picture attached.

Thank you all for this forum.
Cheers and God Bless,
John C.

[Benz Dr.]

They should just slide on to the shaft. Oddly, even though they're hardened and turn in brass bushings, they will often show a lot more wear than the softer bushings after years of use. Maybe  someone can explain this.

[JohnnyC]

Thank you Benz Dr.

It is a strange set-up.  The sleeves that I removed did have wear on them (chrome removal) from the brass-grooved bushings on the yoke. What is interesting to me is the sleeves did not wear-down the connecting bolt surface without an interference fit.  Perhaps they are loaded in such a way that does not permit the sleeves to rotate on the bolt (sleeves/washers stack-up). Being that I removed them without much force, I believe you are correct, as I agree also.

Cheers and thank you,
JohnnyC

[Kevkeller]

If there is hard dirt etc that imbeds itself in the brass it will wear the harder metal away instead of wearing the softer metal. That could be the cause.

I have a cast iron plate I imbed diamond dust on it and hone carbide bits. The cast iron remains relatively unchanged.

[JohnnyC]

Thank you, Kevkeller.

I understand what you're saying. Never thought of it like that, makes sense to me. I'll change-out the brass bushings also, and ream if needed.  I'll post pictures later of the individual sleeves and bushings.

Cheers and thank you,
John C.