Question about using a bushing

[marcmax]

I am planning on using an R65LS front wheel on my sidecar and have run into a stumbling block. The sidecar axle is 15mm and only bearing for the wheel has a 17mm bore. No one makes a bearing that will fit the wheel that has a 15mm bore.

It is a simple axle, threaded on one end to attach to the sidecar swing arm and threaded on the other end for a nut to attach the wheel. Nothing fancy, no stepped shoulders, etc. My first idea was to take an R65LS front axle and have it cut to length and have the appropriate threads cut on either end. Best price I could find to have it done was $180, minimum 1 hr setup fee @ $90 and minimum 1 hr shop fee to do the work @ $90. Really?

So I have decided to use a bronze bushing. I can get a 10 pack of bronze bushings that are 17mm od and 15mm id for less than $10. I am just not sure about using a bushing between the axle and the inner bearing race. The bearings are sealed, one piece, press in bearings.

I have heard of folks using bushing when racing vintage BMW's that had a 14mm axle with newer wheels that take the 17mm axle. I have just never tried anything like this before and am looking for comments, etc.

[Ed Miller]

Will you use loc-tite to secure the bushing to the axle, so it can't spin?  

[montmil]

LocTite 263 Threadlocker would be my choice. A high temperature resistant product. The wheel bearing's inner race diameter should be a snug, slip fit over the modified axle.

http://www.henkelna.com/product-search-1554.htm?nodeid=8797951950849

[marcmax]

I hadn't even thought of using LocTite under the bushing but that makes perfect sense. And that is why I bow to the collective wisdom of this forum!

Off to the parts store to buy some permanent LocTite before starting the assembly. Thank you!

[montmil]

"Collective wisdom" eh, Ed?

We are Borg. Resistance is futile.  

[Ed Miller]

Loctite makes something for applications like that but I don't know the number.  And anybody else can Google as well as I can.

How much interference does he need to hold the inner race to the axle and not spin independently of it?  

[montmil]

...How much interference does he need to hold the inner race to the axle and not spin independently of it?  

I would imagine that the fit should be as close to the OEM axle-to-bearing i.d. tolerance. Snug, but not so tight that the axle cannot be pushed through by firm hand pressure.

[Tony Smith]

"Collective wisdom" eh, Ed?

We are Borg. Resistance is futile.  

I have a warped sense of humour - ever since i saw it on a bumper sticker at least 20 years ago I have preferred:-

"We are Dyslexic of Borg, your ass will be laminated".

[Tony Smith]

How much interference does he need to hold the inner race to the axle and not spin independently of it?  

in this application he doesn't need an "interference" at all and an "adhesive" like loctite will do just fine. If the bearing seizes and the bushing turns, it will get him home and at most cost a new axle and bushing.
 
I am outraged at the price quoted to make an axle, but i suppose  jobbing shops need to make a living too.

[Tony Smith]

How much interference does he need to hold the inner race to the axle and not spin independently of it?  

in this application he doesn't need an "interference" at all and an "adhesive" like loctite will do just fine. If the bearing seizes and the bushing turns, it will get him home and at most cost a new axle and bushing.
 
I am outraged at the price quoted to make an axle, but i suppose  jobbing shops need to make a living too.

to which I meant to add - I would have added a light knurl to the axle where the bushings are going to seat - but then his jobbing shop will want $90 to put the knurl attachment onto the lathe and chuck the axle.......