So I'm trying to rebuild my rear axle pivots. When I disassembled one, I discovered some rust at the end of the sleeves where the rubber washers are. I figure for the cost of a rebuild by Steele at ~$125 per side, and another $50 for the rubber washers, I can do a better job by casting urethane to form the rubber and the washers in one piece. I just finished building a form for the washers out of a 1-1/2 inch PVC coupling. The Inside diameter is just about the exact diameter of the washers (1.9 inches vs 1.875 inches for the washers). I sliced the coupling into a short section so the body is held the proper distance from the end of the sleeve (3/16"), and another for the other end. I'm using RTV to hold the rings in place and will use some silicone grease on the ID of the rings for release agent. The urethane cast around the ends of the sleeve should eliminate the potential for rust on the end of the sleeve. The urethane is the same stuff I used to rebuild the transmission rear mount. The center bolt hole was hogged out on the body, so I welded that up. Here's some pics. I'll follow up when I get further along.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
