The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1953 Chevy 1/2 Ton front Axle.

I need a used or rebuilt front axle for my '53 Chevy PU. I still have the original 235 6cyl. engine and I've replaced the king pins and spindles but the truck still wobbles in the front at low speed and my mechanic says, bent front axle. He also tells me there is no one around anymore who knows how to fix this, without replacement. I'm inclined to take his word as good since he as done so much other work which I know he has done right. Of course I would prefer to find what I need out here in California, but; if shipping is needed so be it. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Peter

...I'll stick my neck out there and say that if its "wobbling" I don't think its a bent axle....but I can't say its not bent either.
You haven't said if you checked the tie rod ends or pittman arm or other steering components. Hey, at this point I'd check to make sure the lug nuts are on correctly and that the rims are not warped ect ect. A good inspection may reveal more.
Just my thoughts. Not saying the mechanic is not good but even the best miss something once in a while

I have a used one for sale. Real cheap plus shipping if indeed you need it. Pm me and let me know.

Yep, hard to understand how a bent front axle could cause a low speed wobble. It doesn't move, you know.

regards,
Leon

What condition are your wheel bearings? Any noises heard like grinding or gritty sounds?

If the axle was bent in the right (or wrong) place, I can totally see it producing a wobble. For example, if it was bent up or down, just past it's mounting point, I'm sure that it would wobble. I don't know why it would only wobble at low speed though. Could have something to do with centrifugal/gyroscopic forces. Right?

Wrong. As stated above the axle is the fixed point that the rotating mass spins (wheels, bearings, drums). The only way the axle would wobble is the leaf springs it is attached to move (worn shackles).

To create a wobble one of the entities that rotate are not sound. Those items are the bearings, kingpins, spindle could be damaged, the bearings are not properly tightened, or the drums or wheels are bent/damaged.

The axle being bent could only change the alignment of the contact pad of the tire. In other words if you had premature wear on one edge of your tire, a bent axle could be the issue.

The only way an axle could cause a wobble is if it rotates like your rear wheels.

OH MY GOD!!! You are soooooo right. I don't know that I was thinking. Yes, I was imaging it turning like a tire and therefore wobbling. I feel soooooooo not smart right now. Yes, If it was bent, the tire would still rotate, be it at an angle. In other words, you could not get the camber or the caster right. Hey man, thanks!