Use a Cylinder Hone on Strut? |
Post Reply |
Author | |
Jonny Quest
Grand Poobah Joined: August-20-2013 Location: Utah--via Texas Status: Offline Points: 2974 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: April-07-2017 at 3:24pm |
In a previous thread I mentioned that I dropped the strut in order to remove my drive shaft. Well, the strut and drive shaft came out fine, and now I'm in the process of replacing the strut bearing.
Removing the old strut bearing from the strut was a b!tch. It fought me every step of the way. I finally had to press the bearing out on my HarborFreight 20 ton press. The bearing scored the inside of the strut during removal. I'm now concerned that I need to clean up the inside bore of the strut before attempting to install a new strut bearing. I purchased a new brass/rubber 6" strut bearing. My plan is to put the new strut bearing in the freezer prior to installing. However, before even attempting the install, I'm thinking about using a brake cylinder hone on the inside bore of the strut. I've got a hone that is designed for a 1-1/4" cylinder -- exactly the size of the bore of the strut. It's a ball-type silicon carbide hone. Anybody see any problems with using this hone to clean up the bore? I realize that the strut metal is much softer than a brake cylinder, so I'll be very cautious about removing too much metal. Thoughts? JQ |
|
Current
2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I don't see any problems with honing the strut but I do suggest measuring the ID of the bore and OD of the cutlass. They are a tight fit but you should have about .001" clearance.
|
|
Duane in Indy
Platinum Member Joined: October-26-2015 Location: Indiana Status: Offline Points: 1578 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
"Ball hones" are typically only glaze breakers. They tend to ride over any high spots. Probably cant' hurt but not sure how much it will help. A fixed or rigid hone would do better but if that is all you have then go for it. Just for clarity the bearing will have about .001" interference fit rather than clearance. Clearance and it would fall out. Get all your tools ready before you start the installation. Threaded rod and nuts with washers will work. Don't get it cocked to one side or the other. Freeze the bearing and heat the round cavity of the strut. 300 degrees or so should swell it up some. Have wet rags ready to quench the casting. Duane
|
|
Keep it as original as YOU want it
1978 Mustang (modified) |
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
JQ, Yup, Duane is correct. I stated the .001" wrong in my post. |
|
MrMcD
Grand Poobah Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Offline Points: 3749 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
A brake hone could get in the strut and clean it up for you. Any local Auto Parts Store should have one available if needed or maybe just a few rotations with emory cloth on your finger could clean up the rough spots. You just want to knock down the high spots and remove as little material as possible.
|
|
Shep72
Newbie Joined: January-15-2017 Location: New Braunfels Status: Offline Points: 20 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I would wrap some 80 grit around a dowel and knock down the high spots. You don't want to change the ID of the strut.
|
|
gun-driver
Grand Poobah Joined: July-18-2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4127 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Jonny Quest
Grand Poobah Joined: August-20-2013 Location: Utah--via Texas Status: Offline Points: 2974 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I tried the threaded rod and washers method at first. No luck. The threaded rod and nuts stripped and the washers bent. That's when I went with the hydraulic press. The inside of the bore is scored, and I believe that without some TLC on the strut, the interference-fit bearing won't go in damage free. My intent is to use a new piece of threaded rod and washers for the bearing re-install.
JQ |
|
Current
2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
|
Shep72
Newbie Joined: January-15-2017 Location: New Braunfels Status: Offline Points: 20 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Did you use a sawzall to cut the old bearing?
|
|
Jonny Quest
Grand Poobah Joined: August-20-2013 Location: Utah--via Texas Status: Offline Points: 2974 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
No, I used a hand hacksaw. I was worried that the power sawzall would cut too deep and get into the base metal of the strut. The hand saw worked OK and It as a lot more precise. Update... Just finished up my driveshaft change-out project. The honed strut worked extremely well. I put the new bearing in the freezer and it went into the strut with minimal effort. The new A.R.E. drive shaft is pretty slick and installation went well with no issues. Drive shaft alignment was not spot-on so no worries there. I installed new Gore-Tex shaft packing and a new 2-piece safety collar. Good to go... JQ |
|
Current
2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |