Pillow Block size for 1'' axle

[arndtnew3]

Hey Guys. I feel kinda stupid asking this question, but here goes: I have a 1'' go kart axle that I purchased and 1'' pillow blocks. The axle will not fit in the pillow blocks. Would a 1 1/16'' pillow block work? Should have thought this through before I ordered parts. This is my first kart that I have built from scratch.

Thanks for any help

 

[DS13]

Which one is smaller? If it is the pillow block the 1" may have been the OD (outside diameter) of the bearing....

 

[arndtnew3]

The pillow block is smaller than the shaft. Im going to measure it with calipers later just to see how smaller it is than the shaft. They bearily fit on to the shaft. They're super tight though.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

it's possible the end of the shaft is slightly mushroomed, or has other damage. If there's any rust on the shaft, that'll cause a problem, too. You must use a 1" bearing on your 1" shaft.

Try giving the last couple inches of the shaft some lovin' with a piece of sandpaper. If things start to improve, you know what you have to do. Try looking for specific flaws like dings and dents, etc.

 

[r_chez_08]

Bearings are meant to be a tight fit. I agree with toystory.

 

[DS13]

If your axle is solid steel and you got it cut at a metal shop then there may be a small bur on the end. Like Toystory said just sand it or get a de-burring tool to clean it up

 

[arndtnew3]

They painted the axle, so Im going to sand off the paint and see if it works, also grease it too.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

They painted the axle,

That would do it.

 

[OzFab]

I would suggest scraping it off. Sanding will leave a rough surface which may make it harder to slide the bearings on

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I would suggest scraping it off. Sanding will leave a rough surface which may make it harder to slide the bearings on

Well, I guess we had to disagree on something sooner or later!

I have had to sand down many shafts over the years, and have yet to have a problem caused by the sanding. By the same token, I would not suggest scraping, as the wrong tool or technique could mar the shaft.

I suggest sanding with 120 or finer. Other options include the use of a heat gun or chemical stripper.

 

[OzFab]

Well, I guess we had to disagree on something sooner or later!

Well, we can't both be perfect

I have had to sand down many shafts over the years, and have yet to have a problem caused by the sanding. By the same token, I would not suggest scraping, as the wrong tool or technique could mar the shaft.

True, but, being paint, I was thinking of a paint scraper; perhaps I should've been more specific on that one lol

Also, sanding would remove any rust that may be under the paint (I must have been half asleep when I gave that advice)

I suggest sanding with 120 or finer.

I would say 240, but you're the expert

Other options include the use of a heat gun or chemical stripper.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Well, we can't both be perfect

That's okay, there's no shame in second place! I still respect you!

True, but, being paint, I was thinking of a paint scraper; perhaps I should've been more specific on that one lol

Umm- yes! Actually, more specific yet! Frankly, I have a paint scraper that would gouge the spit out of a shaft.

Also, sanding would remove any rust that may be under the paint (I must have been half asleep when I gave that advice)

That's why I'm here...

I would say 240, but you're the expert

Expert? Meh. Experienced, yes. You could finish with 240 if you like, but 240 won't remove much. You'd be at it forever. I tend to use 120 because I have a lot of it from work, and it is sufficiently effective in removing both rust and paint. Actually, I tend to use sanding sponges, with excellent results.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

No comment.

 

[spyder1968]

i use plumbers emery cloth all the time. takes off rust, paint, small dings etc.

to the original poster.......it is supposed to be a tight fit! once the axle is completely clean ( and nice and shiny) you should be able to get the bearings on. some wd40 or similar should help a bit also.

 

[arndtnew3]

Well I got the pillow blocks to just slide right on! No effort at all, they fit perfect, not to tight, not to loose. I bought the axle from northern tool, they put alot of paint on there, well its better than rust. Anyway I used 120 sand paper haha...because I had some layin around. thanks guys