KING PIN THRUST WASHERS

[Dennis Nicholas]

I have done the kingpins on a few Big Seven axles in the past, and was always lucky enough  to pick up period  -Thompson, Brivec  etc. manufacture  kingpin sets to do the work. These did include a bronze thrust washer as well as the hardened steel washer in the package. However, the Bronze thrust washer was never anywhere near thick enough; I assumed that this was due to the recess below the axle eye having worn deeper over the years.

Rather than put a stack of washers in there, I just turned up a pair of thicker thrust washers on the lathe. I used Colphos (a type of Phoshor Bronze) for these, because that's what I had in the workshop at the time. AFAIK they're still working OK, I think almost any bearing material would work there; but I wouldn't be happy to use Oilite (Sintered Bronze) as it is really brittle.

Thanks Stuart.
I wish I had your knowledge and ability to turn things up on the lathe.  Because of my "bit worn" Atlas lathe and my lack of how to really work it (turning speeds, tool shape etc.) I limit myself to turning things that are not critical for size   

Dennis

---

Thanks Stuart.
Would phosphor bronze thrusts wear the axle faces or would they just wear out themselves?

Dennis.