Re: Water pump Stainless Steel Shafts

Posted by Lew Palmer on August 27, 1998 at 06:14:16

In Reply to: Re: Water pump Stainless Steel Shafts
posted by David Dewey on August 27, 1998 at 00:49:38

: : Hi Folks,
: Hmm, no one has mentioned the problem of stainless steel shafts. They look nice, and they don't rust (well when in open air) BUT most SS does not 'wear' well; it galls easily. I've seen low milage pumps with shaft wear of 1/8" at the front bearing, and galling at the seal area (As well as rust--stainless does rust in a closed enviroment--ask boat people). There are grades of SS that will work, from what my metal friends tell me; but they are expensive, and not what we usually find in our friendly Ford store.
: The other problem w/ most shafts is that they are made from Cold-rolled material, and are a few thousands undersize! But based on what I've seen, a 'plain' shaft will out perform a SS one. Now if some is making a hardened full diameter shaft, I'd like to know about it!
: David Dewey
Hi David, I too have experienced the same wear problems on S/S shafts. Right now I'm using a hardened sleeve over the S/S shaft for the front bearing, and using a needle bearing over that. it makes a pretty good set up. Havent found anything to cure the wear at the packing nut yet. Years ago, before S/S shafts were available, I had a cold rolled shaft case hardened at a local heat treat shop, it seemed to do the job. I don't remember how many miles I put on it, but the wear was minimal. Just an idea to try. Lew

Follow Ups:
One Solution David Dewey August 28, 1998 at 01:40:44(1)
Re: One Solution DJ.Voyce August 28, 1998 at 10:30:46(0)

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