TR2/3/3A Front end reassembly: trunnion spindles and wishbone bushes???

[karls59tr]

How much effort is required to push the outer wishbone bushes on to the trunnion spindles? The spindle does not want to slide into the bush? I'm wondering if the bushes are incorrect ie slightly smaller than the spindle. I should mention that I had compressed the bushes into the wishbone using a vice. Is it possible I belled in the bushes just enough so they won't go on to the spindle. What is correct way to install the bushes and what are my options now. Any thoughts?

 

[TR3driver]

You're working on a TR3A, correct? The bushings have to be reamed after installation. I forget the size offhand, but it is a standard size (like 5/8"), the required clearance is built into the spindle diameter.

I think Enco will ship to Canada, but double-check with them to be sure
https://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=73&PMCTLG=00

 

[martx-5]

5/8" sounds right to me.

 

[karls59tr]

Thanks Randall Yes a TR3. It never occurred to me about the reaming. I know a machinist who might be able to help me out.

 

[PatGalvin]

I think I paid about $30 to $40 to have all the bushings installed and reamed to fit. Was a good investment.

 

[TR3driver]

I think I paid about $3 to $40 to have all the bushings installed and reamed to fit. Was a good investment.

While I foolishly bought a reamer for about $12 and did my own. Of course new ones are a bit more expensive today (about $22 + S&H @ Enco) but there are still a few bargains on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chucking-R...171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3384f57a0b

 

[martx-5]

Years ago, my father gave me a set of adjustable reamers that go from 15/32" - 1 1/2". They've come in handy on many occasions. I see that Harbor freight has a set for about $70. Of course, I can't verify how good they are. Also, my set have screw on centering pilots to keep thing straight. The Harbor freight set doesn't have those.
https://www.harborfreight.com/11-piece-adjustable-hand-reamer-set-38577.html

 

[TR3driver]

Years ago, my father gave me a set of adjustable reamers that go from 15/32" - 1 1/2". They've come in handy on many occasions. I see that Harbor freight has a set for about $70. Of course, I can't verify how good they are. Also, my set have screw on centering pilots to keep thing straight. The Harbor freight set doesn't have those.
https://www.harborfreight.com/11-piece-adjustable-hand-reamer-set-38577.html

I've got the HF set (or at least a very similar set, might have come from another vendor). My advice is to stay away from them if you can. They are practically impossible to adjust accurately, and the blades tend to rock in the slots during use, which causes them to either cut oversize or dig in and lock up entirely, leaving you with a hexagonal hole.

I didn't throw them away, but I wouldn't use them unless I had no other practical choice. Even a D-bit ground from a piece of drill rod is better, IMO. If you must use the adjustables, take very small cuts and check the hole size after every cut.

 

[PatGalvin]

While I foolishly bought a reamer for about $12 and did my own. Of course new ones are a bit more expensive today (about $22 + S&H @ Enco) but there are still a few bargains on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chucking-R...171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3384f57a0b

Sometimes it just feels good to drop off a part and let someone else deal with it Randall. I think I've earned my stripes for self performing work...

 

[karls59tr]

I purchased a 5/8 reamer locally which was quite expensive. $63.00. A friend from the local Triumph club has a drill press and I was able to get the bushes reamed at his place. I'm going to leave the drill with him so other club members can benefit from its use. Who knows when I'll need it again? Interesting side note. My friend first drilled the bushes with a "3 flute drill" ..said from past experience that reamers tend to jam and cant be backed out. After the first pass with the drill the reamer went in easily and cleaned out the hole for a perfect fit.

 

[TR3driver]

Sometimes it just feels good to drop off a part and let someone else deal with it Randall. I think I've earned my stripes for self performing work...

No arguments there, Pat. Just depends on what interests you. Myself, I really enjoy machine work (which might explain why there is a lathe & mill in my garage), while I would much rather "drop off" body & paint work. Different strokes & all that.