01-13-2018, 04:42 AM
(12-23-2017, 05:06 AM)Pete O Wrote: I'm still plodding away on my old Ford tractor, there's now barely a component that hasn't been dismantled and overhauled. One component that is going to need overhaul, as a replacement is not readily available, is this steering arm with the flogged-out hole where the tie rod end goes.
I figure I can weld the hole up and start again, but how to go about renewing the tapered hole? Can you buy tapered endmills? A tapered reamer? Make a tapered D-bit?
I probably won't get to this for a while as there is still plenty else to do, but thought I'd get the ball rolling with this question in case I need to order a tool.
Measure the taper on the tie rod end. If it is a match for a Morse taper then reamers are available.
If it is an odd taper than make a reamer. Turn the taper on apiece of scrap steel and then mill two flutes opposite each other.. Grind a bevel on the edge, about 10° on two pieces of HSS 1/8" thick and about 5/8" wide. If you have a jointer blade you can use it instead, cut it in half with a Dremel of similar tool. Press fit or Loctite it in the slots you milled. Now you have a reamer.
I would try reaming without power first. I think hand reaming in a drill press will work.
mike