QC axle tubes loose in the bells?

[Tman]

Got me QC apart and find that my brand new machined axle tubes are a tad loose in my bells. This rearend had some redneck engineering done to it so I am not surprised. The tubes slide into place with little to no interference. Do ya'all think I need new bells?

[38flattie]

Trent, I forgot which model QC you have?

I have the 301 (Champ), and it has bolts that hold the tube to the bell.

Maybe weld  a thin 'spacer' around the tube, if the tube is really too small, cold fuse it and add bolts for peace of mind?

[Tman]

It is Champ and was a press fit but does have bolt holes.

[38flattie]

Well, if the bells are not 'wallowed' out, you could do as I suggested, and make the tubes fit.

It would be more work, but less $$$$!

[Glen]

Have the tubes knurled where they slip into the QC.This will enlarge the OD a small amount, any good machine shop should be able to do it, take the housing along so they can check the ID of where the tubes press in as one side might be a little different in size.

[Tman]

Have the tubes knurled where they slip into the QC.This will enlarge the OD a small amount, any good machine shop should be able to do it, take the housing along so they can check the ID of where the tubes press in as one side might be a little different in size.

You are the second person that said this Glen, Marty Strode mentioned it on another board as well. I may have to go this route!

[Peter Jack]

Trent, PM sent.

Pete

[John Burk]

Trent how about filling the gap between the tube and bore with JB Weld . That would keep the oil from leaking and softens at a fairly low temp so they could be warmed with a torch to remove the tubes .
John

[Glen]

Than, have you checked the bore dia. On each bell? Being this is out of a oval track car is has probably taken a pretty hard pounding, the up and down and fore and aft deflection could have caused some deformity.Jut a thought.

[Tman]

Than, have you checked the bore dia. On each bell? Being this is out of a oval track car is has probably taken a pretty hard pounding, the up and down and fore and aft deflection could have caused some deformity.Jut a thought.

The bells are pretty uniform diameter. Loose, but oh so close to being right. They do not look wallowed out and there is no evidence of them having the ID machined. Going out with a caliper to measure right now.

[Captthundarr]

A good knurl on the tubes should do the trick if they are a few thou.loose.

Frank.

[Tman]

Technical measuring last night. Got an idea and ran a layer of masking tape around the tube (no snap gauges to measure housing bore). Dropped the tube down and the fit is snuggish/just right. That's how close these are so I am not so worried now. I will lick this. 

[SPARKY]

OLD time blacksmiths would put brass on the tube ends and turn to fit--

On another project --we cut the ends off the housing end--  replaced with next size tubing turned down to what we needed for the fit we wanted