Spherical bearing cup - how loose is too loose?

[stownsen914]

I am restoring a vintage tube frame GT racer that has fabricated dual wishbone suspension at all four corners. On one of the front suspension arms, I am detecting looseness in the cup that holds the spherical bearing that attaches to the upright. The cup ID measures 1.194", and the bearing OD is 1.187" which appears to be right on spec. Both seem pretty uniform measuring from different angles. The result is perceptible movement when everything is assembled, so I'd guess a fix is in order. Aside from tossing the suspension arm and having a new one made, is there a good way to get the bearing cup closer to 1.187" ID?

Scott

[Steve Demeter]

Shim stock but that would be flaky at the very best.

[stownsen914]

How about cad or zinc plating to put a few thousandths back on the ID of the bearing cups?

[provamo]

who was the designer/builder?

[stownsen914]

Fabcar. They were near Indy, but are no longer in business. I do have the contact info. for one of their fabricators. I'll reach out to him.

[R. Pare]

When did they close up? Their web site is still up and running: http://www.fabcar-usa.com/

[stownsen914]

When did they close up? Their web site is still up and running: http://www.fabcar-usa.com/

Interesting. Well it's possible I misspoke, but I gave that information based on an e-mail exchange with Dave (the owner). Perhaps he re-opened?

[stownsen914]

I'm in touch with the fabricator who used to work at Fabcar, and he suggested metal spraying the cup and re-machining back to size. I think I'll go with that, as the suspension arm appears in otherwise good condition.

Scott

[john f]

For that clearance I would first try Green Bearing Loctite. If that doesn't work I would bore and sleeve it. Just my $0.02.

john f

[2fast2stop]

I second green Loctite.................

[T Brzezicki]

For that clearance I would first try Green Bearing Loctite. If that doesn't work I would bore and sleeve it. Just my $0.02.

john f

I wouldn't that stuff will hammer itself loose more than real metal

When I worked for a machine tool company back in the day (Kearney & Trecker Corp.) if they would slightly screw up a gearbox or spindle bearing bore by about the same amount they would have a battery and an small metal handled metal paint brush and plate it with dissolved nickel plating solution (gravy job), sit there and paint for about 45 minutes till the size came in.