28 replies to this topic

[Spider]

LG2 Grade Bronze is fine here, you do really need to also cut a grease path in it though, similar to the spiral or cross pattern you have in the original bushes

[weef]

Reaming may seem like a simple hole finishing/sizing operation but you have to have a proper understanding of tool selection and techniques if any success is to be achieved. When performed correctly reaming provides a precise hole size and an excellent surface finish, almost pollished, but used incorrectly leads to poor surface finish and inaccurate sizing.

Start with the correct tool, which you appear to have, use plenty of the correct cutting fliud, have a good balance of cutting speed to feed rate, don't force the reamer in, a slow feed rate almost like the reamer is falling with its own weight and a steady turniing speed. Always use a tap wrench, never try to turn it with a spanner. Take small cuts and clear any chip from time to time. 

Secure your radius arm in a vice, it has to be steady, no movement, size your reamer so it just passes through the bush and then maybe size up the cutting blades with a quarter turn on the adjusters until it just "bites" then working from there, apply a smooth even pressure and ream the bush to size, using quarter turns, or less, of the adjusters.

Lots of small cuts and lots of cutting fluid.

From your pictures it looks like you are taking too big a cut, the bearing surface looks very uneven, it should be really smooth,

 

Summing up, smooth even pressure, cutting fluid, secure the radius arm in a vice, small cuts and often.

When doing it correctly you will know from the smooth cutting feel you get.

[gaspen]

Thanks for the advices folks 

 

I'll order some bushes and will do it again. 

[gaspen]

I installed the new bushes and start to reaming them but the tool is still stuck in some point as before

 

Then came an idea : I exchanged the blades in pairs in  the slots. I don't know how but now it's working without issues 

 

The axle fits nicely in both ends, but the tool will cut through the bronze layer in the bush. 

 

Is it normal ?

 

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[Ethel]

No, I'd say the bush was too much backing & not enough  bronze.

[gaspen]

No, I'd say the bush was too much backing & not enough  bronze.

 

What a shame    I purchased them form MiniSpares

[68+86auto]

I had the same issue with the tool and bushes recently purchased from minispares.

[gaspen]

I searched for part number 2A7325 and in some cases I find real bronze bushes. 

 

Wondering if these are still available or everybody sells the same as MiniSpares

 

BUSH-RADIUS ARM-OUTER END : Somerford Mini - Mini Specialists, Providing...

[Ethel]

Contact Minispares, it might be a rogue batch. Can't imagine you're the only one.

[gaspen]

Contact Minispares, it might be a rogue batch. Can't imagine you're the only one.

 

I did it, will see what they answer

[gaspen]

Info from Somerford :

 

Ours are also steel backed. We do not know of a source of solid brass bushes.

[gaspen]

I've found this SKF catalog  https://pluszroll.hu...ogus-260439.pdf

 

Could you help me which one suitable for this appliacation ? 

 

I'd vote for solid bronze

 

These are metric but I have acces for a machine shop

 

Thank you

Edited by gaspen, 06 August 2025 - 08:43 AM.

[Ethel]

Measured one as 1.248" long by 0.9475" OD.

 

So possibly 15/16" (0.9375") when fitted. 24mm (0.945") would be about 0.2mm oversize.

[gaspen]

Response from MS :

 

The bushes we have in stock are the same as used in our radius arm repair kits. We free issue these kits to our reconditioner, and with a fully honed out arm and the bush in straight we are not seeing the same as your picture. I am happy to send some replacements to you again, we will also investigate moving on to a single solid brass bush rather than steel backed.

 

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