Hello, I need to make a new axle for a Cozy sidecar I have and would like to know what would be the best stock to use. I've got some 1-1/2 cold roll laying around but don't think it would do the trick. Would 4140 or 41L40 be more acceptable for making a 25mm axle for this rig and if so, which would be the best choice? All help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Mike
Sorry, I should have stated that the cold rolled that I have is 1018 and the axle will be 1" NOT 25 mm.
M C
If you plan to weld it in use the C.R.. If no welding is to take place any of the choices will be okay for a 1" or larger axle if built right.
Hello Claude and thank you for your reply. Are you saying that the 1018 would be safe to use for a 1" axle? There is NO welding involved in this axle as it is a straight bolt on item. It is 3/4" wide where it goes through the mounting block with a 1-1/2" wide 1" long shoulder and then 1" from there to the end.
M C
M C - 5/1/2010 2:56 PM
Hello Claude and thank you for your reply. Are you saying that the 1018 would be safe to use for a 1" axle? There is NO welding involved in this axle as it is a straight bolt on item. It is 3/4" wide where it goes through the mounting block with a 1-1/2" wide 1" long shoulder and then 1" from there to the end.
M C
Sharp edges need to be avoided as they can lead to cracks that can lead to failure.If welding is invloved the use of cold roilled is better in most applications than other types of metal as it is more forgiving. Some have went to what was 'better' materials and then had failures due to internal stresses created by welding . In your case with a bolt in axle I would probably opt for moly while still making sure to radius all diameter trasition points slightly. Overkill isn't going to hurt anything. Most trailer replacement axles are mild steel as they are destined to be welded in place.
Hello Claude, I learned years ago to radius the diameter transition points on anything that is going to be stressed in this manor and to chamfer the the leading edge of the hole that it would be fit to. My main concern was what would be the best material to use for this project and again I would like to thank you for all your help in answering this for me. Keep the shiny side up.
MC
4130 or 4140 would be ideal. It machines nicely and is quite strong.
