Ford 2000 axle bent

[simmonsOH]

Took the both axles off my 3cyl 2000 to replace the seals which were leaking. Not an easy task for those of you who've tried. Put each axle on lathe to clean up. 1st axel was straight and true. Other was off by about 15/1000. It will cost me about another $150 + or - to get a used one ready to replace this one. Is it worth messing with or should I just use the "slightly" bent one? My fear is that the seals will wear out quickly. Never had any problem noticing the wheel wobble even on the road in high gears. Opinions and facts appreciated. Doug

 

[Ultradog MN]

Do you think the used one will get set up and checked with a dial indicator?
I would be loathe to spend the $150.
I would fashion a crude tool out of some chain and a hydraulic jack and see if I couldn't straighten it. Or ask your local machine shop to straighten it for you. If I got half of the bend out I'd figure it was good to go. It is a very slow turning shaft after all.

 

[Old Ford Mechanic]

Put the axle back in the tractor and keep your money.You are worried over something that is common in mechanical systems.I'd wager that you will find a high number of shafts and axles that won't be perfectly true when checked.However they were used because they passed the +/- tolerance accepted by the engineers of the machinery.Unless it has worn the bearings out or cause prior trouble i would not worry about this.Check your outer bearing and its race for abnormal wear and if none is found then,put it back together with new axle seals and put it back to work.

 

[simmonsOH]

Thanks for the advise. That"s what I was hoping to hear.