Rear swinging arm spindle, material

[John Gresty]

I intend to make a new rear swinging arm spindle (round swinging arm ) to suit a 1961 greeves scottish, using 7/16" steel bar. Does anybody know the correct modern steel specification, ie EN3, EN8 etc. My parts manual gives the Part No as M/X41-B.

It has always fascinated me that the parts manual refers to it as a stud, I suppose technically it is a stud, but I have always thought of this part as a spindle.

[Rob]

John,

I was speaking to a maker of Honda racing parts at Stafford and he said he used 303 grade stainless for his spindles. This is a common free-cutting type that I use for studs.

In his book, Radco recommends EN16 for spindles, shafts, bolts, etc. This is available from the Metal Man, Steve, 0115 974 8211. He trades at various autojumbles, Stafford, Kempton, etc. He does stock imperial sizes.

EN3 is low tensile, 28/30 tons for lightly stressed components. EN8 is 35 tons tensile, 45-55 if heat-treated. EN16 is tough, (55 tons tensile) and shock-resistant.

Hope this helps. Rob