Broken WFE on 1940 m

e-manhunt · Nov 6, 2011

I have a factory WFE. I hit a stump with the left front tire. I heard something snap. Now the left wheel sits perpendicular to the other tire and when I turn the steering wheel the left wheel does not turn.
Visually everything I see looks ok, so I can only imagine that I sheared the vertical enclosed shaft that runs down from the WFE down to the wheel.
What is that part called?
Any tips on removing that?
Is that shaft something that can be welded or will I need to find a replacement?
Thanks in advance.
Boy, is my wife mad that I am going to spend more money on my tractor. Ugh.

Maxx · Nov 6, 2011

It's called a spindle.
Usually the steering arm is just held on to the spindle with a nut.
The spindle shaft could be splined or keyed.
Depending on whether the top of the spindle shaft is turning with the arm will give you and idea where to start.

Janicholson · Nov 6, 2011

Spindle is the vertical component including the wheel bearing shaft, it extends through the axle vertical tube and has a woodruf Key in the top, connecting to the steering knuckle arm.
THere are several axles that have been moubnted on M Farmalls, some from the factory and early with the linkage in front of the main axle tube (exposed to ramming things) and other brands and styles from many sources. Pictures will be needed to assess the brand.
Best guess is the woodruff Key if it has that feature. Jim

e-manhunt · Nov 6, 2011

Can that spindle bewelded?

Janicholson · Nov 6, 2011

I would not weld a spindle unless there were no spindles to be purchased, or someone wanted $200 for one of them and that was the only available.
Find out where the break is, describe it or supply a photo. Welding suspension parts is usually not advised. We really need more information to be responsive in a reliable way. Some parts are still available for some WFE systems. Jim

JRSutton · Nov 6, 2011

IF it's a completely broken spindle, I wouldn't weld it either. It of course COULD be done, but the question really is, with the break, if you were to lift the front end up - does will the wheel fall off?

Without too much imagination, you can see where that could become extremely dangerous (the likelikehood of this happening in the field may be slim, but still a possibility. The probability depends on how high up the break is of course).

But in my mind, any scenerio where the wheel could be in a position to drop out would be a situation where you'd REALLY want it to stay in place!

If it is broken in a way that would allow the wheel to fall off - then, it's safe to say if your weld ever broke, the wheel could fall off. So, personally, I'd just go with a new spindle.

If it's broken in a way where the spindle remains secured, but the connection to the steering arm is broken, that's a different story. I'd do whatever welding was required to fix it - just be real careful not to warp the spindle.

Tom Fleming · Nov 6, 2011

Well, if the weld is done correctly, it would be perfectly safe, IMHO. However, note that I stated "correctly". It would require chucking it up in a lathe, cutting a 45 degree chamfer on both parts. Welding them with the correct rod, then turning it smooth again on the lathe. Send it out to be heat treated again.

There are a number of parts supplier's that might have them. Try Burgh equipment in Harmony Pa.

e-manhunt · Nov 7, 2011

My dad and helper got the left front wheel off and the spindle is broken right in half.

It is the older model WFe with the linkage in front where it can be damaged.

I looked in nnalert catalog from a couple years ago and almost choked on the price for a new left spindle. I will look at the one dealer mentioned in this thread but appreciate any other ideas on who might have one.

Thanks guys.

Broken WFE on 1940 m

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