Axle to bearing fit question

[phabib]

I'm on my way to making new axles and I have some great stainless ground stock. I have new bearings as well and that's where my question lies.

I can press the bearings onto the shafts with only moderate pressure, but I can picture a real struggle getting the bearing on without a press. Is that expected and I just need to take my lumps or do I need to chill the axles or hit them with a bit of emery cloth until the bearings slide on easier, or something else entirely?

Thanks.

[thebuggyman1]

Bearings should slide on by hand.
Do you know the properties of your stainless stock? Is it as strong as regular steel?

[phabib]

Do I hone the inside of the bearings or the outside of my shaft? I think the bearing will be easier, maybe a ball hone on the inside of the bearing for a bit would do it.

According to the M.E. in the cube next to me at work, strength should be about mid way between mild steel and 4140.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I once sanded an axle with 220grit wet-dry paper. After removing the rust and crud the
bearing went on easy.

[thebuggyman1]

I'm not the person that should be giving advise on metallurgy, but flex is also important. Cromoly alloys tend to spring back, where mild steel tends to bend and too hard steel can shatter.......Axles do take a lot of abuse.

I would machine the axles. It would be easier especially when it's time for the next set of bearings.

[jerseybigfoot]

I would stay away from common stainless 300, 400 series as it will bend easier than alloy steel.
If you were in sea water mostly you may consider ss but limit the stress on the axles with some soft riding tires.
Also fit the axles to the bearings .001 to .002 smaller on the axle than the brg.