2353 axle bushings

The inboard face of the wheel hub and the outboard end of the axle bushing are the thrust bearing for the wheel set.  The axle bushing usually is pressed in against a counterbore. This makes the length on the bushing an important dimension. If you can provide the part number for the bushing, I can probably find the correct length in the Lionel drawings. And it will not be in millimeters.

Dave,  There is no counter bore for the bushings. To remove them you have to press them out from one side and out the other.

Thats why i wonder if being 2mm short is a big deal. The journal on the axle will now have a little less contact with the bushing.  Im

waiting for a copy of Greenburgs repair manual to get the correct part nos. so I cant give you the part no. until then.     Thanks!

Looks like the new are 3/8  the old are 7/16

The Greenberg manual will not help to much. On a loco like the F-3 they reproduce the first year, which includes the illustrations. They usually do not include the subsequence years, which are just parts lists. The complete Service Manual shows that the 2353 used the 2343-79 axle bearing.   The Lionel Engineering Standards show that the 2343-79 bearing has an ID of 0.317” to 0.318”; an OD of 0.378”; and a length of 0.343” (11/32”).  The standard also shows a 2343-29 bearing with an ID of 0.191”; an OD of 0.378”; and a length of .406”. This bearing became obsolete on 8-15-1952. With the small inside diameter I assume this bearing was used on non powered units.

Lionel was a toy company and did not have to justify running changes. It is not uncommon to find that spare parts do not match the original parts.  You just have to try and figure out how to work with what is available. Correct gauge on postwar equipment is usually achieved when the ends of the axles are flush with hub of the wheel.  Under that condition the axle bearings need to provide reasonable axial clearance. If that is not the case appropriate shimming will be required.   I do not believe that the length of the bearing will have significant impact on the radial loading.  Proper lubrication is a more significant issue.  

Thanks Dave,   Is it the wear on the id of the bushing that causes the wheels to rub on the frame?

Dave,  the bushings I have are  part no.  2333-28 they are shorter and can you tell me if there is a taper in the bushings ( can be put in backwards).

Thanks

Hi.  You surprised me with the 2333-28 part number. The 2333 was a non magni-traction engine with the standard 3/16” diameter steel axle. The 2353 is a magni-traction locomotive with a large diameter tubular axle containing the magnet. The 2333-28 bearing has an ID of 0.191”. OD of 0.316” and a length of 0.165”. This bearing should not fit in a 2353. Neither bearing has any taper in it by design.  

These axles are magnetic so I guess I have the wrong bushings.  Any idea of the correct bushing number? The frame on the engine is 2333-20.

There is no number on the wheel truck itself.   Thanks!

I believe you are looking for 2343-79 which looks like this.

They are .378" OD and .317 - .318" ID.

Got out the micrometer and the original bushings are .4004 long. the new bushings are .375 long.  So I guess I ordered the correct bushings

after all.  ( I cant find my receipt and the black marker on the package containing the new bushings

is rubbed off ) . Thanks for all the info.