by W. Ross Crawford

First, measure the distance between the front and the rear wheels to see if the axles are parallel. Then, check to see if the wheels are the same size. Any differences will cause flange wear on one wheel. If there are no centers in the axles, install them now insuring they are concentric to the bearing.

  1. Correct the back-to-back dimension to 7.130″ ±.010″ by moving one wheel on the axle or by facing the back of the good wheel.
  2. Hold the good wheel in the three-jaw chuck and the bad wheel in a live center.
  3. Turn the bad flange to .090″ thick at the outside diameter.
  4. Turn the tire to a diameter .340″ smaller than the flange. Maintain IBLS contour standards and a dimension of .250″ back to the bottom of the .095″ radius. This operation MAY scrap the wheel.
  5. Round the top of the flange and chamfer the outer edges of the tire to .062″ × 30° or to .032″ radius to protect switch frogs.
  6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the good wheel except form the .095″ radius to 7.430″ ±.010″ at the top of the radius of both wheels.
  7. Recheck the wheel gauge.

Note: IBLS standards can be found at numerous internet locations. Also, your local club may have them readily at hand.