Since the Q has come up again about this, I should update.
I went to assemble the prototype, found the yet another error in the shaft I had made. I had specified ring groove width of .056", actual as received from them was .042", quite a lot off. I dropped it back at the machine shop Fri. AM, they are looking into it. Personally, I think this is the last straw for me with them.
I've found an outfit that will make these axles for me for a unit cost of under $20 each, if I buy (30). I'm going to write the check this week and do it. It was nice being able to buy them from Nissan, but those days are apparently over.
Ballparking the costs:
- Obtain core
- Remove old axle/brg, press brg from shell
- Clean base & shell
- Send base & axle to welder for TIG
- Debur/cleanup of weld, check perpendicularity
- Paint base and welding
- Press new brg into shell
- Press brg onto axle
- Install external retainer ring
I can't afford to buy enough brgs to obtain a qty discount, so they will remain at ~$50 ea. Axles will be ~$20 ea. after shipping, in quantity. I am budgeting $35 per axle for welding -- it might be half that, but there is always a minimum charge and I don't argue cost with professionals who do what they do well. Because I do not have twenty cores, I can't get a qty discount on the welding, so that's that. And there's wastage: ruined axles, bad welding that destroys axles or base plates, parts that can't be aligned, that kind of thing. Have to figure that in to the total. Plus the prototype cost, which is well over $300 by now.
To recap: the remanufactured tensioner uses a quality, non-Chinese sourced SKF bearing with
two rows of brgs. The wear rate in this application will be nil. The brg is a light press fit and can be replaced later if you choose, but I expect it to last "forever" WRT to the expected useful lifetime of our LD28s. The brg is a std, off-the-shelf unit, so it won't go out of production. The retaining rings are of the "heavy" series, not that there is any axial load, but I don't like wimpy retainers and the cost is pretty low on this part. The zinc plating on the base plate is shot when it's welded, but regular paint is fine to retard rust in this area.
I am pricing these at $160 ea. for the time being.
Core charge is $20 -- send me your old one! Must have a non-bent wheel (the part that the belt rides on).
I will buy cores (ie if you are not purchasing one of my reman units) at $5 plus shipping cheapest way. With or without bent wheels.
No tax of course -- I do not have a business license (yet), and the amounts involved are low. If that changes, tax will be collected.