[DeTomaso] Frozen Trunion Shaft

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

The part that's 'frozen' is the inner spacer, corroded to the long shaft and 
possibly to the cast upright. Sawzall-ing the ends off the shaft on both ends 
is the only way to free it. This was so common in the late '80s/early '90s, 
that Hall once sold a kit of the parts you'd need, including the shaft, the 
spacer, the cups and the thrust washers that will be destroyed in the cutting. 
Nowadays, I think other vendors sell such. Using larger & larger presses will 
only crack the upright. Incidently, once the shaft is cut out, don't be surprised 
if even after removal, the shaft and inner spacer won't press apart without 
long & extensive soaking. Which really isn't worth it since the hardened-steel 
inner spacer will undoubtably be horribly pitted, and it runs inside two 
bronze bushings that are probably also ruined and will need replacing. Be sure to 
check the OTHER upright, too.... 

Nowadays, we realize that regular inspection and greasing of these things is 
the only remedy, and the stock method was total disassembly and hand-packing 
every decade or so. A grease fitting somewhere to deliver fresh grease to the 
long shaft and the inner spacer is the only way to counteract 
condensation-corrosion inside the uprights. Good luck- J Deryke


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