Making a "Dummy Bearing" for Setting Preload & Sizing Power Steering Sleeves in Bolster - X231 Ep 89

[@teddill4893]

Maybe I missed it, or forgot. There seems to be a crack on the front of the bolster. I assume that it is not an issue due to it being an implement mount.

[@squatch253]

Yep good eye - and you’re correct, it’s next to the flat milled spot on the front where the center support bracket would’ve attached for the optional wide front end. They either ran into something with that edge, or were bolting large chain links to those threaded holes for pulling in reverse, judging by the witness marks. We inquired about having that repaired as well when they did the other brazing, but they had concerns about further distortion happening to those hydraulic piston bores so since we both agreed that it wasn’t a structural issue, we should just fight the battles that were necessary and let that one go to avoid causing other unnecessary problems. They couldn’t guarantee that a repair that close to the gap between the inner bores wouldn’t skew them slightly out of alignment, and none of us wanted that lol 👍

[@12DGJB21]

I understand that caterpillar content is the bread and butter of this channel, but I always enjoy X231. Figuring out the original design process and then developing custom repairs around its uniqueness also makes for great content. Thank you for sharing the history and current journey of X231 with us. The legacy of X231 will certainly live on beyond our time.

[@DohosanV]

X231 Is what brought me to this channel so I'm always happy to see progress made on it. I can also relate to burnout and frustration when working on such projects especially when parts are non-existent.

[@johngibson3837]

​@@DohosanVme too mate it's why I've ended here and loved every episode since regardless of the content

[@klaasbloem]

👍👍👍👌

[@bradgrandgeorge6095]

Same. X231 brought me to the channel been waiting patiently for a finished product. I hope with the cat project announcement this doesn’t get forgotten

[@davidrose561]

We live in such a wasteful society where everything gets thrown away instead of getting repaired. It's so refreshing seeing such a rare bit of history coming back to life!

[@NineCylinderDiesel]

I think the X231 content is absolutely brilliant

[@rawbsworld6604]

👍 🤣 I like it just sounds so 1950’s Sci Fi experimental Rocket X231 🤗

[@klaasbloem]

👍👍

[@wilferedbrimly]

I always enjoy the X231 content.

[@marty8639]

👍👍

[@klaasbloem]

👍👍

[@grumpyshopteacher25]

That was a sweet repair. I have been waiting for this repair since you had it welded! Also we are getting enough subassemblies put together to have a Let’s build an experimental tractor in a day episode!!!!

[@markmartin9671]

This is why X231 is the best content on your channel. The transformation and return to service is exceptional! So much enjoy watching the step by step return of X231. Thank you Toby

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I feel like the Glyptal is the arts and craft portion of these videos. "Happy little tree" 🤣

[@kenore4003]

Cast iron has a certain amount of porosity and the Glyptol seale the inside so oil won't seep out and ruin the paint over time.

[@colin8532]

5-6 years in the making, at least since we first saw this part. I can't wait till this project is finished and we can go back and watch the entire play list from start to finish. It's going to be so cool, like going back in time lol. It's neat to not only see the content, but how your filming and editing style have evolved over the years. I'm so excited to also see the first start of the engine you rebuilt almost 8 years ago now. If I remember correctly, the sides of the heads were the first pieces to get the finished paint applied to them! Things are getting really exciting now!!!

[@squatch253]

Thanks, yeah between getting more comfortable with being on camera, plus greatly improved recording and editing equipment over what I started out with, I think the video quality has improved a bit.

[@8phawkins]

@@squatch253 You ain't kidding! Have a look at you pulling the Cat 10 to pieces - monosyllabic is the word.

[@stevea9604]

@@squatch253 Absolutely…Your skills in the video & editing match your machining & mechanical skills 🤩👍🏻👌🏻🧐

[@johngibson3837]

​@@squatch253aye the quality has improved a little mate

[@00nutt]

Squatch's attention to detail hits you right out the gate!!! Gotta love it!!!

[@paulforster4133]

I also love the X231 content and don't understand why it isn't more popular. Having said that, things went very well on this instalment, I'm hoping you have kept up the anointing as I'm sure Christine's front bolster has more surprises or challenges in store.

[@rswany16]

Keep the X231 content coming! I can't get enough of it. I also can't wait to see this tractor in person some day at a tractor show.

[@danielbutler578]

I'm so addicted to the X231 project that I have lost count of how many times I've watched the playlist to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. I would really like to see this Minnie when she gets finished but I live in Tennessee and I don't know if I will ever get to Minnesota.

[@leecrump4614]

I admire your ability to solve very difficult challenges.

[@blairbreland1443]

Your vacuum makes me laugh everytime you use it cause I know it's on your mind while making the video

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Always enjoy watching your meticulous work methods, Squatch

[@vanislescotty]

Thoroughly enjoyed both the mechanical work (first rate) as well as the industrial archeology as well. Looking forward to the next episode already. And I'm grateful for weather that gives you lots more shop time.

[@johngibson3837]

And this my dear friend is what got me addicted to your wonderful channel before having to be side stepped onto your swamp angel, beautiful video thanks mate

[@NVIN-ov9dn]

X231 content is always appreciated. Can't wait to see her roll.

[@calrob300]

Great analysis and problem solving really makes the X231 content very interesting. Glad you've gotten back to this tractor, and I'm looking forward to seeing it painted and running!

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

I continue to stand in awe of X231 work. The shim pack reminds me of an air compressor I had to repair. Many years of neglect, so tore the whole thing down. End bearings and races severely chewed up. The rebuild package came with a pack of gaskets like Squatch single on the bolster. Looking at the removed gaskets, it was clearly multiples of gaskets. Ok, end play adjust, got it, and a lot of them though hard to tell how many. So I guessed, crank would not move when the cover bolts cinched. Eventfully I put the whole old gasket pack in and the new ones. Finally freed up. All I could figure was it was too tight at the factory, but they got it to run and it ground itself to fit. So many hours it had ridges in the jugs like a vehicle would on the cylinders. Amazing it still worked. It was ok with rings as they would not spend for the new jugs needed (sleeves cost as much as jugs). One bad wrist pin bearing (2 jug machine aka V-4).

[@douggilroy1188]

Make a dummy bearing to be able to test the shims, that's the sort oreason why this channel is worth following!

[@grizzchris64]

Your attention to detail is another reason I enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work Sir.

[@nandi123]

Your brazing work is so perfect I almost don't want you to cover it with paint. Turning the second race into a tool to set preload was a very clever idea. 👍

[@Ianforsyth-y8g]

X231 is the best content on KZbin. I can't wait for every episode.

[@ron827]

I am always amazed at your planning and creativity in designing non existent needed tools and then to create them such as the test race. 👍👍

[@johnalexander4356]

It's looking so good! This had to be a huge relief for you! It sucked to sacrifice a brand new race, but it was the best solution. Congratulations on X231 progress!

[@countryguy828]

Excellent episode. I'm not a MM guy per se but this got to be my favorite project to watch. I enjoy watching the restoration of a one of a kind machine. I like seeing the challenges of no replacement parts and how you overcome the roadblock. It's the challeneges like these I look forward to on the Cletrac E-62...If I ever get it in the shop...

[@cometcountry1974]

Can’t wait to see that bolster and engine rejoined to the transmission and rear end! X231 all the way! We may have a rolling chassis in the future, maybe!

[@dalee.mccombs8571]

I enjoy the X231 content every bit as much as the Cat content. I appreciate the many challenges and your unique solutions ! Happy with Cats or X231 !! Have a Wonderful Christmas and productive 2025 !

[@geneguenther4325]

Thanks for the update Toby! Another big step to getting old Christine rolling. Can’t wait for the next video!

[@Sunspot-19]

Squatch has bad gas!! Lovely restoration.

[@philipr7686]

I've always enjoyed watching your skill, problem-solving, easy-going attitude in front of the camera. And working with your dad, the property chores, etc. Merry Christmas.

[@lowellbender4263]

Nice to see it coming together one peice At a time

[@andrewmurton8379]

Always happy to see X231, looking forward to the next instalment.

[@jatomlin1991]

Love me some x231 videos. I bet it felt really good the first time that piston slid smoothly through that repaired bolster.

[@spacemanmat]

Great progress on X231, always interesting to see their development approach in action.

[@TawDrago]

Fun stuff. I like how you explain your thinking along the way.

[@danieledwards1081]

I feel a rolling chassis coming on in the very near future 👌 loving it Squatch, impeccable workmanship as always

[@stevecunningham2759]

I started watching your early X231 vids and look forward to completion. I watch every video and especially love your tooling and adaption content! I'm also looking forward to the D6.

[@matty2helpfull]

WHOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO! that front bolster is coming along nicely for x231 good job !

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Nifty trick with the sacrificial race,Man there's just so much going on in that one casting it blows my mind... Good Job

[@lonahlen8266]

Each time I hear it, I just love your “Hangry-Vac”.

[@ben_syxxes8179]

Really enjoying the x231 series revival! It’s just excellent 👍🏻

[@Jimbo65203]

Good work. I like the restoration of your Minneapolis Moline!

[@neilshep50]

What material do you recommend for making the new shims? Antifreeze can or beer can? I guess antifreeze can is harder to source because Rick Bork doesn't drink it!

[@HillbillySailor]

Dang it, you gave me nightmare flashbacks with that needle gun! Used to use those A LOT in the Navy to prep areas for painting!

[@emerycreek8016]

Great idea with that bearing race! You really figured that whole non-stock riddle out.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Fantastic progress! One step closer to having 4 wheels on the ground!

[@Jeff-d4p2f]

It is hard to imagine what you will do when you roll that tractor out and start it for the first! Cry, praise God, jump for joy! Probably all the above! I know it's a long time in coming put it looks like it is going to be sooner than later! Great job!

[@squatch253]

“First starts” have always been my least favorite part of any restoration or repair job, since that’s when all of the underlying problems that you didn’t know about finally surface. So when that time comes, I’ll be the typical high strung nervous wreck that I always am when something finally barks to life, only probably even worse because of how many ways literally EVERYTHING on this oddball tractor could malfunction lol 😬

[@squatch253]

@mmm365 - My goal for this winter is to get X231 into the “rolling chassis” stage, with all 4 wheels back on the ground. If I manage to get it that far I’ll be happy, but the burnout on this project creeps in faster and faster every time I go back to it - I’m already becoming frustrated at how much effort it’s taken just to make a tiny bit of progress.

[@johngibson3837]

​@@squatch253four wheel's is a fine goal mate and remember there ain't no need to rush you're not that old

[@JeffreyMiller-cy9zu]

To be honest you're at the point where small steps take time. Don't rush it, you'll get there

[@rogerallen6644]

A rare easy day with X231! Well done!

[@joegiura2478]

Love the x231 challenges

[@bobcrone6151]

Excellent. And Glyptol content a fantastic bonus!!!💪🏻

[@jazzerbyte]

Very satisfying to see the final close fit working out.

[@mikehughes3533]

Great episode on X231, your scientific research makes for great content!

[@brianbell3748]

Loving the x231 content. It drew me in way before 5J1113 came along! Are you doing flywheel and clutch stuff next? See that big ole boy sitting on the bench by the bolster.

[@squatch253]

We already did all the clutch reconditioning in the prior episodes, it’s just sitting there waiting for me to get all the wheels ready to bolt on so that I can put everything together all at once 👍

[@michaelseymour3534]

Instead of using the needle scaler, would it not have been better to make the whole thing shiny? Love that you're back on the X231.

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Adding and retracting those shimms is very tedious. The idea of grinding the out side edge was an awesome idea. I was still thinking that you would have to shimm the pivot, rather than the bearing. This is one reason why I like to watch your content, I've learned so much from watching you solve the problem you uncontested as you rebuild this tractor.

[@andrewklahold2880]

Peening that brass with the needle scaler, will help make the brass stronger as well , and helps to relieve stress , they do that for cast welding while it is still hot, to relieve the stress cast nickel welding makes

[@stevea9604]

The infinite patience and skill levels are worthy of the views 👍🏻🤩👌🏻🧐

[@jimamundsen7029]

Good stuff,Toby. Only suggestion for next time is to refresh all of us on how bad it looked when you first started working on it. A little "file footage" maybe?

[@Denis-tu1pd]

Your mechine work is awesome . Your attention to detail is really awesome . At the of the finished product its better than new. Denis from Santa Rosa Ca

[@clydeschwartz]

Excellent video it's nice to see you making progress on x231 keep up the good work

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Squatch, another absolutely amazing video showing your problem solving skills and mechanical abilities. You never cease to amaze me. Sooooo much work you put into the bolster. I throughly enjoyed this video and look forward to seeing your next one. Thanks Squatch!!!

[@johngibson3837]

Top skills Robert I agree and such a pleasure to see

[@waynep343]

Years in the making. It's coming together😂

[@charlesward8196]

Love the X231 content. Fred’s Hot Sauce, LOL!

[@LoggerLloyd]

Great progress. Roller getting closer.

[@StaceyMichelleDunn]

I like the x231 episodes a lot!

[@mattavera4323]

I am loving this x231 content. Keep it coming!

[@jamesazahn6842]

Great episode and explanation of the mystery to the clearance and fit of all the components to their relationships to one another. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamespollock2500]

Thank you for pointing the way to LAOL! Still enjoying your content.

[@grasshopper7760]

Thank you for another great video! Love to see X241 ✌️

[@grasshopper7760]

Oops 231

[@sterff89]

I really enjoyed this episode! That was very interesting to see how you set the preload on that bearing. I was disappointed you didn’t play the entire shop vac noise before you ended that clip haha!

[@somethingabouttractors241]

So cool to see progress on christine

[@victorpelini5995]

Did the exact same but to the ID of a timken bearing. Diff shim setup bearing. Man those bearings are hard to grind !

[@mikewilson631]

Excellent, ingenious stuff. Went looking for Glyptal 1201 - not available in the UK. 8 -(

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

17:02 Your shims are perfect round and flat. Please do a segment on how you make such perfect fit shims.

[@squatch253]

Thanks, I just cut several equal sized squares of shim stock, then stacked them up and clamped them between two squares of thin plywood. I then used a hole saw to drill out the center holes all in one pass, then took them out of the plywood and cut the outside diameters one at a time with a pair of regular scissors 👍

[@casparberends2719]

To determine the distance between housing and race, solder can be used. Solder flattens, then you can measure the thickness to determine the shim thickness.

[@patceleschi552]

If I were building a “can repair anything correctly “ dream team my starting 4 would be Squatch JPaydirt Curtis at CEE and ICWeld. All professionals that do it the right way. Each with their own specialty. Well done men.

[@rawbsworld6604]

🎄 Merry Christmas squatch253 & family!!!! ✌️🤙

[@Doughboy1941]

At 17:35 is that a crack in the casting? It's at the left of the lowest two threaded holes.

[@squatch253]

See the explanation for that crack that I pinned up at the top of the comments section here 🙂

[@Thomasgarrick113]

Lots of thinking went into this great job Think you are right someone has been into that before they most likely added the extra shim to tighten up the bearing to just get by for a while Make sure it is timed correctly when you assemble it haha I know you will

[@charleswray404]

Enjoying the content one bite at a time.

[@michaelscriffiano9267]

Thank you as aways

[@ironman3406]

The way you so sparingly dip your brush in the glyptol reminds me of an old advertisement for brylcreem “just a dab will do ya”

[@Bellboy40]

Yeah, I remember those old Brylcreem ads too. I think the saying was "a little dab'll do ya".

[@michaelwest4325]

Another step forward, mysteries solved, lessons learned, by God I almost think I could restore x231! But why spoil your fun!

[@deannajoseph]

Yeah, I enjoyed that, cheers Squatch. Good video.

[@lukestrasser]

@21:10 if you spend too much time deciding what to worry about, you end up as an Air Force planner… Analysis Paralysis. Some it’s just easier to dive in and conquer.

[@arthurirwin8235]

You'll be steering down the road before you know it. It's good to see the progress.

[@junior1138]

I seem to recall hearing or reading that it’s always worth running a needle scaler over welds as it can relieve stresses.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Enjoying watching something that I'll never be doing.

[@alanmize5627]

I really like X231 keep it going please

[@nickvandiver-xp3ue]

I can’t wait to see x231 done but I enjoy all the x231 content I’ll miss the prototype stuff when it’s done

[@donwilson6617]

Always great.....I look forward to every video...

[@danielgriffith7694]

Looking to the future , have you considered lowering the power steering pump pressure, one, because it’s not going to be required in the future and to help protect the repair on the bolster .

[@squatch253]

Excellent question that I think I’ll incorporate into the next episode 👍

[@danielgriffith7694]

To test the pump pressure, I used a line from the pump to a T with a pressure gauge installed then to a ball valve and then back to tank. That way I could adjust and check the relief valve setting 👍 Also the piston surface area is 4.908 inches so at 100 psi system pressure you will have 490.8 pounds of force on the repaired end !

[@jmailbell]

Don’t want to jinx anything by saying this, but that was slick! Great job!

[@Chad-g2y]

Really enjoy your videos, be it caterpillar, farmall, or the infamous x231. Keep it up please. Awesome job.

[@Denis-tu1pd]

Merry christmas and a happy new year to you and your family .

[@merlepatterson]

You could even drill two opposing holes in your test bearing (just like grease holes) to remove it easily with picks.

[@mrfarmall-vk4gw]

Yes! 231 work👍👍

[@Bonderoev]

I know its too late now, but wouldn't it have been nice to leave in the 40 thou shim stack and add 20 thou worth of the large production type shims? That way you would have a bit of easy adjustment for a later date.

[@squatch253]

On a working tractor, yes - but X231 likely won’t see another 100 hours run time for the rest of my life so future adjustments won’t be necessary 👍

[@johngibson3837]

​@@squatch253always think of the next person mate

[@squatch253]

Unfortunately I don’t see many of these old tractors being worth much by the time I’m gone, society is moving further away from this era of old technology every year and we’ve been losing numbers steadily in all of the clubs that I belong to. In all likelihood, I’m the last caretaker of most of my stuff.

[@TMxl-w5t]

Nice work again 👍