[soldier]

I need two rear axle outer nut lock washers for my 1931 Buick series 50(late with closed drive shaft ). I think they should have an inner tab for the keyway slot, and be made to bend over on the flats of the nuts. They were not there on my car. One drum/hub was already working loose. Good way to lose a wheel. Any help, or leads would be appreciated. Thanks, Soldier.

[Bob Engle]

I never was able to find any for my 32 Buick. I hand made a pair for my use. I have watched for somea Hershey, but never found any the correct size. Modern standard washers are not the correct size either. I used a piece of sheet metal and a lot of time on the bandsaw cutting out the shape.

Bob

[trp3141592]

Hi,

This sounds like the same item I have looked for for my LaSalle. The washer is oblong and is notched at the two ends to go either side of ridges cast into the hub. For installation, one end is bent inwards with the slot at the end spanning the ridge on the hub to prevent the washer from rotating. The other end gets driven down on to the nut to keep it from backing off. This makes a mechanical barrier to the nut backing off.

I have never seen one available for sale, anywhere. Has anyone checked Bob's to see if he offers them? Shouldn't be too hard to make a few, though. Producing more than a handful would require a punch and die for the blank.

GM mechanics likely tossed used ones away and replaced them with new ones like we might go through simple steel lock washers. However, a standard lock washer will not work safely and reliably on the axle nut. As Soldier said above, good way to lose a wheel.

Why GM didn't stay with the tried-and-true tabbed washer, cotter pin, and castle nut is likely best answered by the Ghosts still haunting the cost-cutting department. They may have saved 3 cents this way...

--Tom

[Mark Shaw]

Tom is right. I have never found them either. I have scoured fastener suppliers too.

This would be a good item for one of the restoration suppliers to offer.

[jbbuick22]

Hi,
I have a box of those washers but I need to know the size, a pic would also help.

JB
Sherborn MA

22-6-55 Sport Touring

[Mark Shaw]

For a 29 Buick large series.....

ID is 1 1/8"

OD is 1 5/8" between the tabs

Tabs are 2 1/4" OD

[jbbuick22]

Jerry,
I have several that measure; ID 1 1/8, OD 1 3/4, and od w/tabs 2 1/4
Send pm if you can use them.

JB
22-6-55 Sport Touring

[soldier]

JB, My 1931 series 50 has a 1" dia. shaft. Sounds like what you mentioned is for a large series and may be like Mark shows in his picture. Would you happen to have one in that box for a 1" shaft? Thanks, Soldier/Jerry Saunders

[trp3141592]

hi,

Wow--this is not at all like what I am familiar with. When I get home tonight I'll photo and post what I have on my car, and y'all can tell me if it's what you need for your '31.

A picture IS worth a thousand words.

--Tom

[jbbuick22]

Jerry,
I have several that look just like the ones in Marks pic. and are for a 1" shaft.
There are sizes from 3/4 to 2 1/4.
JB