Fabricated Stronger replacements for Hatori 174 Aluminum Grommet Spacers (SB19 Pipe)

[Rototerrier]

I had 2 of those alum spacers ride up on the weld around the pipe and they broke. So, I decided to dig thru my left over parts bin and find something that I could use to replace them. I found that a TREX 600 Thrust Bearing is the exact same size as the head of the hatori spacers.

Using the Outer portion of the thrust bearing
1) Use wire cutters and cut the head down
2) Hammer the opposite end into the thrust bearing
3) Take it to the grinder and dremel
4) Insert bolt and outer washer
5) Install

For the Inner portion of the thrust bearing (ID is bigger) you have to grind and dremel the head off the spacer and leave it just a little big and hammer that end into the bearing.

Solid and no way they will ever break. Just figured I would share this little project with anyone who has some old thrust bearings laying around and have had trouble with these hatori spacers.

I only had one break, because it somehow shifted and rode up on the weld and the other was stressed and on its way out. I liked the replacement so well, I went ahead and did ALL 4. Never have to worry about them again.