How to machine a ball socket...

[-Rich87T]

I want to make a replacement bushing for my car's shifter... I apologize for not having a drawing or diagram on hand.

The piece is a simple 1.5" cylinder of nylon/plastic about 1.0" tall.
The center is milled out to make it a 'tube' with an ID of 1.0" (.25" wall).
It has 8 slots cut through it, .75" deep and .50" wide.

That last step creates semi-flexible "fingers" that can expand around the metal ball (and post) that the shifter pivots on. The idea is that you 'snap' the bushing over/onto the metal ball, then insert that into the transmission housing.

The next step is where I'm hung up... I need to create a 1.3" diameter SOCKET inside the bushing. The socket needs to be centered. I have no idea how to make a socket for this ball to fit into? I thought about using a 1" ball mill but my initial searches say the cost is too high. I could make my own tool but if there's a more conventional way to do this I'm all ears.


I have a Shoptask CNC mill/lathe, TIG welding ability and a well equipped garage. Can someone point me in the right direction?

[keebler303]

Use a boring bar and interpolate the round on the ID of the part in your CNC lathe.

Matt

[-Rich87T]

I will laugh if it's that simple.

I didn't think I'd have enough clearance but it appears my 1/2" bore bar might be able to get deep enough to make the socket I need...

Thank you for replying and not bashing my simple oversight.

[keebler303]

Its only a .15" undercut. If it doesn't clear, grind it until it does. You could also make a boring bar more fit for the purpose if necessary.

Matt