Tornado Wheel Spacer 5/16 in. ID x 1/2 in. OD 19506

The Tornado Spacer 5/16 in. ID x 1/2 in. OD 19506 is the genuine OEM wheel spacer for the PS Series professional spotters. Tornado’s dealer catalog lists it as “Spacer 5/16 ID x 1/2 OD x 1.4 Plastic” — a plastic sleeve with a 5/16 inch bore, a 1/2 inch outside diameter and a length of 1.4 inches. The machine uses two, one behind each transport wheel. It also fits the Tornado PS8226 Spotter 98226, the 230-volt build of the deluxe PS Series spotter.

Compatible Models for the Wheel Spacer

• Tornado PS Spotter 98220 — PS Series professional spotter, 115V
• Tornado PS8221 Spotter 98221 — the 230-volt build of the same spotter
• Tornado PS8225 Spotter 98225 — deluxe PS Series spotter
• Tornado PS8226 Spotter 98226 — the 230-volt build of the deluxe PS Series spotter, Series D & E

Tornado’s factory cross-reference returns fifteen machines in total for this spacer, including models outside the spotter family. We publish only the models we can confirm against Tornado’s current catalog — call us at 763-535-0770 with your model and serial number if yours is not listed.

What the spacer does

A spacer looks like the least important part in an assembly and is one of the easiest to leave out, which is exactly why it is worth understanding. It sets a dimension.

The wheel runs on the 5/16-18 x 3 inch screw that passes through it, and the spacer sits in that stack and holds the wheel the correct distance from the chassis. That does two things. It keeps the wheel clear of the body so the tyre does not rub on the housing as it turns, and it takes the clamping load of the screw so that tightening the screw does not pinch the wheel against the chassis and stop it turning freely. The 1.4 inch length is the dimension; the 5/16 bore is sized to the screw and the 1/2 inch outside diameter to the wheel hub.

Leave the spacer out and the wheel either binds or sits hard against the body. Fit it in the wrong position in the stack and you get the same result. A machine that has lost a spacer usually presents as a wheel that drags or squeals and a machine that pulls to one side when it is wheeled.

When to replace it

Replace the spacer if it is cracked or split along its length, if the ends have been crushed or mushroomed by over-tightening, if the bore has worn oval so the screw is no longer centred, or if it has worn shorter than its 1.4 inch length and the wheel now has side play. Plastic spacers that have been run loose also polish and taper at one end.

Replace both spacers whenever you replace the wheels — they wear as a set with the wheel and the screw, and a new wheel on a worn spacer reproduces the play you were trying to cure. If a wheel has been wobbling, inspect the screw at the same time for scoring.

Fitting notes

Note the order of the stack before dismantling it: screw, spacer, wheel and the washer and fastener that retain them go back the same way round. Tighten the screw until the assembly is held with no side play, then check the wheel spins freely by hand — the spacer should be taking the clamping load, not the wheel. Do not over-tighten: the load goes through a plastic sleeve, and crushing its ends is the most common way a new spacer is ruined during fitting.

Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and keeps PS Series spotter hardware on the shelf in Crystal, Minnesota.

You can browse every assembly for this machine on our Tornado PS Spotter 98220 parts page, and the manufacturer’s specifications are published at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is the Wheel Spacer 19506?

A plastic sleeve with a 5/16 inch inside diameter, a 1/2 inch outside diameter and a length of 1.4 inches. The bore is sized to the wheel screw and the length sets the wheel’s clearance from the body.

What does the Wheel Spacer actually do?

It sets a dimension. It holds the wheel clear of the housing so the tyre does not rub, and it carries the screw’s clamping load so that tightening the screw does not pinch the wheel and stop it turning freely.

Can I leave the spacer out when refitting a wheel?

No. Without it the wheel either binds against the chassis or sits hard against the body, which shows up as a wheel that drags or squeals and a machine that pulls to one side when wheeled. Fitting it in the wrong position in the stack has the same effect.

How do I order the Wheel Spacer (part# 19506) or get help?

You can add the Wheel Spacer (part# 19506) directly to your cart on this page, or call us at 763-535-0770. Our staff at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428 has been servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and can help confirm the right part for your machine.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.