Panhead59

Working on a 69. Trying to remove rear wheel spindles since that seems like the only way to access parking brake "hardware". Previous owner has removed parking brake shoes and hardware along with rear cable. Kinda glad I'm into it this far because when you spin rotor/hub on drivers side, it turns with jerky pressure. Like the end play is way too tight and/or wheel bearings are shot. Gotta get spindles off but it seems like I am missing something or doing something wrong. I have read book and have everything necessary removed but puller is not removing spindle. It seems very tight. Tight enough to actually bend the inside of the trailing arm with puller. Is there something I am missing or are they usually this tight? Any suggestions welcome.

lars

The spindles are pressed onto the bearings with a pretty substantial press fit. If you add a little corrosion to that, the chances of pulling the spindles out with a puller are pretty slim: You have to use a press to get those out. If your bearings are making noise, it sounds like you're due for a complete rebuild - you can remove the entire spindle/bearing/housing assembly from the trailing arm and leave the arm in the car and then press the assembly apart. If you haven't done the operation before, you might be best off sending your spindles to Van Steel for a proper setup (and installation of the parking brake components). If everything is OK and you don't need bearings, you can, in fact, populate the parking brake components into the bearing/spindle assembly with some patience without removing the spindle.

Lars

DUB

Panhead59,

Using a puller against the trailing arm is NOT the way to do this. I do them all the time and I use a specifically made press...or a tool that attaches to the end of the spindle and knock them out...which is not easy at times also. Just be aware that it takes specific tools to do the rear wheel bearing and achieve the correct run-out. Now you can make home-made tools like some have to keep the cost down...But I have the correct tools due to I do many of them yearly. Also..even if you get them apart...and back together again with the run-out correct...and you go and check the run-out of your rotor...do not be surprised that the spindle might actually have been bad and not true. This is why I always check the spindles on my bench center before I go and re-install it again. You might want to take a good look at your trailing arm bushing also.

DUB

Panhead59

Thanks guys. Sounds like this job is best left to the pros. I'm about ready to put in a "new" 427 so I guess I'll take it to someone experienced in this procedure once I'm ready. Thanks again.

fogaley

You do not need to pull the spindles to do any ebrake work. I can lead you through the process if you wish. Its easy. Scott

gcusmano74

Van Steel rebuilt my rear spindles 20 some odd years and a bunch of miles ago.
No problems.

Panhead59

OK thanks. How do u install e-brakes w/out removing spindles? Just don't know how to get round "spring retainer" in place.

lakebumm

This may help.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ke-thanks.html

gcusmano74

I got a cheap pair of needle nose pliers, and ground the nose small enough to fit through the hole, to disengage the clips.