Bearing Setup Tool

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Aug 1, 2007 | 11:41 AM

stinger12

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 3,930

Likes: 15

From: Calgary Alberta

Bearing Setup Tool

Where can I buy the bearing setup tool for the trailing arms? I am referring to the tool which is used to setup bearing endplay. I've heard that you can make your own...but how? Any pics?

Aug 1, 2007 | 11:54 AM

SIXFOOTER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 9,192

Likes: 27

From: Boca Raton Florida

you can use an old spindle, but you have to sand down the shaft so not to have to press the bearings on and off. I think I got my tool at Ecklers

Aug 1, 2007 | 11:55 AM

Belgian1979vette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 2,164

Likes: 7

From: Beringen

I bought mine at Ecklers too. There was no explanation on how to use it however. Does anyone have any ideas ?

Aug 1, 2007 | 12:23 PM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,154

Likes: 3,959

From: Connecticut, USA

look up my post on the job.

Aug 1, 2007 | 12:23 PM

eastltd

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,871

Likes: 6

From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER

you can use an old spindle, but you have to sand down the shaft so not to have to press the bearings on and off. I think I got my tool at Ecklers

I used an old spindle and turned it down a few thou for a loose fit. The set-up worked great and didn't cost anything.

Aug 1, 2007 | 01:06 PM

SIXFOOTER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 9,192

Likes: 27

From: Boca Raton Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR1999

look up my post on the job.

What Gary said, thats how I learned it

Aug 1, 2007 | 02:13 PM

Niart01

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 100

Likes: 0

From: Morton Grove Il

Rear end set-up tool

I bought mine at Mid America. I did my own with the help of Gary. Read his instructions carefully and you should be able to do yours. I measured the end play with just a little oil on the bearings. Do not fully grease them until after you get the end play correct. I used a dial indicator to get the 1 thousanth end play. It was not that bad. I also bought the pack of shims. Depending on the condition of your existing spindels, you may need to combine 2 shims to get the correct end play. Also torque the bolt before you check the end play. Disassemble, pack the bearings and reassemble. Was actually fun to do. Very satisfying to do your own work. Besides I can always sue myself if anything ever goes bad. Good luck. Do not hesitate to email gary or me if you run into problems. This Forum is great for help.

Aug 2, 2007 | 11:34 AM

LQQK

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 187

Likes: 1

From: Sioux Falls SD

If anyone is interested I have the bearing setup tool for sale with instructions and I also have two spindles already machined down so the bearings are a slip fit. That is why I had to buy the tool in the first place. The guy who installed the spindles the last time talked me into machining the spindles for a slip fit on the bearings. I drove it to Sioux Falls and back one year and the bearings spun on the spindles. Ruined the spindles or at least I didn't trust them anymore, turned them blue. I never even thought about using them for the setup. That's a good idea. I also have a four inner seals. Two are original GM I bought back in the 80's. I have all the shims about 5 ea. in all the sizes. Three thrust washers. Anyway I have a lot of the parts to do the spindles I need to get rid of.