Front bearings- gold dust
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: USA
Front bearings- gold dust
Restoring the 69. Today I took the front spindles apart and had s couple of observations. In the sunlight as I looked into the grease packed inside the spindle I could see what looked like gold flakes throughout the bearing grease. Now I do plan on changing the bearings but was curious as to what you might think this was. Also both spindles nuts were soo loose I turned them with my fingers. I's this normal ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No telling why the grease looks like is has gold color flakes. There are so many different brands out there, each with their own special marketing idea, it's impossible to guess. A better tell will be the condition of the bearings- what the rollers and races look like once they are apart and clean. Sounds like they might have been a little loose, taking the nut off by hand is not real common, but they usually come off easily with a small set of pliers too.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The front bearings used what was called a static collector. This collector was nothing more than a brass spring with a button on the end. I'll assume this is what caused your gold dust.. I'll post a picture for you in a second.. 
This mounted inside the front dust cap.. for the hub.
Willcox
This mounted inside the front dust cap.. for the hub.
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jan 27, 2013 at 08:37 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
I can honestly say that I've never seen that spring before. What is it for?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Willcox
