Rear Spindle Removal
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas
Rear Spindle Removal
I am tearing down my trailing arms, and am to the point of removing the spindles.
I removed the castle nut, and the flange where the halfshaft bolts to, but am not sure how to get the spindle out. How is the best way to do this?
www.bigdogvettes.com
I removed the castle nut, and the flange where the halfshaft bolts to, but am not sure how to get the spindle out. How is the best way to do this?
www.bigdogvettes.com
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,479
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
i used a rented 9" gear puller, put the castle nut back on halfway to protect the threads, and actually you'll wind up pushing the spindle out, instead of pulling it. i had everything mounted in my vise on my workbench. put some nuts over the wheel studs to protect their threads before chucking it in your vise.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas
Originally Posted by Gary79
i used a rented 9" gear puller, put the castle nut back on halfway to protect the threads, and actually you'll wind up pushing the spindle out, instead of pulling it. i had everything mounted in my vise on my workbench. put some nuts over the wheel studs to protect their threads before chucking it in your vise.
I have a friend who has a shop press, so I may take it over there if I can't get the gear puller to push it out.
Thanks!!
www.bigdogvettes.com
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
Originally Posted by 76texvette
Send it to VanSteel......
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: Ashaway RI
Originally Posted by youwish2bme
I second this... 700.00 plus shipping one way... All new wheel bearings, front bushing and SS parking brake hardware.. They also clean and powder coat the arm for you... Or you can continue down the path you are on....... Dave..
Mine are on their way to Van Steel
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Michael S. Palmer
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,188
Likes: 4,010
From: Connecticut, USA
The inner and outer bearings are an interference fit so they are on tight. A BIG hammer and the knocker tool will probably knock them loose but I prefer to use a 20 ton press. getting the bearings off is 1/2 the battle. setting them to .001-.002" endplay is another. If you understand how to setup a machine spindle these a baby's toys. If you're not used to working within a few thousands(.000) then send them out. You will need a setup tool-either a made one or an old spindle polished undersize. When I fit the bearing spacer, I measure then use a surface grinder to dial them right in where I want them-.001-.002" You can set them up without a grinder but you'l have to sand them on a flat surface. You need to have a parallel surface on the shim. I haven't yet had one where the shims in the kit provided the correct endplay. They get within .003" which I wouldn't use.
IM me and I'll give you might contact number if you want to go over the job.
Gary
IM me and I'll give you might contact number if you want to go over the job.
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,422
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
You can buy a tool to remove them. It's a triangular shapped piece of steel with an attachment to the spindle fork (ie where the strut rods attach) and two bolts that attach into the bolt holes normally used by the brake caliper housing. The tool cost about $180. Several of the Corvette vendors sell the tool (Ecklers, Mid America, etc)
Now, that being said, you probably should not use the tool. If you have corrosion, the large torque necessary to remove the spindle will bend your brake caliper attachment ring.
The specialty C3 repair/retoration houses will use a press to push out the spindle without harming your cast iron bracket used to attach the brake calipers.
I did use the triangular tool to remove my spindle half axles. I wasn't aware of the danger. (When you buy the tool, theres no mention of the harm you can do.) I had no problem. My California dry weather car didn't have a corrosion problem and the tool successfully pushed out the half axles.
I took my assembly to Tom's Differentials for new bearings. They said that they preferred that customers not try to remove the half axles due to the caliper distortion problem. I believe that Van Steel also recommends that customers not try to remove their half axles before sending things in for repair.
Now, that being said, you probably should not use the tool. If you have corrosion, the large torque necessary to remove the spindle will bend your brake caliper attachment ring.
The specialty C3 repair/retoration houses will use a press to push out the spindle without harming your cast iron bracket used to attach the brake calipers.
I did use the triangular tool to remove my spindle half axles. I wasn't aware of the danger. (When you buy the tool, theres no mention of the harm you can do.) I had no problem. My California dry weather car didn't have a corrosion problem and the tool successfully pushed out the half axles.
I took my assembly to Tom's Differentials for new bearings. They said that they preferred that customers not try to remove the half axles due to the caliper distortion problem. I believe that Van Steel also recommends that customers not try to remove their half axles before sending things in for repair.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by turtlevette
you need a spindle knocker and a sledge hammer.
or take it to a shop that has a big press
or take it to a shop that has a big press
If you are able to do the work, are willing to buy some special tools, and the parts are in good conition, there is no reason to send them out for repair or order replacements. The price of parts to rebuild a pair ,including new stainless steel parking brakes parts and new shoes, will cost a little over $100. I have no doubt that the vendors who rebuild them do a great job; however, I prefer to invest in the tools and do it myself. Should I ever buy another vette that needs the TA's rebuilt, I would not hesitate to do it knowing I have the knowledge and tools for it.
