spindle twisted
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
spindle twisted
I have never gotten to this befor . My 1st vette. Are there special tools need to replace and what might the process be. I want to go a little stronger than factory so would it be better to buy complete assemblies for both sides or just rebuild stronger with individule peices?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,366
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
I don't know if I understand. People use the word "spindle" for several things.
To me a spindle is the solid cast iron shaft that fits between the upper and lower control arms and has a orthogonal shaft, the "spindle," to which the front wheels are attached. After you stack the spindle with inner bearings you then add the "Hub" and then the outer bearings. Once you've got the "hub" installed you can mount the front wheel. Is this what you're talking about?
I think spindle is mostly associated with the front wheels. Are you perhaps referring to the rear wheels?
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If you're a beginner, you have a good chance of replacing the front bearings and bearing races by yourself. For the rear wheel bearings, it's really the best idea to have an expert shop do that. My opinion.
To me a spindle is the solid cast iron shaft that fits between the upper and lower control arms and has a orthogonal shaft, the "spindle," to which the front wheels are attached. After you stack the spindle with inner bearings you then add the "Hub" and then the outer bearings. Once you've got the "hub" installed you can mount the front wheel. Is this what you're talking about?
I think spindle is mostly associated with the front wheels. Are you perhaps referring to the rear wheels?
-------------------------
If you're a beginner, you have a good chance of replacing the front bearings and bearing races by yourself. For the rear wheel bearings, it's really the best idea to have an expert shop do that. My opinion.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,156
Likes: 3,965
From: Connecticut, USA
Rear spindle twisted under load. Lucky you caught it before it sheared off- you did catch it before right? What are you using the car for? If you're just going to drive it and occasionally dump the clutch or bang 2nd gear the stock spindles or Tom's are good. If you going to go drag racing then you're going to need more then spindles or you're going to breaking other parts too. How are the U-joints and side yokes?
PM me if you want to go over repairing them.
Gary
PM me if you want to go over repairing them.
Gary
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
If you're a "I've got the time and want to learn" type then read up on the spindle and give the replacement a try. Many have successfully. If you're not comfortable with very, very close tolerances and heavy tools, pay someone for the rebuilt T arm and enjoy your Vette.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,366
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
I don't know if I understand. People use the word "spindle" for several things.
Actually, I think spindles are things that are on knitting machines.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
You'll have to clarify, are you referencing the "tubes" that tie the differential to the "spindles", or are you talking about the true spindles that are part of the T arm assemblies? The spindles do exist and are what the wheel is attached to, and are held in place by bearings and the T arm.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,366
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by wattac2
You'll have to clarify, are you referencing the "tubes" that tie the differential to the "spindles", or are you talking about the true spindles that are part of the T arm assemblies? The spindles do exist and are what the wheel is attached to, and are held in place by bearings and the T arm.
What are "tubes" or "true spindles." What I see when I try to read the above is I just see a lot of gobbled-gook words.
Look in a parts manual and get the correct words for parts that you'd like to talk about and then please describe your problem in very clear words.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Mar 4, 2005 at 11:56 PM.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,156
Likes: 3,965
From: Connecticut, USA
Originally Posted by mikie77
i am talking about the actual part that the lug nuts are on and the half shaft bolts up to on the other side and it is shear off.
Gary