Spindle help needed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Burbank Wa
Spindle help needed
Here is a question for all the experts here.
I just got my new rear spindle and bearings and the bearings do not slide on the spindle inner or the outer so my question is how do you install the spindle with out having to press the bearings on and once that is done how do you get the outer grease seal to seat in the trailing arm, or do you set the bearing and the seal in the trailing arm and try to hammer it in and then do the same with the inner bearing.
Thanks in advance Scott
I just got my new rear spindle and bearings and the bearings do not slide on the spindle inner or the outer so my question is how do you install the spindle with out having to press the bearings on and once that is done how do you get the outer grease seal to seat in the trailing arm, or do you set the bearing and the seal in the trailing arm and try to hammer it in and then do the same with the inner bearing.
Thanks in advance Scott
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,135
Likes: 3,939
From: Connecticut, USA
Stop there Scott. The bearings are press fit to the spindle. Before you can do that you must figure and set the correct end-play in the bearings. This is not a direct bolt on replacement job, you have to set the end play under .003" - I set them to .0015-.002 max. The shim kits shold will not get you there alone, I fit them to size using a surface grinder. You'll need an old spindle polished down to give a slip fit with the new bearings or a pindle setup tool. The bearign nut has to be torqued to 100 ft/lbs to correctly measure the end-play and you have to be 100% certain there is no movement while checking with an indicator.
Gary
Gary
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,370
Likes: 6,364
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Gary is correct. You need access to a press, and you need to be able to set up, measure, shim and correct the clearance. You may end up disassembling and re-pressing to correct. It's not something that you would want to do in the garage with a hammer and a socket.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Burbank Wa
I already have the races installed in the trailing arm and I know about the shimm adjustments but how do I get them correct I have the old spindle can I use emory cloth on the new spindle to make it a slip fit so it will go in and out of the trailing arm easily or do I HAVE TO REMOVE THE TRAILING ARM to get the spidle in and if that is the case is there any body near my area that knows how to do this to give me a hand with this. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Use the old spindle as a setup tool. Cut down the diameter of the old spindle so that the bearings slip on. Check your run out and adjust shims to you have the proper tolerance. Then use the new spindle, bearings, seal, and the shims and press things together.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
There are several tools available for this job.... check out the Corvette specific vendors... such as Mid America to get an idea. These tools use the bearing rollers & seats to "pull" the unit together.
I don't use these special assembly tools... I use a press because I feel it is a bad idea to use the bearings & races as a pressure point when re-assembling the whole thing. I press on the inner races only... no pressure on the rollers or seats while assembling.
But... you have to use a dial indicator to measure the spindle endplay, and I have found it nearly impossible to get a true reading with the spindle sitting horizontally... the tapered roller bearings skew the reading when the spindle moves laterally, and, the dial indicator doesn't stay in exactly one spot- which is also required to get a good reading. I measure endplay with the assembly in a vertical position (actually in a special jig). If you don't set the endplay correctly, you are wasting your time.
I don't use these special assembly tools... I use a press because I feel it is a bad idea to use the bearings & races as a pressure point when re-assembling the whole thing. I press on the inner races only... no pressure on the rollers or seats while assembling.
But... you have to use a dial indicator to measure the spindle endplay, and I have found it nearly impossible to get a true reading with the spindle sitting horizontally... the tapered roller bearings skew the reading when the spindle moves laterally, and, the dial indicator doesn't stay in exactly one spot- which is also required to get a good reading. I measure endplay with the assembly in a vertical position (actually in a special jig). If you don't set the endplay correctly, you are wasting your time.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Burbank Wa
Is there anybody who knows of anybody in S.E. Washington state tat can do this job I think I am over my head and will take the trailing arm off and take it and all the parts to some one who can do it right. I don't want to have to go trough this again 
it is a royal PITA.
Thanks Scott
it is a royal PITA.Thanks Scott
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