spindle castle nut removal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
spindle castle nut removal
How do you get the castle nut off the spindle assembly!? I have the TA off the car and I can't get to budge
Also, whats the size of those bolts holding the spindle assembly on the TA, my 1/2 inch socket doesn't seem to fit, and the 9/16 is too big
thanks
Also, whats the size of those bolts holding the spindle assembly on the TA, my 1/2 inch socket doesn't seem to fit, and the 9/16 is too big
thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
I got the cotter pin ouit, the bolt just doesn't want to turn, te fact that the trailing arm is off the car doesn't help any either.
I sprayed it down with pb blaster just now, hopefully itll help
I sprayed it down with pb blaster just now, hopefully itll help
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
The spindle threads may be rolled and beat up from the last guy working on the car. I take apart a lot of arms and use a 1/2 breaker bar or an impact gun on the nuts. The last one was so bad I had to cut the nut in 1/2 , the spindle was wrecked already. If the nut doesn't back off be careful or expect the job to cost more.
9/16 hex heads should be on the studs holding the support on the arm. Expect the support to be seized on the arm as well.
9/16 hex heads should be on the studs holding the support on the arm. Expect the support to be seized on the arm as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 20
From: Kingston Ontario
Geez...you guys must have big tool boxes....
Heating it up pretty good with a torch might work. So will taking it to your shop, saves the knuckles and less stress. You might be able to remove the studs with a punch through the spindle after you get the nut off.
Heating it up pretty good with a torch might work. So will taking it to your shop, saves the knuckles and less stress. You might be able to remove the studs with a punch through the spindle after you get the nut off.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
If the threads are 'damaged' from forceful installation, you may not want to use an impact gun. It could just cause additional tearing and distress to the threads. Best to try getting it off with steady torque application, then chase the threads with a tap to clean them up.
installation, you may not want to use an impact gun. It could just cause additional tearing and distress to the threads. Best to try getting it off with steady torque application, then chase the threads with a tap to clean them up.
Glad it worked.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Clamp an old rotor to your work bench using two c-clamps. Place the studs through the hub and it will prevent the spindle from turning. You can also retighten the spindle nut using this method.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
Flat Washer under Nut
And if I remember right I'd suggest replacing the flat washer under the nut. It's slightly "bowed" and allows for the extra "turns" it normally takes to turn the nut passed the minimum torque setting on to a point where you can put in the cotter pin. Mine was especially bad and reached the torque just after it passed the cotter pin opening, then an additional "superman" effort to get the nut on over to the next hole.
Just an FYI.
Andy
Just an FYI.
Andy
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
I took it down to my mechanics, known them for a while, 2 minutes with an impact gun and they had the spindles out
Now I just have to get out that thing that is held unto the trailing arm with studs, do I just smack the living hell out of it?
Now I just have to get out that thing that is held unto the trailing arm with studs, do I just smack the living hell out of it?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
Use Some Care
Once the four bolts/nuts are off the spindle support gentle tap/press it out of the arm. Be careful and don't distort the arm, it's heavy steel, but the spindle can be rusted onto the T-arm. It's a bit of a press fit, and with a little rust it can take some "doing".
Andy
Andy
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
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just pulled my castle nuts off a moment ago. slight problem with them though. i didnt need a 6 foot breaker bar, i just needed a socket and my fingers. im glad those cotter pins didnt give out... hate to think what would have happened if the spindle came out when i was driving.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
just pulled my castle nuts off a moment ago. slight problem with them though. i didnt need a 6 foot breaker bar, i just needed a socket and my fingers. im glad those cotter pins didnt give out... hate to think what would have happened if the spindle came out when i was driving.
