Passenger side rear spindle assembly twisted?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 13
From: Central Virginia
Passenger side rear spindle assembly twisted?
I have had this corvette for a short time and never driven it yet. Here is what I found. The passenger side rear wheel had way too much play. You could move the wheel up and down and get more than four inches play at the end of the wheel.
I disconnected the half shaft and noticed something very unusual. The inner dust seal was not fully installed. The spindle nut was torqued to maybe 30 foot pounds. I removed the spindle and rotor as a unit. The inner bearing was not pressed into the hub.
here is a very unexpected result that I have found. The spindle was twisted at the splines. My question is how did this happen?
I disconnected the half shaft and noticed something very unusual. The inner dust seal was not fully installed. The spindle nut was torqued to maybe 30 foot pounds. I removed the spindle and rotor as a unit. The inner bearing was not pressed into the hub.
here is a very unexpected result that I have found. The spindle was twisted at the splines. My question is how did this happen?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 13
From: Central Virginia
I dont know exactly what i need to replace this spindle. I have a special tool to check the endplay. However i need a recommendation for a new spindle and shims. Also what does a spindle knocker look like. Will a good hand sledge and a brass drift suffice to drive out special tool after i check for endplay? Thanks in advance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Obviously you need a new spindle and a few other parts. Setting up the rear wheel bearings is a highly specialized job. I have done it, and I recommend you send it to someone who does lots of these and has a reputation for knowing what they are doing. Van Steel comes to mind. And no, a sledge and a brass drift won't do it without doing serious damage.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 13
From: Central Virginia
The spindle is original. The rivets hold the spindle to the rotor. I do like the term "chinese twist" I got a good laugh on that one.
I will be removing the trailing arm and using a 30 ton press.
I will be removing the trailing arm and using a 30 ton press.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 13
From: Central Virginia
I want to thank the Corvette Forum for all the knowledge and information that I received either through questions or gleaning from other posts. Again thanks.
I went up to Zip Corvette and purchased all the parts that I need to complete this job. They said that this is the first time that they had seen a twisted spindle and yes it is a GM spindle.
I will say that removing the trailing arm is not for the faint of heart. This is the first time that I have removed one and the only advice that I can give is if you never done one of these before then you may very well not know what you are getting into. This is why that I am thanking the Corvette Forum for information on how to do it and what to expect. I got a pretty good idea of what to expect just by reading up on posts here on CF.
Pictures to follow
I went up to Zip Corvette and purchased all the parts that I need to complete this job. They said that this is the first time that they had seen a twisted spindle and yes it is a GM spindle.
I will say that removing the trailing arm is not for the faint of heart. This is the first time that I have removed one and the only advice that I can give is if you never done one of these before then you may very well not know what you are getting into. This is why that I am thanking the Corvette Forum for information on how to do it and what to expect. I got a pretty good idea of what to expect just by reading up on posts here on CF.
Pictures to follow
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 13
From: Farmington Connecticut
I'm wondering if the cotter pin was still in the castle nut when you removed it from the spindle. If it was I would expect that someone just set up the bearing assembly incorrectly. If it wasn't I would guess that the flange had backed way off of the spindle and that caused the twist. Luckily you caught it before the whole spindle let go. Good luck on the rebuild. Were you able to get all of the setup tools?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 13
From: Central Virginia
Yes the cotter pin was installed on the castle nut. The dust cover was in place but not pressed into place. The prior owner tried to install the bearing assembly, got the outer bearing into place but couldn't install the inner bearing because of the twist.
I must have a guardian angle because I test drove the car after I got the engine in good running order. When I came back I noticed a sling pattern of grease and tire rub marks in the wheel well.
The bearing set up tool came with the car and I ordered the bushing install tool for $54 and some change from Zip Corvette.
The deeper I go into this corvette the more I find. Both output seals show a slight sling pattern leak at the rear differential. I might as well order those as well.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
Glad you was able to get it fixed 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 13
From: Central Virginia
My first clue should have been "why all the grease in the wheel well?"
This is one of the brake pistons from the rear caliper, very corroded.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Good luck... GUSTO