Rear spindle thread ruined
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
Rear spindle thread ruined
I'm finished replacing a wheel bearing, however when I went to put the yoke and castle nut back onto the spindle the nut would not go on. Some of the threads are ruined on the nut and maybe on the spindle end. I bought a 3/4" castle nut at the local shop but no luck, it won't thread on. Does anyone know the correct thread pitch and diameter so I can order a thread chaser kit? I think it's 3/4" but not sure. It couldn't possibly be metric on an older car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 1,807
From: Apple Valley, MN
Make sure the nut you're buying isn't some offshore POS. It is exposed to some very levels of stress.
For the spindle, you may have more luck with a small triangular shaped file to clean out the damage.
For the spindle, you may have more luck with a small triangular shaped file to clean out the damage.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 724
Likes: 112
From: Austin TX area
Is the spindle back in the TA? If yes how did you set the end play and not notice the thread was messed up? If I recall you need to assemble dry and add or remove shims to achieve the correct amount of end play. There are special tools required to do this.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 9
This happens all the time when an impact device is used as a removal tool.
With some luck you might get it with a die nut. Bad news is 3/4 16 is the standard NF size.
Finding the die for the 3/4-20 is unlikely and expensive if you do find one.
With out any luck the die will go on crooked just like the nut.
I pull the axle off and chase them in a lathe, this does the least amount of damage to the thread.
BTW there is a slug that threads onto the spindle to protect the threads when pushing it out using the factory tooling.
Aftermarket has a thread on slug you hit with a hammer.
You can also set the bearing clearance up using a dummy shaft. That is the very best method and allows for shim changes without the possibility of shaft damage.
With some luck you might get it with a die nut. Bad news is 3/4 16 is the standard NF size.
Finding the die for the 3/4-20 is unlikely and expensive if you do find one.
With out any luck the die will go on crooked just like the nut.
I pull the axle off and chase them in a lathe, this does the least amount of damage to the thread.
BTW there is a slug that threads onto the spindle to protect the threads when pushing it out using the factory tooling.
Aftermarket has a thread on slug you hit with a hammer.
You can also set the bearing clearance up using a dummy shaft. That is the very best method and allows for shim changes without the possibility of shaft damage.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
I used the mock up tool here https://tinyurl.com/y64wqfar.
I found a tap/die set on Amazon for 3/4"-20, will get here tomorrow. Hopefully it goes on without too much trouble. I might try a triangle file if it doesn't. The nut seems to be the bigger problem though.
I didn't need the removal tool, I used a punch in the center of the spindle and a mallet, it came out easy.
I found a tap/die set on Amazon for 3/4"-20, will get here tomorrow. Hopefully it goes on without too much trouble. I might try a triangle file if it doesn't. The nut seems to be the bigger problem though.
I didn't need the removal tool, I used a punch in the center of the spindle and a mallet, it came out easy.
Last edited by CRobLove; Nov 11, 2020 at 07:45 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,330
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From: Napa Valley California
One of the handiest tools you can have laying in the bottom of your tool box is a thread gauge.
Simple and easy to use.
I’ve used mine hundreds of times over the decades to check the pitch and diameter of screws, nuts and bolt threads.
Simple and easy to use.
I’ve used mine hundreds of times over the decades to check the pitch and diameter of screws, nuts and bolt threads.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
had the same trouble a few years back. found the special extra fine thread die at a machinist supply tool shop. Nut, Gen. G.M.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,154
Likes: 3,959
From: Connecticut, USA
I have to chase new axle nuts all the time. They are not well threaded and will bind on the axle. If the axle was hammered off and mushroomed you might be able to save it by cutting in a slight chamfer for a lead in. Removing the axle will most likely damage the new bearings so you will end up starting over. I dry fit all the parts before assembling them to avoid a problem like this.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Years ago I purchased a thread chasing tool set for the rear spindles.
Think it came from VB&P (now since closed up shop).
The tool actually clamps around the threads where they are good and then you thread it off. cleaning the threads as it comes off.
If you are close (Phoenix area) bring the spindle over and I'll fix you up.
Think it came from VB&P (now since closed up shop).
The tool actually clamps around the threads where they are good and then you thread it off. cleaning the threads as it comes off.
If you are close (Phoenix area) bring the spindle over and I'll fix you up.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 779
From: Persona Non Grata
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Years ago I purchased a thread chasing tool set for the rear spindles.
Think it came from VB&P (now since closed up shop).
The tool actually clamps around the threads where they are good and then you thread it off. cleaning the threads as it comes off.
If you are close (Phoenix area) bring the spindle over and I'll fix you up.
Think it came from VB&P (now since closed up shop).
The tool actually clamps around the threads where they are good and then you thread it off. cleaning the threads as it comes off.
If you are close (Phoenix area) bring the spindle over and I'll fix you up.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
Thanks for the help everyone. So I chased it and it's brand new looking and the new nut goes on fine. I ordered the 3/4"-20 tap and die from Amazon and it felt more like a re-cut than chase, but it's came out 10 times better than it was before I damaged it.
I wish I were close to Phoenix, but nowhere near. I would have been nice to have had help, but everything is fine now. Now I need to shim the thing and might look for or start a thread on that.
I wish I were close to Phoenix, but nowhere near. I would have been nice to have had help, but everything is fine now. Now I need to shim the thing and might look for or start a thread on that.