rear spindel question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 30, 2004 | 11:02 PM

gravismaximus

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 308

Likes: 0

From: central square NY

rear spindel question

ok i took the advice of some of the forum members and after i pressed the whell bearings off i used emory cloth and made it so the bearings slip on and off with a little effort, however i did get one of them a little to big i think, it kinda falls into place a little to easy i think. so how easy should they be able to slip on and the second question is should i greese the spindel under where the wheel bearing is? because wouldnt that allow the bearing to spin easier on the spindel--then again what kind of damage would it do if i didnt put greese there? and if i didnt ever file them down how did greese get under the bearings when you press them back on- wouldnt it just push it? thanks for the help. :banghead:

Mar 30, 2004 | 11:30 PM

Mike Ward

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 15,892

Likes: 42

Re: rear spindel question (gravismaximus)

Mar 31, 2004 | 12:01 AM

Z-man

Race Director

Joined: Nov 1999

Posts: 10,643

Likes: 8

From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

Re: rear spindel question (gravismaximus)

If I understand you correctly, you took a little off the spindle (or the bearing)so you wouldn't have to press the bearings on again with a 42 ton press. This is pretty common among us Vetters (and a source of spirited discussion I see). Don't put any grease between the bearing "race" and the spindle. The grease goes inside the bearing and all over the place between the two bearings, if you want. Take a look at this picture - what is important is the bearing preload spacer between the inner and the outer bearings and the torque you put on the spindle nut. The spacer must allow less than .008 in. of movement of the spindle. If it's greater than this, you need to adjust the shim(s) between the bearings. This will ensure that the bearings are properly positioned.

Good luck -

[Modified by Z-man, 10:02 PM 3/30/2004]

[Modified by Z-man, 10:06 PM 3/30/2004]

Mar 31, 2004 | 12:08 AM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 8,918

Likes: 27

From: New Hill NC

Re: rear spindel question (Mike Ward)

Gravis Maximus Mistakeus

Mar 31, 2004 | 07:10 AM

gravismaximus

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 308

Likes: 0

From: central square NY

Re: rear spindel question (wombvette)

well, looks like im the ginnie pig here, i wont put any greese on the spindle and put it back te same way i found it and let you all know if it messes up my spindels. and hopfuly itll be gravis maximus rightious :_dupe:

Mar 31, 2004 | 08:41 AM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,176

Likes: 3,990

From: Connecticut, USA

Re: rear spindel question (gravismaximus)

I press both bearings on, but there are a lot of guys that use a slip fit on the inner bearing. If you have a sloppy fit on both bearings,save yourself time and money and buy a new spindle or spindles,They cost about $130-$150 from a vendor. I can check my supplier and maybe get them for you for $115 if you want. Save the old spindle becasue you now have setup tools for the new spindles. Let me know if you need help,I rebuild this for our club and friends.
Gary

Mar 31, 2004 | 09:01 AM

Van Steel

Premium Supporting Vendor

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 4,312

Likes: 70

From: Clearwater FL

Re: rear spindel question (gtr1999)

Whoever told you to make the bearings a slip fit did not do you a favour. GM changed them from a slip fit to press fit in the early 60's for a very good reason.
The idea of the press fit is to be 100% sure that they never turn on the spindle. Failure is guaranteed shortly after they start to spin.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:iagree: Thats how you let air into the braking system. The point of having the bearing pressed on the spindle is so that it stays true in the center of the bearing support. Once you slip fit a bearing your allowing it to not run true in the center of the bearing support giving it some wobble. Now your letting the spindle ride on a slight angle and by doing this your putting excess pressure on the bearings causing hot spots in the bearings. This is what causes bearing to fail and this can also cause spun races in the support. So now by making things so easier, your out a spindle and possibly a support. Most people who use slip fit are maintaining them and keeping an eye on them. We do not recommend slip fits.

Mar 31, 2004 | 09:42 AM

moosie982

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,547

Likes: 12

From: Carbondale Pa.

Re: rear spindel question (Van Steel)

Hi, A bit of a question, I fully understand the press fit bearings on the rear spindle and the need to keep things in "spec" but could anyone explain how the front wheel bearings are so seemingly trouble free in comparison, could it be that is so because the fronts arent stressed as much as the rears ( by being driven ) or ?????????? . I have owned quite a few Corvettes and done a few rear bearing jobs on them some the press way and some the "slip fit" way, I keep on top of things as far as maintenance, preventative as well as scheduled, so whats the advantages of either way. Yep, this has been discussed here before, but which is the better way??
See ya, Bye, Peace Craig :seeya