Rear spindle shims question

[Chuck R.]

Must the shims be replaced along with the spindle bearings?

I assume that the new bearings must be built to GM specs, so is there a need to replace shims every time or is there also a wear factor on the shims to deal with as well?

I haven't taken the spindles apart yet but am trying to plan ahed for parts.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Mike M.]

Re: Rear spindle shims question

its unlikely the new bearings and races will be identical to that which you're replacing. what you need to do is install the new pieces then,using a dial indicator, check end play of the spindle with new pieces installed. have done over 20 pairs and have never been able to use the orig. shims. the shims are probably still available from gm. Thenshop manual gives detail instructions. shoot for end play @ .007 inchs. good luck, mike

[Duke W.]

Re: Rear spindle shims question

I would recommend shooting for the low end of the clearance range - .001 to .003". You can always dress down the shims with 400 paper on a flat surface to get a tighter range than OE.

Duke

[Duke W.]

PS

If you measure the end play prior to disassembly and and then measure the axial dimension of the old and new inner races using a good verier micrometer, you should be able to compute and exact shim thickness for the nominal clearance you shoot for, and if you're careful, the actual end play should end up well within a thou or your computed number.

I helps to make a sketch of the bearing pack to figure out the actual dimensions you need and the arithmetic necessary to compute the clearance.

Duke

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Rear spindle shims question

I, too would recommend the low end of the range. I think .001-.003 is preferable, with anything much over .004 as unacceptable.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Rear spindle shims question

I reuse the shims and the spacer if they are not damaged but as others have said you need an assortment of new or used parts to get the setup correct. The chances of the old shims and new bearings to be in tolerance is slim to none. Lyle

[John M.]

Re: Rear spindle shims question

If you use one of the setup tools for this you won't have to keep pressing together and taking apart the assembly. The tool's expensive but if you're going to do this yourself and more than once you should have these. If chapter memebers could get together a set of tools to share it would be great and not expensive.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Excellent input Folks

I now have a better idea about where I need to head now, thanks a bunch.

As nice as that sounds, theres always the risk when sharing tools that they just might not come back in the same condition as when they left IF they come back at all! That would be a tough one I think.

As my setup tool is going to get used on my one car alone, I would be more than happy to make my setup tool available to any members in need of one. Of course a fully refundable deposit and the shipping costs would have to be absorbed by the end user.

Thanks again for all your insights,

Chuck