C2 rear spindle bearing set up

[Steve D.]

In setting bearing preload on rear spindle, why does reducing shim thickness reduce end play? That seems counter intuitive.

steve

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

thinner shim brings inner and outer bearings CLOSER to their respective races, hence reducing end play.Once you've disassembled spindle, it'll become clearer. good luck, mike

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Mike

I have the spindles apart and was exploring the end play adjustment, but didn't understand the bearing and race interaction. Thanks.

Steve

[Terry F.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

The races are fixed in the bearing housing (not sure what that part is called). They face each other and are conical shaped. One bearing will be on the inside and one on the outside riding on the races. There will be one large spacer and one or maybe two thin spacers (can't remember). The spindle shaft slides through all this stuff and with a large washer and nut it is all held together. If you actually have it all apart and in good condition, give yourself a pat on the back. They typically don't just fall apart for you when you try to take them apart and a lot of times you need special tools to press the spindle out (digressing).

The spacers between the bearings are used to adjust the pre-load on the bearing surfaces. You can't just tighten up the assembly and call it good. There is a very minimal clearance that is required to keep the bearings healthy. Most people use a tool called a pre-load shaft that is slightly smaller in diameter to the spindle shaft (which has a press on clearance). You put the bearings in the housing with the spacers and install the pre-load shaft. I would probably clean and dry the bearings before doing this, use a very light oil on them. Next, you somehow attach a dial indicator two the shaft and measure the play (clearance) on the axis through the bearings (in line with the pre-load shaft). Do this over and over while adjusting the shims untill you get the right clearance. After you get the clearance, then assemble it with the actual spindle shaft which is a press fit. It has been years since I did this. Others can comment... It is critical to get it right and use good high pressure grease when it all goes back to gether. Regards, Terry

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Terry:

The part you refer to is called the spindle housing. The large spacer looks a lot like the "crush collar" used for the diff pinion bearing, but it does not crush, and is reusable if not galled. The other spacer is actually a ring of about 1 1/4" diameter, and thicknesses varying in .003" increments. These can be CAREFULLY shaved with emery, to really "tweak" the bearing end play. Got mine to .0005" (I know, the manual says .001"-.008.", but I always prefer my "thrusts" nice an' tight).

Joe

[Terry F.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Hey, I though we were talking about a C3? Sorry, don't know anything about a C2. Regards, Terry

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Joe

Where do you find shims in .003 increments. I have seen .006 increments advertised (International Axle), but not .003.

Steve

[Terry F.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

I did the same thing with the emery cloth. I figured I needed all the help I could get with the run out on the brake rotor. I thought it could have some effect there. I stopped at the .001 to .003 range. Like my bearings to stay cool and my grease to stay in! Terry

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Steve:

I saw it in one of the familiar catalogs.....not sure which one now. I thought that that was strange, too. I've got a box full of them.....all sizes, couple hundred maybe. I just grab and mike 'em. Like I said, I like to shave the last couple thou to get a minimal end play.

Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Terry-----

C2 and C3 are exactly the same with respect to rear spindle bearing set-up. Some earlier 63s may have a slip fit spindle/bearing set-up but, otherwise, everything is the same.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Steve-----

The GM shims are available only in .006" increments. International Axle has shims available in .001" increments.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

joe: early 63 spindle bearings definitly slip fit, at least up to late December 62. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 rear spindle bearing set up

Mike-----

Yes, early 63s definitely had the slip fit spindle/bearing assemblies. The reason that I used the term "may have" is that while they once definitely had this set-up, the may have been retrofitted to the press fit by now. Some of the early 63s were retrofitted under warranty and others may have been changed since.