I was curious if I could use an old clean spindle to setup the bearings versus having to purchase a $100.00 setup tool that I'll probably use once?
Chuck
Chuck
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Re: Rear spndle tool
Sure can........even better if you lightly dress down the bearing area to a tight slip fit.....Craig -
Re: That's what I thought too!
I can think of better ways to spend the $100.00 then on specialty tools...Hmmm.....How about...... more Corvette parts?
Thanks Craig,
ChuckComment
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Re: That's what I thought too!
Sure Chuck, having said that....I have the tool. But I am a tool freak too... CraigComment
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Re: That's what I thought too!
I would be very cautious about a "tight slip fit" on the outer bearing. GM assembly procdure is for a "press fit" on this bearing. GM tried the "tight slip fit" in the early 1963 build and had numerous early/premature bearing failures. GM continued the "press fit" assembly procedure through the 1982 build. With all the engineering, design and assembly knowledge at GM, they did a press fit for a reason, to eliminate premature bearing failure.
All the major rebuilders also "press fit" the bearing per GM assembly procedures and rivet the rotor to the spindle for the proper rotor runout specification in the assembly procedure.
Something to consider!
Mike Strinich
#11202Comment
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Re: That's what I thought too!
Mike - I agree, note that we are talking about using an old spindle as a SET UP tool, not for the final assembly. The tight slip fit is similar to the set up tool for establishing the shims without pressing on and off. The final assembly is with the original spindle with the full press fit....CraigComment
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Re: Rear spndle tool
Hello, any machine shop will be able to make a tool suitable to adjust the famous shim and at a low cost. I made my own tool this way and it worked great (I called the tool the Kent Luis MK IV... ) Well, you don't find easily a used spindle, that size, in Buenos Aires...
Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMCComment
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Re: I don't think so
Gents,
Setting up rear wheel bearings is based upon the fact that all items such as spindle supports, bearing races, bearings, spindles have manufacturing tolerances. We adjust the shim washer to accommodate these various paramenters.
If we setup the bearing end play with "dummy spindle A" and get it perfect, then substitute "dummy spindle A" with "real spindle B", the end play will only be the same if "dummy spindle A" is dimensionally IDENTICAL to "real spindle B". It is doubtful that the two spindles will be dimensionally identical.
For these reasons, I believe that the procedure documented in the shop manual is the correct procedure. It deals with the reality that variation in parts exists and adjusting the shim washer makes everything correct.
Just my thoughts.
Best regards,
GeneComment
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Re: Think SO!
Gene,
Rear Spindle 101. The spindle tool is universal because it only provides a holder for the bearings. It has no relationship to the final assembly on the original spindle. The only variable in the equation is the bearing support. How the bearing support has been machined dictates how many or how few shims are placed between the bearings to get the proper clearance. After the clearance is set you could use a wooden spindle and it would not change. Might be a little dangerous but you get the picture. The bearing support along with the distances between the bearing races is what is being measured.
Hope this helps with the picture.
JRComment
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Re: Think SO!
JR is absolutely correct. All that is being set is the end to end dimension of the spacer and shim pack when torqued to 100 lb/ft...CraigComment
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Re: Thanks!
JR and Craig,
Now I have the picture. Thank you both for the clarification. I appreciate your responses.
Regards,
GeneComment
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Re: Thanks!
The exact same process is used on rear ends except that we use bearings that hade been honed out for a slip fit instead of a pinion shaft that has been turned down. After You find the right shim stack you pull the setup bearings and drive on the final bearings.
Regards, John McGrawComment
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Re: Thanks!
You mean all you tool freaks do not have a nominal depth setting guage to set up the pinion depth?Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: Thanks!
Dick,
I have a pinion depth setting gauge, but it works off of the rear face of the pinion when it is installed. You still need a set of honed out setup bearings to arrive at the proper shim stack. Once you find the proper depth, then you can install the final bearings. I know that GM has one that uses a pinion substitute that does not require the bearings to be pulled on and off to find the proper depth, but you ought to see what that puppy costs! I just put a new set of 3.54 gears in the Dana 36 rear under my hybrid 2 weeks ago and shocked the hell out of myself when I hit the right depth on the first guess! I then followed that up with getting the right pinion preload shim stack after only 2 tries! I will take lucky over good any day of the week! LOL
Regards, John McGrawComment
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Re: Just why ??
Just what is the reason for the press fit of the bearing. I can see it if they were not properly tightened up or had too much end play as that would cause runout on the brake rotor. As long as the inner race doesn't turn on the shaft then I would think it would not give you any problem? In fact that is what I feel is why they did it that way. Better to have a bearing go bad instead of having to replace the the bearing and the stub axle both under warranty?Comment
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