Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

[Chuck R.]

I dry fitted new bearings in the spindle support with a slip spindle I created with the spacer and original shim, then installed the flange.

I pulled it up to 35 Ft.Lbs and noticed .000 bearing end play and that it still spun freely. I then pulled it up to 50 Ft.Lbs and noticed that the spindle (though still free) had increased drag.

I didn't go any further and backed off the nut for fear of possible bearing damage. Is this .000 tollerance and increased drag normal or do I need to look thinner for shims?

Just don't want to be in the market for new bearings again.

Thanks.

Chuck

[Wayne W.]

Re: Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

You should increase thickness a little.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

I know the going standard is .001-.008

So do you think I should be shooting for .001 vs .000 Wayne?

Thanks,

Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

Chuck-----

You should DEFINITELY be setting the bearing end-play to more than "0". When you set it at "0", you don't know if it's BELOW "0" (i.e. in preload). Plus, the specs call for .001" to .008". These are not only GM specs, they're also Timken specs. Presumably, the folks at GM and at Timken know sonmething about this whole thing.

Personally, I try to obtain a .001" to .003" end-play. I think that it's desirable AND it's within the published specs, so I can't go wrong doing it. In order to achieve this in the final assembled unit, though, one has to be very careful about the dry set-up. It takes quite a bit of experience to get the bearings "normalized" in order to be sure that the reading is accurate. That's one of the difficulties in doing this operation if one wants to achieve a "tight" end play within the specs.

[Joe R.]

Re: Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

Chuck,

Van Steel sets their spindles at 0.0005 and have had success for more years than the other builders combined but I try to set my spindles at 0.0015. This will allow for the new bearings breaking in. I also use Valvoline Semi-synthetic DURABLEND grease. I feel that it gives added protection for the new bearings and has the properties needed for disc brakes and the potential high temperatures.

Regards,

JR

[Chuck R.]

Re: Followup

I was able to achieve .002 with the shim kit purchased.

Everything rolls smooth as silk with virtually no wiggle factor.

Thanks for the information one and all. One down, one to go

Chuck

[Mark L.]

Re: Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

What is the specified torque for the spindle nut? I guess I just haven't looked in the right book. Thanks

[Chuck R.]

Re: 100 Ft Lbs. *NM*

[Joe C.]

Re: Followup

Chuck:

I was able to achieve less than .001" clearance, but more than zero. I got there by "adjusting" the spacers with emery cloth (you need a micrometer for this). I would shoot for .001, and not settle for .008. Assume that as the bearings wear in, the clearances will eventually widen PROVIDED that you initially have more than zero clearance.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: Spindle Bearing Shim/Torque Question

Mark:

Chuck meant to say that 100 ft-lbs is the MINIMUM torque. Never, ever back off the castellated nut. Once you achieve 100 ft-lbs, then you must go to the next castellation to get the cotter pin thru the spindle. In some cases, that will mean 130 ft-lbs or better. Not to worry, more is better than less.

I think that the earlier axles (i.e. 1963-early '64)used a much lower torque value.

Joe

[Chuck R.]

Re: Good point Joe

I had to bump up to 140 Ft. Lbs. to line up the castellations on the spindle I just completed.

Thanks for keeping me on the beam Joe

Chuck