I've just finished removing the trailing arms from my '69. The car was out of alignment and the shop couldn't get the bolt and shims out. It has the shims with the holes. I cut the left arm bolt out with a sawzall and the right one came out ok with penetrating oil. So, I'll replace the bushings, shims and bolts and put it back together, but... The left spindle bearings feel a little bumpy when turned. I think these were recently worked on as there is a new looking back plate. The right ones are pretty smooth and there is no end play on either side. There were no noises when the car was driven. I'm not familiar with how these bearings should feel and don't want to put it back together if there is a problem. Thanks for any advice.
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Re: Trailing Arms
John-----
Generally, when set-up correctly and in the new condition, these bearing are pretty smooth. In fact, it sounds like you have one to compare against. Of course, it's very difficult for me to judge your circumstances from a written description; bearing "feel" is a very subtle thing.
There are a lot of ways to get these bearing "wrong", so just because they have been "recently worked on", doesn't mean that they don't have a problem. Bearings set up with pre-load or contaminated with foreign material during assembly or greasing can begin to fail in short order.
If it were me, "I'd take them down". Perhaps overcautious, but that's me.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Trailing Arms
John, About a month ago, there was alot of discussion about spindle bearings and trailingarms. I wish you had seen it. The front bushings are not just a "replace" item. A special tool is needed to install the flared inserts. I bought a tool from Corvette Central and it got me in the ballpark, but I had to use a press etc. to get them tight. If these inserts are not installed properly the rear wheel will move in & out [like a bad ball joint], so much for your alignment. Bearing replacement isn't much better as Joe stated. Maybe you should just buy rebuilt arms with spindles.Comment
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Re: Trailing Arms
I agree with what he said--BUY NEW ONES ETC.-- I tried to redo mine (68) and could not put them back together..Find some one good and dont deal with them, I have not shimmed them yet, but the car rolls....jcComment
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