Broken Spindles

[Tom L.]

I've just read a post on another forum about a guy who broke two rear spindles within a few months. This scares the heck out of me. I have visions of my rear tire taking my quarter panel off as it departs from the car.

I've just replaced my spindles and I have no idea who manufactured them. I bought them from one of the well recognized vendors at Carlisle. Are there some cheap spindles out there to steer clear of, and how do I tell if that's what I bought? Has anyone else had this problem outside of some extraordinarily abusive drag racing environment? Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: Broken Spindles

Tom------

I've never heard of a general problem with broken spindles. However, there have been some rather recent, low cost spindles appearing on the market. They look good, but looks can be deceiving on an item like this.

Personally, I recommend using only the GM spindles (which often have excessive runout on the flange but are pretty much breakage-free under normal conditions) or those manufactured by International Axle (which are pretty much breakage free under normal conditions AND which check out near perfect with respect to runout on the flange).

Another factor is this: folks seem to have a proclivity to want to increase the power and torque of their engines installed in Corvettes. Plus, we have tires today that are wider and much "stickier" than those in days of yore. As I've said many times before, there is such a thing as too much power in a Corvette unless one is willing to also make major modifications to the driveline. The 63-82 Corvette IRS and rear axle is just not stout enough, as-is, to deal with these mega horsepower, monster engines.

[Dale S.]

Re: Broken Spindles

The weakest link breaks, In the late 60's the only C-2 tearend I never saw break were the L88's. I dont know how they were differnt( maybe Joe, Duke, Etc will chime in). Rick Elliot ran his 68 L88 at my track and National events.(B/SP) I never saw the car break at a race. John McClintic put a straight axel in his 66 B/MP big block because of rearend breakage( both held NHRA national records in the late 60's). any answers? dale

[Joe L.]

Re: Broken Spindles

Dale------

I know of no differences between the rear differential or rear suspension on L-88's versus any other big block.

[Joe C.]

Re: Broken Spindles

Tom,

Spindles are more prone to torsional strain/failure if they have been improperly serviced in the past. One favorite method of removing the pressed-on inner bearing, is by applying heat to expand it for easier removal. This practice should be avoided at all costs, because it will weaken the metal. Bearings should only be pressed out, without application of heat. Stubborn bearings will yield to a sharp shock load (hit the sonofabitch with a hammer) while it is under pressure. Of course, buying an old Corvette will not guarantee that your spindles have been manhandled by "Bubba". The only way to find out, for sure, is by sidestepping the clutch out of the hole . Wanna know how I know this? Looky below.

All that being said, if you're talking about your 1970 car, then, even if you break a spindle, it should stay in place because the races are press-fit. Earlier Corvettes, specifically 1963 models, have full floating races which will not retain the hub after failure.

The best spindle you can buy today is manufactured in the USA, by International Axle of MN. They cost 30%-40% more than GM spindles, but are manufactured with hub runout of less than .0010". I can attest to the fact that this is an accurate statement. They will not judge well, because the hub centers are center-drilled and finely machined, unlike the rough forged, imported GM pieces.

Joe

http://www.internationalaxle.com/

[Tom L.]

Thanks everyone *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: Broken Spindles

Joe-----

I don't know that the GM spindles are imported. Of course, the source may have changed recently but they at least used to be manufactured by a company in Ohio or Indiana. Current list price for the GM spindle is about 345 bucks.

I do agree that the International Axle spindles are the best out there in every way EXCEPT for judging considerations, as you mention.

As far as a broken axle causing the loss of a wheel is concerned, it depends where the axle breaks. If it breaks at the splines, which is the most common failure point, the chances are the wheel will not be lost. However, if it breaks anywhere outward of the inner bearing, the wheel will likely "go".

As you described, I also would NEVER use or recommend anyone using a spindle that had been subjected to torch heat (as is often used to cut the inner bearing out). NEVER, EVER.

[Joe C.]

Re: Broken Spindles

Hi Joe,

I loosely used the word "imported", as a simile for "poor quality". I didn't check on it, but assumed that they're made in Mexico, like a lot of other parts these days. They might as well be, though, from a quality standpoint. Yes, sometimes imported stuff is made to better standards than US made stuff, but usually not.

LICS shows '65/up rear spindle @ $169.00. Int'l. Axle shows same, @ $199.00.

The attached photo, above, is the right side spindle from my '65 Corvette, after an enthusiastic holeshot. As you can see, it sheared at the spline, but the inner bearing race held it fast, within the trailing arm. I was able to push the car home. Luckily, the event occurred about 1/4 mile away.

Joe

[Verle R.]

Re: Broken Spindles

Under normal circumstances the spindle will not be judged.

Unless you present the car for judging without any hubcaps the spindles will not be seen.

Verle