1971 Rear Spindle Play

[Tom Northcott]

I just got finished replacing my bearings on my rear spindle using the proper tools. Although my spindle end play is within specs., (.004), my up and down play (vertical play) is .007. One, this seems impossible since there are tapered roller bearings one would think there would be minimal play at best. Second, is this a concern? The side I haven't done yet doesn't have any play that I can measure.

If it matters, I am working on a 1971 LS-5.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971 Rear Spindle Play

Tom-----

First of all, in this case, it doesn't matter what car you're working on since all 63-82 Corvettes are the same with respect to spindle end-play. However, you did right in mentioning what you're working on. It's ALWAYS best to supply too much information rather than too little.

In any event, your spindle end-play is within GM spec. As a matter of fact, using GM shims with .006" increments, it is likley the best that you can do. One shim size thinner and you'd be into pre-load; one shim size thicker and you'd have excessive end-play. I prefer to hold the end-play to about .001-.002", but the only way that you can do this is to adjust the shims by PRECISION SURFACE GRINDING or purchase the shims available in .001" increments available from International Axle and Manufacturing Co. of Dayton, MN.

The axial play that you describe sounds about right to me for the .004" end play that you have. It should cause no problem.

[bruce11495]

Re: 1971 Rear Spindle Play

Depending on what you are doing with the car,that falls within specs. I like it much closer myself and usually try for .001 to 0. It is possible to do, it just takes more time. You can flat file the shims by placing the file in a vise flat side up and using a mic to check. Or you can file the spacer, either way works quite well contrary to belief. Thats how I've done them for years and had zero failure. Hope that helps.....

[John C. Woods]

Re: 1971 Rear Spindle Play

My view is that closer to zero end play is better. I've trimmed the GM shims, but if you have the calandar time available and don't want to invest in an entire shim kit, you can order the precise size shim you need for the job using the source Joe cited. You don't have to buy the entire shim pack to stock up on advance, by selecting every other size or something in a smaller increment than GM offers. I bought the whole .001 pack last time I needed a different shim size than GM offers (GM shims are CHEAP but the others are not) and haven't needed one since. Oh well, what's new with Corvette guys having lots of extra parts?

I'm assuming here that you set the bearing up dry first, torqued them to 100 ft pounds and so forth.

Good luck with your project!