How do You Know when to replace the front spindles?

[Paul C.]

I am doing the brakes, upper and lower A arms--so I have the front end apart. I just replaced the bearings but was wondering how you know when the front spindle need to be replaced?
Paul

[Ed S.]

Re: How do You Know when to replace the front spindles?

Spindles should be replaced if they are bent in any way, if the bearing surfaces are damaged or pitted, or if the threaded end is damaged beyond repair. It may be difficult to determine if they are bent just a bit, if the car previously experienced front end damage it might be prudent to replace them if they are suspected or likely to have been damaged (bent).

[Terry M.]

Re: How do You Know when to replace the front spindles?

Spindles should be replaced if they are bent in any way, if the bearing surfaces are damaged or pitted, or if the threaded end is damaged beyond repair. It may be difficult to determine if they are bent just a bit, if the car previously experienced front end damage it might be prudent to replace them if they are suspected or likely to have been damaged (bent).

Bent spindles usually show up on a chassis alignment. The machine operator may have to specifically check for it, but that is where bent suspension parts will show up. Of course abnormal tire wear can be another sign, but out of tolerance adjustments are more likely to cause abnormal tire wear.

[Duke W.]

Re: How do You Know when to replace the front spindles?

Because the inner races "float" on the spindles, some wear/galling is usually evident. You should mic the spindles to determine the amount of wear and any out-of-round. Report the results and we can discuss.

Usually dressing the area with some 220-400 paper to knock down any high spots is sufficient for normal road service.

If the removed bearings don't show abnormal wear, the spindles are straight. Bent spindles will cause rapid bearing failure.

Duke