1978 rear spindle removal

[cooleysk]

I recently noticed a squealing noise coming from the rear of my car. I payed little attention until recently when the rear end felt like it was coming apart. Upon inspection I've found that the left rear bearing has failed. I'm to the point of removing the spindle, but can't figure out how this comes out. Do you need special tools for this or is the bearing froze-up preventing me from removing it. I'm wandering if this is a task that may be for someone more experienced.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Yes there is a special tool for that. Mid America sells them. From what I've been told by the local shop without it it's not coming out without major damage to everything. In my area the only place that has it is the Chevy deal. The tool if I remember right is something like $70. So it's either pay the tool, take to the dealer or if you are lucky a Corvette shop near by to change the bearings.

 

[69_coupe]

It's possible to change the bearing without any spesial tools.
Remove the wheel, caliper, disk, the parking brake shoes and the drive shaft flange . Then you will find four 3/8" bolts, remove them and you should be able to remove the spindle with bearing house. It's sometimes a little troublesome to get out because of rust. Then just press the spindle out from its housing and you have access to the bearings. Remember to adjust bearing clearance before you put it all together again. Don't forget the outer seal, the bearing and seal have to be in place in the housing before you press the spindle back in the bearing.
You will find some pictures of the operation at my homepage.
You will need a special tool to adjust the bearing clearance, but it is very easy to make of two washers and a bolt. (see pict)

Good luck
Vidar

 

[JohnZ]

I recently noticed a squealing noise coming from the rear of my car. I payed little attention until recently when the rear end felt like it was coming apart. Upon inspection I've found that the left rear bearing has failed. I'm to the point of removing the spindle, but can't figure out how this comes out. Do you need special tools for this or is the bearing froze-up preventing me from removing it. I'm wandering if this is a task that may be for someone more experienced.

I disagree - this is NOT a job for an amateur mechanic/owner, and it DOES require special tools which are essential for disassembly without damage (especially with a seized bearing) and for correct re-assembly and bearing clearance setup. This job is best left to people who have not only the correct special tools, but the experience and knowledge to do it RIGHT, without short-cuts, exactly as the Chassis Service Manual describes.

 

[clar2001]

I went with rebuilt bearing asb and new rotors that was enought fun that way, to much detail involved in a not souch great part to do your self, it was worth it to me to spend the extra hard earned money and know my specs were right and should be trouble free.........

 

[69_coupe]

I have no problem to agree with both JohnZ and clar2001, it is the easiest solution to by new assemblies, and probably the best.
And yes you better have some experience as a mechanic, which I have. BUT it is possible to change the bearings without special tools.
Most of the tools mentioned in the manual are for removing/installing the spindles, and that is done very easy with a hydraulic press if you take the assembly off the trailing arm, without damaging anything.
The problem is to remove the bearing assembly from the trailing arm since it usually is rusted.
The spindle set-up tool have only one function; to press the two bearings together to determine the shim thickness. As long as you are sure the shim and spacer are aligned and in the right place at the bearing, a bolt and two flat washers will do the job.
Since you are going to change the bearing, a common two or three armed puller do fine to pull off the outer bearing.
I have changed bearings on several vehicles, and have never experienced any problems.

Vidar

 

[cooleysk]

It has been a while since I've been able to reply to you all, thanks for the help. I've had a wonderful time removing the spindle from the trailing arm assembly. What I have now is a spindle with an outer bearing that is worn out- the rollers fell everywhere when the spindle came out. I'm still curious about the "bearing set-up". Do you place the outer bearing inside of the control arm before you put the spindle back in or do you press the outer bearing back onto the spindle before you put it back in the control arm? I've yet to buy new bearings, and am trying to be cautious as to re-assembly. I am going to drill out the spindle yoke and place zirk fittings for easier access to grease these bearings in the future. I was also going to replace the other wheel, but with this one, I'm reluctant to tackle another one!
Thanks,
cooleysk

 

[69_coupe]

You have to place the bearing in the control arm, and put the outher seal in place before you press the spindle into the bearing.
Remember to check bearing clearance before you press the spindle back in place! God luck
Vidar