What Could Cause Damage to Thread on Rear Wheel Spindles?

[bari]

Just wondering since I had to order new rear spindles (not cheap either). Didn't want to alienate the mechanic working on my project (suspension mods, brake mods, drive-train mods, etc)...

I've read about others soaking the parts in WD-40 solution first or something --- before attempting to separate old components. I've seen him earlier using a hammer when he separated other stuff like the crossmember, the front trailer arms, etc.

Maybe I would ask him to be a little more gentle or cautious as any more damage can be very costly!

 

[SolidLifters]

I think you pretty well answered your own question. The only thing that would damage the threads is a mechanic who doesn't know what he's doing, trying to work on the rear spindle assemblies without the proper tools. Find another mechanic. If he doesn't have the knowledge/tools to take em apart, he's not likely to get the clearance right when putting em back together either.

 

[JohnZ]

This usually results from using a "spindle-knocker" tool that isn't long enough to bottom out at the end of the threads (so the hammer force is taken on the threads instead of on the spindle at the very beginning of the threads), or by just wailing on the end of the spindle (without using a tool) and mushrooming the threads. The rear bearings are the most exacting and precision job on a C2/C3 Corvette chassis; I'd be concerned if the guy doing the job doesn't have the right special tools to do the bearing installation and end-play setup correctly.