Ok... Decided to yank the front wheel off my 70 cutlass today to figure out why that wheel was leaning funny- After the wheel was off, pretty easy to see there was no outter wheel bearings.... :eek: :mad:

Can you tell just by looking if a spindle is ruined? It looks like the spot where the outter bearing would sit is discolored, but doesn't seem to have any noticeable ridges...

Spindle #1 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ahsom69/DSC00154.JPG)
Spindle #2 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ahsom69/DSC00155.JPG)

The rotor is definitely shot- the way it was leaning on of the bracket bolts rubbed a deep groove into the back side of it- not to mention the bearing races are probably toast from riding like that.

Not sure how many miles were put on the car like this.. I have only driven it around the block since I got it a couple weeks ago.. Very glad now that I had it towed the 40 miles home instead of trying to limp it in.

Thanks for any comments-

the bearing rides on a race ,hopefuly it didnt seaze on your spindle .it sounds like it may have got hot, if its blue in color. if the spindle is not eat up it should be alright though

So what are your thoughts on the new dropped spindles.

Ben,
Looks like you might be OK.Clean up the spindle with some emery cloth, then slide the bearing on there and see how it feels.New bearings come with new races,if the groove isn't that deep you could have the rotor turned.Knock the old races out of the rotor and you should be good to go.

Worst case pick up a pair of drum spindles and cut the center boss making disc spindles out of them.

I would not trust that spindle if there are any grooves in it or any discoloring
other people may feel differently
that is just my opinion

Tom,
Its hard to say someone's part is scrap iron from just an internet photo.It looks like it'll clean up with some emery cloth,but obviously if you have to remove 1/32 or so to clean it up its no good.If the part still has some blueing after cleaning it up,I agree its time to replace it.Tapered wheel bearings are designed for an interference fit and a certain amount of adjustability is designed in to compensate for wear,thats why periodic maintenence is required.The PO of that Cutlass just ignored his for too long.

Originally posted by 71350ss:
The PO of that Cutlass just ignored his for too long. Thats exactly the issue. Its really sad, because after going over this car the last couple weeks its very apparent this car was fully restored at some point- all new weatherstripping(now older and showing wear)- body was fully disassembed for paint(including the weathersrip)- Interior has been painted- It just appears that sometime down the road after that restoration it must have sold- then was seriously neglected...

Well i planned to do a full front end rebuild this spring anyway- I will get new rotors & new bushings, but reinstall on these spindles for now- but the spindles will get replaced when I do the front end in a few months. Shouldn't be a problem, as the car won't see the road much between now and then.

thanks for the opinons guys!
graemlins/beers.gif

Originally posted by Tom's 68 conv:
I would not trust that spindle... I agree! graemlins/thumbsup.gif
The spindle got hot enough to turn blue. How many cycles of heating/cooling...who knows?? The heat treat and metal structure has been compromised. Removing the discoloration is NOT fixing the problem.
At some point, the spindle will fail!
Ben, you've got a nice car...Change it out. smile.gif

If there are no races or bearing seized on spindle, it can be reused. It does not lose temper unless the bearing seized on it, then the heat starts.

71350
I had stated that it was my opinion and other people may feel differently
still my opinion stands and won't be swayed
I would trash it
and I would feel good about tossing it too
when it comes to important parts I would rather be safe than sorry
besides it is not like you can not find them
and they are still relatively cheap
on the other hand with as many as I've got laying around I guess it is not much of an issue
good luck in case you reuse it though
just saying I wouldn't

Try a new wheel bearing on it to check for fit. If it slides on easily and is not wobbly, then you are good.

Originally posted by Tom's 68 conv:
71350
I had stated that it was my opinion and other people may feel differently
still my opinion stands and won't be swayed
I would trash it
and I would feel good about tossing it too
when it comes to important parts I would rather be safe than sorry
besides it is not like you can not find them
and they are still relatively cheap
on the other hand with as many as I've got laying around I guess it is not much of an issue
good luck in case you reuse it though
just saying I wouldn't Tom,
Looking at that pic I can't see any deep scoring and the discoloration looks like it just may be what burnt up grease looks like.But I can't see the part in person so thats why I said to see if it cleans up and check how the bearing fits.When that bearing failed it leaned in and the weight was carried by the rotor and caliper.Had both bearings failed the spindle surely would be trash.
Not trying to sway your opinion one way or the other,just hope it works out for Ben no matter what he decides to do.
If that was a drum brake car,I would have had a different reply and Ben would have had a whole different post.

john
I was not saying you or anyone is wrong
I was just stating my opinion
you could be right and there may be no problems
I am just saying that for what it costs to just replace it and not ever have to worry if there could have been heat damage or anything else
for the approx. 100 bucks I think is an inexpensive insurance of no future problems that could cost well more than the small cost of the spindle
just hope I did not make you think I was getting on your case though - that was not the point here

Originally posted by Tom's 68 conv:
john
just hope I did not make you think I was getting on your case though - that was not the point here Tom,
Not a problem,I never thought that at all.
So we can all agree to disagree,agreed?
:D

agreed!

I'd check the inner bearing-area for ridges too, to be sure the extra pressure didn't hurt that area...

Your picture for Spindle #1 seems to show two distict "bands" where the inner bearing rides, so maybe that area is bad as well... and don't forget the area where the inner grease seal rides... If the seal cut a deep groove, a new seal might not seal...