Greetings gang!!!

This weekend I had some front end and break work done on my chevelle. The suspension was improved with shocks all around, the front end needed new tie rods, end links, etc. and the front breaks got all new hardware, wheel cylenders, pads and drums. After I picked it up (at closing time I might add) I noticed a woosh, woosh sound comming from the front passenger side. When I turned left there was a metallic woosh, woosh. When I turned right or pressed the break the woosh sound went away. The faster the car was going the faster the woosh, woosh. This morning I returned to the shop and had them check it. According to the mechannic the spindle was grooved and the sound was the bearrings hitting the rought spot. The metallic sound on a left turn was the drum rubbing against the back plate... He said he informed his supervisor and was told to just pack the berrings real good and it should be ok. He showed me the groove and there was one there. But after he put everything back together the sounds completely went away. All of them. The head guy (the guy selling parts) tells me that I need a new spindle and that I shouldn't drive it till it is repaired. "bring it in tomorrow and will fix ya right up!"

Now for my question. Will just packing the berrings well stop any problems like the first supervisor suggested? What damage will occure if I drive it? Now that its not making any sounds will damage still occure? Is this guy just trying to sell me a spindle? Does it sound like I truly need a new spindle?

Thanks a million guys.. Ive already spent $1500.00 this weekend and would like plug this out flow of cash!!!

Um, like you paid $1500 for 4 shocks, a front drum brake rebuild, and a couple tie-rod ends and maybe the idler arm? graemlins/sad.gif

Ok..first off. If you have a scored spindle, a used drum brake spindle can be had for under $20 (and that's pushing it). :(

'Course, new bearings and races should be installed. If you want to keep these spanking new drum brakes that is, and I assume you do.

They have to pop the upper and lower ball joints to swap out the spindle. So, the might want to check/replace them. The lower is pressed on, and takes the same effort to do it on the lower arm while it's on the car.

Now, the drum would only rub the backing plate if they didn't grease the brake shoe contact pads properly or the backing plate was bent.

The other sound could be they needed to add grease to the spindle to "smooth" out the bearing as it gets caught on the groove.

Now, here's the rub, a reasonable price to swap out a drum spindle should be $75-100 including the spindle, and not replacing either ball joints.

Be careful as this is an area when you can be had for new upper/lower ball joints, A-Arm bushings & lower control arm bushings.

Just don't sink too much on the drum brakes. You could have had a disc front brake kit installed for what you have already dropped. :D