1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

[Jason P.]

I am in the process of breaking down the front end on my 58 Corvette. This is the first time I have ever worked on a C1 and cant figure out how to separate the brake spindle from the upper control arm.

Does the threaded part that is in the top part of the spindle unscrew similar to how the bottom part did?

20230521_190555.jpg

Thanks,
Jason

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

After further reading, it sounds like one end of the threaded section has a square hex hole where I can use an allen wrench to basically unscrew the entire threaded section. Is this correct?

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

I read in the ST-12 that after removing the clamp bolt from the upper end of the knuckle support, the Pivot Pin should just slide out using a 1/4 inch Allen set screw wrench to assist removal.

I removed the clamp bolt and inserted a 1/4 inch allen wrench but I cant get the pivot pin to budge.

Has anyone else had trouble getting the pivot pin out? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jason

[Gary C.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Jason,

You can try soaking it with Kroil Oil for a couple of days. If that doesn't loosen it up, then you'll have to heat it to remove it.

Gary
....

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Thanks Gary, I will give that a try.

[Dan B.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Get yourself a 1/4 Allen socket that you can attach to a 3/8 drive ratchet or breaker bar and it will give you the leverage you need to loosen it.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Jason, It's likely rusted, but you can carefully, repeat carefully, use a large flat blade screwdriver and tap it in the slot of the top support to help free it. Doesn't take much. Then the bushing should slide out.

Edit... The bushing doesn't unscrew. The surface is smooth with a relief for the pinch bolt. The Allen wrench is used to adjust Camber/Caster when the pinch bolt is loosened a bit.

Rich

[Dan B.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Jason, It's likely rusted, but you can carefully, repeat carefully, use a large flat blade screwdriver and tap it in the slot of the top support to help free it. Doesn't take much. Then the bushing should slide out.

Edit... The bushing doesn't unscrew. The surface is smooth with a relief for the pinch bolt. The Allen wrench is used to adjust Camber/Caster when the pinch bolt is loosened a bit.

Rich

Right Rich, it was not clear if he was able to move it at all since it looks fully adjusted to the right in the picture. Thanks for clarifying.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Yes it looked pretty well locked up at center.

Jason, a few photos for reference...

Slot at 12:00
P7220013.jpg

Bushing at 8:00, showing the slot for the pinch bolt.
P7220009.jpg

Notice the eccentric shape of the bushing to adjust camber when it rotates.
P7220025.jpg

Some notes regarding reassembly...
lower_outer_bushing.jpg

Also See Tom Parsons Doc for tons of info on rebuilding the front suspension in the Sticky above, linked... HERE

Rich

[Jason P.]

Re: 1958 Brake Spindle Removal Help

Thanks everyone for the help. I was able to remove it after letting it soak in penetrating oil.

Thanks again.