C-1 Corvette front spindle orientation

[Tim M.]

The front C-1 spindle, or steering knuckle as it is called in the ST-12 manual can go on 2 ways. How do I know which is correct. Thanks.

[Dennis C.]

The front C-1 spindle, or steering knuckle as it is called in the ST-12 manual can go on 2 ways. How do I know which is correct. Thanks.

Try looking in the Restoration Database sticky for article on rebuilding C1 front end.
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/attachme...5&d=1499167965

[Richard M.]

Tim, I believe the spindle is not side specific. The support that it attaches to is side specific.

See this thread that Tom Parsons posted to explaining the details in Post #5.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html

[Joseph L.]

Here is a rephrasing and clarifying the spindle installation orientation.

The spindle is that part which the wheel bearings and hub are attached to. The kingpin slides through the spindle. The spindle support is that part which the spindle is attached to by the kingpin. The spindle support attaches to the upper A-arm by the upper outer control arm pivot pin and bushings, and to the lower A-arm by the lower outer pivot bolt.

The spindle supports are Left & Right, the spindles are not L & R. The spindles use the same part number. The difference in installing the spindles is due to the kingpin inclination angle. It is inclined at 4 degrees. Therefore, when installing the spindles to the kingpin, the spindle has to be orientated correctly. If incorrectly installed, the suspension will have a lot of positive camber.

Here is an illustration of the spindle axis and kingpin axis. The orientation is observable.
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Joe

[Tim M.]

This was my winter project to clean up the front suspension on my 54 Corvette. Everything was extremely dirty and greasy, but nothing seemed excessively worn. I took it apart starting with the drivers side. I did not take apart the king pin or remove the spindle from the spindle support. I began work on the passenger side taking apart the king pin and separating the spindle from the spindle support, trying to note how things came apart. I think I have the spindle upside down. Should the two zerk fittings on the kingpin that lube the bushings point to the front or rear of the car on the passenger side of the car? Also does it matter which way the lock pin goes in the king pin assembly? Thank you.

[Gary C.]

Tim,

Best suggestion I can share is to take lots of photos with your smart phone and/or camera before disassembling.

Gary
....

[Richard M.]

Tim,

Zerk will point forward on Passenger side.

See this thread, post#4. Dennis's photo is the Passenger side.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/forum/te...what-s-missing

Also note Tom's note about the repro threaded lock pins. They won't fit. Use your originals.

The holes that hold the pin in the support are set for one insertion direction only. I.E. nut end hole is smaller than the pin head end.

Rich