Rear Bearings and Spindles

[Joel T.]

Hi All;

I figured that it was time that I learned how to rebuild the rear bearings and spindles on a C2... I have a pair of extra bearing housing and spindles from my 1963. I have also bought that set of rear end tools which are needed to disassemble and reassemble these parts.

I have one of the bearing assemblies apart and am getting it ready to put back together. Taking it all apart was actually pretty easy.

I can see how to set the bearings and figure out how many internal spacers are required... and there is a tool to do that... pretty straight forward I think..

What I don't understand, and could use some help with, is the re-installation of the spindle.. The outer bearing is effectively press fit onto the spindle (I had to press it off to begin with). The question is, when you are reinstalling that spindle (and in my case brake backing plate), how far down the spindle shaft do you actually set the outer bearing... Does not appear to be a logical stop... is this something done by eye?

Thanks,

Joel

[Gary R.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Joel read my thread on how to do this job, it may save you some frustration down the road. I never use those shim kits sold everywhere, they're in wide ranges and some are poorly machined. I grind to size the shim needed to be exact with the setup. If you have access to a surface grinder this is the best way to set them up. Be sure to check the arms for rot or being bent- both are common.
You can find the thread on digitalcorvette in the c3 tech section.

[Rich P.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Joe,

when I do my rear wheel bearing this is how I assemble them.

First I set my spacer and shim with the mock up spindle. I use oil as a lubricant while doing this as grease can throw off you dial indicator.
Then I grease both bearings place them in the spindle housing with the shim and spacer between them then I install both inner and outer seals. Next comes the pressing in of the spindle. If all was done properly you will have no trouble.

Rich

[Jim T.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Joel T. the 63 Corvette did not have press fit bearings like later models.
Step 3 on page 4-4 of the 63 Corvette Shop manual says

"3. Remove brake drum and pull spindle out of spindle support. (fig. 6)"

The torque for the spindle nut is 50 foot pounds. Later models the torque is 100 pounds.

The 63 Corvette rear spindle bearings would be a easier to service if in fact all 63's were like this.

I believe I had read something about this changing in the 63 model production year. Someone may have a service bulletin on this change. Seem to remember reading that Corvettes used in competition events had a problem with the slip fit. Normal use was less prone to problems.

The 64 Corvette Shop Manual supplement says the 64 spindle is constructed to provide an interference fit between spindle and spindle bearing inner race and roller assemblies.

[Joel T.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Jim;

Interesting... My bearing housings are original; dated January '63. When I disassembled, I had to knock the spindles out and the outer bearing went along for the ride along with the outer seal and brake backing plate... I had to use a bearing puller to remove it from the spindle... My guess is that my spindles are probably not original..

Joel

[Gary R.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Joel
What brand of bearings were on them?

[Michael H.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Jim;

Interesting... My bearing housings are original; dated January '63. When I disassembled, I had to knock the spindles out and the outer bearing went along for the ride along with the outer seal and brake backing plate... I had to use a bearing puller to remove it from the spindle... My guess is that my spindles are probably not original..

Joel

Pretty sure the last 63 "slip fit" spindle bearing would have been November 62.
There were actually two revisions, November 62 being the 2nd. The dim of the spindle was increased to provide a press fit for both inner and outer bearings.

[Joel T.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

Joel
What brand of bearings were on them?

Gary;

Bearings were your typical Timkens...

Joel

[Michael H.]

Re: Rear Bearings and Spindles

What I don't understand, and could use some help with, is the re-installation of the spindle.. The outer bearing is effectively press fit onto the spindle (I had to press it off to begin with). The question is, when you are reinstalling that spindle (and in my case brake backing plate), how far down the spindle shaft do you actually set the outer bearing... Does not appear to be a logical stop... is this something done by eye?

Thanks,

Joel

The outer bearing is pressed all the way down to the shoulder on the spindle. The inner bearing is pressed to stop when it contacts the spacer and shim. The selective shim and spacer are what sets the end play of the assembly. More shim equals more end play.
I think the specs are .001" to .007"? The shims come in increments of .006" as I remember.
I usually shoot for .002" when finished.