Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

[Joe T.]

Should this end play be measured and set with dry or packed bearings? I've tried it both ways and find significant differences? Thanks...joe

[Michael W.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

dry, and without the cavity seal in place.

[Joe T.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Got it! Thanks Michael!

[Michael H.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Should this end play be measured and set with dry or packed bearings? I've tried it both ways and find significant differences? Thanks...joe

Are you using the spindle or a "slip fit" test shaft to measure end play?

[Joe T.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Hi Mike:
I am using the "bearing set-up tool" so I guess that qualifies as slip fit? with tolerances this close, It should not matter, but since you asked, I have to presume there is a reason?

[Michael H.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Hi Mike:
I am using the "bearing set-up tool" so I guess that qualifies as slip fit? with tolerances this close, It should not matter, but since you asked, I have to presume there is a reason?

Joe,

You may find that there is a difference in end play dimension when the bearings are pressed on the spindle. The "press fit" can decrease the end play dimension by .001-.002. That's because the inner race expands slightly when pressed on the spindle.
If you set the clearance to .001" or .002" using the slip fit tool, you may actually wind up with zero when assembled with press fit.

The inner races don't expand that much but because of the angle of the bearing surface and rollers, the dimension is automatically decreased.

If I use a setup tool, I usually set my end play dimension around .003". Specs are .001-.007", if I remember correctly.

[Joe T.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Thanks Mike:
I have the end play on this tool at .007 so I should be fine. Thanks again for the info! Regards..joe

[Michael H.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Thanks Mike:
I have the end play on this tool at .007 so I should be fine. Thanks again for the info! Regards..joe

That will probably give you .004-.005" when assembled. Sounds like your good to go.

[Gary R.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

The spec is 001-008. At 003 you can push the spindle in/out after final assembly.

As mike mentioned I have noticed a slight varience with the setup tool and final install. Although a lot has to do with the mating surfaces and prep.

I just built a set of arms. I had the bearings set up to 0015 without any lateral play in the tool- this is important because you can get down to 002 enplay but have lateral play,this will transition into open endplay in final install, that 002 can be 003-004 still in spec but nothing I'd use. Those I setup were 0015-002 final install. No spindle endplay, smooth rotation,no binding.

Now I haven't used all the setup tools on the market so this may vary from one to another.

I also only use USA Timken bearings, I found other brands failed during setup and heard from some who used cheaper imported bearings they failed in under 1000 miles.

Do it right, do it once. Good luck.

[Joe T.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Thanks to all. I agree, Gary, do it once, do it right. I haven't been able to detect any lateral play in the setup, but I'll check again, more carefully. Part of the reason I went looking for TIMKEN bearings instead of a "no-name" replacement is that I don't really want to do this again on this car, although I wouldn't mind another project like this. I don't necessarily KNOW the Timkens are better, but it the brand name does something for my confidence. I also take some pride in and enjoyment out of doing something that is a challenge. I am almost done with this rebuild and I am ready to start on the front suspension soon. I appreciate ALL the help and advice from the membership here. As always, deepest regards...joe

[Gary R.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Joe
Rest assured, I have seen a difference in quality with bearings. Timken are the best for this application in my opinion and although the Polish Timkens should be up to all the ISO standards and be the same, I still only use the USA ones- while I still can get them.

Be sure to look at the bell spacer faces, they are beat up a lot of times. You can usually see the face wear, I grind them parallel and use them again in most cases. The swaged ones you have to watch for since the distance from the face to the inside radius is short. I've had some where once dressed flat were no good due to hitting the radius and not sitting completly. That will drive you nuts if you don't pick up on it because you'll never be able to dial in the endplay. I do the same for the spindle flanges, those usually have the stamping etched or imbedded in them and are way out of parallel.

Sounds like you're doing a great job so far.

[Michael F.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Check out the article in the new Restorer.

[Joe T.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Gary: Thanks for the reply and info. I did check out the spacer and it looks fine on both ends. I used the original as opposed to the replacement that came with the spacer kit..no good reason...I just liked it better.... Thanks again and regards...Joe

[Joe T.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Check out the article in the new Restorer.

I will do that Mike. I just opened mine last night and didn't even get to look through it (working too late!) I will get check it out...Thanks!

[Gary R.]

Re: Trailing arm spindle bearing end play

Joe,
Sounds like you got it covered. I've used plenty of original spacers and shims once I ground them parallel. It's a small number that are beat up to the point the radius hits. I did find one last week but it's not too often.