Front spindle too tight. Help...

[SP2]

Hello All,

I am new to this forum. I could use your help. I have a 1981 SC. I took the front wheel hub off to replace the races and bearings, because the PPI I had said it would be a good idea. To remove the front wheel hub, I had to hook up a slide hammer because the hub was stuck. I remember it took a lot of slide hammering. Well now when I try to reinstall the "new" hub, the inner race seats fine, but the outer race, that is, the race within the outer bearing will not go up onto the outer spindle. In retrospect, this tight outer spindle is why I had such a hard time getting the wheel hub originally. Outer bearing barely gets over the threaded portion of the spindle.

When I inspected the outer spindle, it is not flat. It bulges out ever so slightly towards the end of the spindle. I am thinking of "grinding" this down with some sandpaper. Just to make sure I bought the correct bearing, I took it over to the other side of the car, and the new bearing fits the other strut spindle just fine. I did a search, and there is a lot of talk in the past about spindles getting thinner, but not fatter. I am not sure how the outer spindle got thicker.

What do you think? Can I repair this myself with some careful sanding?

[Oh Haha]

Not a big problem. Two options: Freeze the bearing/race assembly. A few hour sin the family freezer will usually work. OR you can lightly snad the spindle part with emory cloth or very,very fine sandpaper. Just enough to get the assembly on.

[SP2]

Thanks for the advice. I will try sanding then. I don't want it to be super stuck like it was this time. But emery cloth is very coarse. You suggest emery vs very fine sandpaper. Why is that?

[Oh Haha]

Emory cloth is made for taking just a bit off. It is more durable, too. I don;t think it really matters, though. Use whatever you have at hand. Just be sure to stop when it just fits.

[ZOA NOM]

Safer to try freezing it first. You can sand if it doesn't work.

[Nine9six]

What Zoanas said...

[SP2]

Thanks for the advice. I will try sanding then. I don't want it to be super stuck like it was this time. But emery cloth is very coarse. You suggest emery vs very fine sandpaper. Why is that?

[SP2]

Sorry about that double post. I meant to say thanks! I am working all weekend so I can't get into the garage until tomorrow.

[ZOA NOM]

So you don't wanna try freezing it first?