KW V3 Spindle/Hub Installation Problem

[930DL]

Hi Everyone,

I'm rebuilding the suspension on my 1980 911 Turbo. I bought a pair of KW V3 shocks and ran into a problem with the installation. I decided to use my old bearings (they look good) but when I go to put the hub on the spindle, it gets stuck. The hub/bearings will not go on all the way. I can get it to where it will just about go onto the inner spacer. When I go try on the old spindles, it fits no problem. Also when I get them partially installed on the new spindle, it is then very difficult to remove. This problem happens for both new spindles (right and left).

In the KW V3 Installation instructions it says "Pay attention to a clean and zinc-free surface of the axle journal. Remove the zinc coating with a fine sandpaper or abrasive fleece". Does this mean I need to sand down the spindle?

Has anyone had this problem or have any ideas.

[H-viken]

Yes, you need to very carefully remove the coating. I had to do it to mine as well. Why they have chosen to go down this path is beyond me. Seems like opening the door for amateurs like me to F it up

[930DL]

The official response from KW is...

"Only the area where the bearing ring will sit has to be sanded carefully until it’s zinc-free, otherwise it’s not possible to mount the ring. "

I installed the bearing ring (spacer that does most towards the rotor) and its o-ring no problem.

I'll write back and see what they say.

[75 911s]

Wow interesting. Perhaps it is to obtain a really close bearing tolerance? Or to protect the surface while shipping?

[shoooo32]

Why wouldn't they compensate the journal size for coating buildup or mask it? Masking the spindles would add $10 max to the plating cost and save a ton of headache for the consumer.

[Cory M]

Wow Pretty ridiculous that a company like KW can't do the finishing steps themselves, or account for the additional thickness/mask so it isn't a problem. Doesn't seem smart to require amateurs to remove material from a sensitive area on your parts.

[shoooo32]

I'm glad I saw this - I have a set shipping to me right now. I'll measure them when they come in and calculate plating thickness.

[930DL]

KW sent me the following for measurements for the spindle. I'll take some measurements today.

[75 911s]

Originally Posted by shoooo32

I'm glad I saw this - I have a set shipping to me right now. I'll measure them when they come in and calculate plating thickness.

Tony can you post a few pics of the coating too? Very curious what this looks like. Do you have bearing you could slide on also?

[H-viken]

Originally Posted by 930DL

The official response from KW is...

"Only the area where the bearing ring will sit has to be sanded carefully until it’s zinc-free, otherwise it’s not possible to mount the ring. "

I installed the bearing ring (spacer that does most towards the rotor) and its o-ring no problem.

I'll write back and see what they say.

I believe you also need to remove the coating where the outer, smaller bearing sits

[shoooo32]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

Tony can you post a few pics of the coating too? Very curious what this looks like. Do you have bearing you could slide on also?

I've got fresh bearings we can play with - will post photos when they dock sometime next week.

[930DL]

I bought some new bearings to see how they fit. Will update this weekend

[930DL]

*Update*

I tried to see how new bearings fit on the spindle and...... they don't. They get stuck right away. The spindle is just a little too big, so I am hoping just some sanding of the surface paint will allow them to slide on.

I'll be messaging KW about this and keep everyone updated on the response.

[shoooo32]

My set cleared customs in Chicago last week and were "out for delivery" before our friends at FedEx routed them to Memphis. They'll theoretically dock tomorrow.

[shoooo32]

The coating feels "plastic-like", which is good for the exposed portions but needs to be removed from the bearing surfaces. Best guess, there's about .05mm interference due to the coating. I didn't have 600 grit emery cloth handy and didn't want to use anything rougher. I'll measure again once the coating is removed.

[PeteKz]

Following. I want to install struts with raised spindles and 3.5" caliper mounts in my 1973 car. Not too many late Carrera front struts available, so I'm considering just going with the KW struts to replace my current OE Boge 3" caliper struts with Koni Sport inserts. I want to know how this eventually turns out for you.

[H-viken]

Pete, I have them on my car and am happy. Just a tad annoyed having to manually remove a coating, which should have been done by KW before leaving the factory

[PeteKz]

What strut inserts did you have previously? Are the KW noticeably better, and how so?

[Jonny042]

It's a shame they switched to paint from their previous plating, they were just so gorgeous!!! But also explains why the need to remove the paint from the bearing area. Expect to have to do it for the inner spacer and outer bearing race.

Originally Posted by Jonny042

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

What strut inserts did you have previously? Are the KW noticeably better, and how so?

I'll interject with my experience - they are noticeably awesome. Independent compression and rebound adjustment. By the looks of it the price went way up since I got them.

Depending on your wheel size people have had issue with 19mm raised spindles and 15" wheels, I had to great creative with a grinder to clear the 15x7 fuchs on the front of that car.

Also, you must, must, must correct bump steer when raising spindles. I ended up using 42mm of spacer to get it right. Getting rid of the bump steer made a huge difference in the handling of the car.

This thread will point you in the right direction:

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1116600-19mm-raised-front-spindles-adjustable-bump-steer-no-4.html