wheel bearing failure need help!!!!

[bucannon]

hey guys my front left wheel bearing finially gave out today. i went and bought a new outer bearing and was in the process of replacing it but... i cant figure out how to take the rotor off of the spindle, i know i sound like an idiot but what am i not doing right???

[Dapper Dan]

Use a screwdriver to pry the cap off, remove the cotter pin, remove the nut and the rotor should pull off. You just mentioned the outer bearing, are you replacing the inner and the races also?

By the way, sorry if you already knew that! Are you having another issue removing the rotor?

[bucannon]

i was already past that point, the slot on the threads is stuck look at the circle in this picture

[bucannon]

and yea i was just replacing the outer, unless the others are just as bad when i see them, i want to rebuild the whole front suspension, but my old man is not wanting to do that ha ha.

at a minimum i will be replacing the idler arm, but thats a whole different story...

[Dapper Dan]

I can't make it out in the picture but is the washer removed yet? It has a key in it that fits in the slot. Pull it straight out then you should be able to grab the rotor and pull it straight out unless the bearing is destroyed and seized up. How long have you driven it with the bad bearing? Just ask because I've heard stories of bearings heating up and "welding" to the spindle.
It's no extra work to replace the inner while you have it apart and a new seal would be a good idea too it may be what caused the failure, your call just my opinion.

[bucannon]

no thw key in the washer is not in the slot but next to it...

and ive driven it knowing that the bearing was on its way out for a while, and today when it gave out i was a block away from my house. it actually threw off the bearing cap when it gave out



so does this mean i need a new spindle too?

if so im about to order 88-98 4" lift spindles and track down a set of 3/4 ton lower control arms!

[Dapper Dan]

If the washer is spun like that it sounds to me like it is seized and may have damaged the threads on the spindle.

But someone more experienced than me might have some suggestions. Good luck!

[bucannon]

this is good, im about to convince my old man now is the time for a front end rebuild!


no more scarry vibrations on the highway and no more noisy suspension!!

[N2TRUX]

Wipe it clean for a better pic, but it appears the washer has rotated. If the cotter key is completely out you should be able to pull the hub and rotor off. You may have to get a puller to do the job. Check your local auto parts to see if they will rent one.

[bucannon]

the key is still on the washer it is just jammed on the threads next to the slot on the spindle. the new 4" lift spindles have been ordered. anybody know where i can get 3/4 ton lower control arms for cheap other than my local junkyard?

[N2TRUX]

Check your local Craigslist. Or become a subscribing member here and post a "Wanted to Buy"...

[primetime]

depending on how bad the threads are on the stud you might be able to get a thread restorer to clean them up. that will save money on buying a new spindle. but as far as that washer goes, did you actually pull out the cotter pin? or did the ends of it break off leaving the insides of the cotter pin in place? because that might be what is preventing the washer from sliding out.

[bucannon]

Originally Posted by primetime

did you actually pull out the cotter pin? or did the ends of it break off leaving the insides of the cotter pin in place? because that might be what is preventing the washer from sliding out.

the cotter pin pulled out fine in one piece, the nut came off easily, but the washer behind it is fugged up and twisted stuck on the spindle threads...

But i have already ordered new 4" lift spindles so im not concerned about trying to save the old stock spindles.






i have searched ebay and craigslist and have had no luck finding the 3/4 ton lower control arms but it shouldnt be much longer before some show up.



does anyone have pictures of a 73-87 2wd with lift spindles other than Dino's beast of a truck?