Front Axle / Front Suspension: Front Spindles

[63larkcustom]

After the fiasco with the brake failure in the other post, I gathered the parts and tools to put the disc brake kit on the front. I started to clean the spindle and noticed a lot of pitting in between the bearing surfaces. Something about it doesn't look right to me especially near the threads. Attached is a picture. Does this need to be replaced or is it normal?

[Topper2011]

Maybe an optical illusion, but looks like the end is mushroomed and threads look damaged.

[Topper2011]

Can't edit my post, but it does look like the spindle had water contact at some point causing the pitting.

[63larkcustom]

I'll go take another picture. back in a few minutes

[StudeRich]

Only IF those "Marks" between the Two Bearing Surfaces are actually Cracks or hiding cracks would it be a problem.
Only the inner and outer ends that the Bearings run on, have to be round, undamaged and smooth.

Also check that larger machined surface all the way in the back, that needs to be good as it is the Grease Seal surface.

[StudeRich]

Yep, it does look like there is some amount of Mushrooming on the end, you MAY be able to dress it up with a File.

[63larkcustom]

Thanks Rich, I just put up 4 more photos, in photo 4 it appears to have a crack where the inside of the rear bearing sits.

[63larkcustom]

Here are more clearer pics.. its nice having an attached garage

[StudeRich]

I am Now seeing some amount of scoring on those Bearing Surfaces, and if there is in fact Cracks, obviously it's Done.
That deep pitting in the middle, indicates Salt and or Water sitting on it a Long time.

[63larkcustom]

The car is from Missouri, so I'm not surprised about the saltwater thing. I'll have to get the magnifying glass out to look closely to see if that is a crack. If they are and it needs to be replaced I take it it means a major king pin job?

[63larkcustom]

Whatever it is, it is... the better half loves the car. I don't want to half_ss the job. Not particularly in the mood to have any more pieces flying off etc.

[tcabman]

I have a pair of n.o.s. and sent You a PM.

[63larkcustom]

I just looked at the shop manual on the procedure, and it looks a little daunting. I've never taken apart a front suspension before. I've pulled engine/transmissions, rear axles, leaf springs, bodywork, and interior. Looks like I'll be acquiring new knowledge. From what I can see, it looks like one of those "might as well" jobs. Change the a-arm bushings, rebuild the kingpin, and put in the 6-cylinder springs I have on the shelf. Working with coil springs makes me nervous. But it's not like it can now be towed out of the garage as there is no brake drum to put on the spindle.

[gjamesk]

This is a good write-up, but it seems most of the picture links are broken. I believe this is by our admin showbizkid.

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com/2013/01/studebaker-front-end-rebuild-series.html

[63larkcustom]

Thank you, I remember when he did that job. He bought Barney at about the same time I got the 59 from Bob Peterson's collection.

[studeski]

Actually the pictures are linked to Photobucket. If the account is cancelled so are the pictures. That's why I always upload pictures. They are permanent.

[6hk71400]

Bob,

Looking at the pictures it appears to me there is some serious metal fatigue on that spindle. While the car is down, you might as well go full @$$ and look at the right side to see if there is damage as well. Justa supposin there is fatigue. Hazarding a guess, there may have been some poorly repaired damage of some type causing stress on the spindles.

Most people responded when I had the axle snap they had not seen a front spindle snap. About a month latter going down the road there was a Toyota 4x4 on the side of the road with the left spindle snapped. It was on a new paved road on Houghton I guess these things happen always on busy roads

Good luck. One of our chapter members uses a technique to be able to remove the spring without using a spring compressor. I can call tomorrow and find out what that is if you like.

[63larkcustom]

I think you are on to something regarding the damage. I think it may have been hit at some point, as on the front left frame rail, about even with the radiator, there are two holes drilled on each side, and looks like they have been pulled on to straighten at some point. The holes show shiny metal inside, so it probably wasn't long ago. The car tracks down the road straight and doesn't pull/wander/dog walk. I have a feeling this repair is fixing some hidden damage from whatever the event was. Also saw a rust hole underneath the Plastic battery tray (I think to hide the hole) that will need to be repaired.

[63larkcustom]

That would be great. Yes when I saw that spindle cleaned up we were in deep. I would appreciate if you could check that. How are you feeling?

[63larkcustom]

The front left fender is fiberglass. I have a feeling she took a hit at some point.

[skyway]

About 40 years ago my’63 GT snapped its right front spindle, thankfully at VERY low speed😉
Prior owner reported that about 10 years before, he had hit a curb badly enough to destroy the RF wheel & fender. The break was just inboard of where the threads ended. Upon inspection the lower about 1/2-2/3rds of the break was old (very dull & grey colored, and the remaining upper (which let go) was bright & fresh. As an aside, my replaced fender was also fiberglass😉