Removing the Spindle
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Removing the Spindle
Does anyone know any tricks to getting the spindal off a 1989 4WD B2. I have everthing off including the five bolts supposed to hold on the spindal.
Last edited by Ken00; Jun 20, 2003 at 08:17 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
Removing the Spindle
The problem is it has rusted to the dust shield. The usual method is to get a 2x4, put it on the spindle, and beat on the 2x4 with a 5 pound mallet.
Here is what I do. I get a grinder and lightly trim/cut away the rusted dust shield all around the spindle so I am lightly cutting into the crack. I then get an impact hammer with a curved blade and force it into various parts around the spindle until it starts to come off. If you force the spindle off by just doing the prying all on one spot, you will crack it, especially over a lug hole.
If it still will not come off, I take the grinder and cut a small 1/8 deep relief between the spindle and plate across the top about two inches. You have to make sure you are cutting into the separation between the two parts. Now I have enough space to fit the impact hammer wedge behind the spindle to get a good start. I gradually work my way around the spindle as to not crack it.
When you put it back on use a lot of antiseize. Optional might be a smear layer of blue RTV around the inside and outside edges so rust/salt/gunk can not work its way behind the spindle.
The first one I did took me six hours. Once it is cleaned up you can change the driver's side spindle and axle in 70 minutes, total, including the jacking up of the truck and putting it on jack stands!
I have had good luck using the antiseize on the spindle. Dust shields are $35 from the dealer so I use to leave them off.
Here is what I do. I get a grinder and lightly trim/cut away the rusted dust shield all around the spindle so I am lightly cutting into the crack. I then get an impact hammer with a curved blade and force it into various parts around the spindle until it starts to come off. If you force the spindle off by just doing the prying all on one spot, you will crack it, especially over a lug hole.
If it still will not come off, I take the grinder and cut a small 1/8 deep relief between the spindle and plate across the top about two inches. You have to make sure you are cutting into the separation between the two parts. Now I have enough space to fit the impact hammer wedge behind the spindle to get a good start. I gradually work my way around the spindle as to not crack it.
When you put it back on use a lot of antiseize. Optional might be a smear layer of blue RTV around the inside and outside edges so rust/salt/gunk can not work its way behind the spindle.
The first one I did took me six hours. Once it is cleaned up you can change the driver's side spindle and axle in 70 minutes, total, including the jacking up of the truck and putting it on jack stands!
I have had good luck using the antiseize on the spindle. Dust shields are $35 from the dealer so I use to leave them off.
Last edited by rebocardo; Jun 20, 2003 at 04:19 PM.
