Spindle Bearing

[jor]

87 Suburban, 10 bolt Front End

I'm putting my front end back together with new tie rod ends, sway bar bushings and so on. I've got my inner and outer wheel bearings all cleaned up and ready to be packed. Now that I'm looking at the manual I see there are spindle bearings as well. Are these roller bearings that are supposed to spin free? Mine look OK but they don't move. Do you usually replace these spindle bearings? Thanks.
jor
I ANSWERED MY OWN QUESTION. I FOUND ANOTHER SET OF SPINDLES AND THOSE ROLLER BEARING ARE FREE. I'LL JUST CLEAN THOSE UP AND USE THEM INSTEAD.

 

[imiceman44]

87 Suburban, 10 bolt Front End

I'm putting my front end back together with new tie rod ends, sway bar bushings and so on. I've got my inner and outer wheel bearings all cleaned up and ready to be packed. Now that I'm looking at the manual I see there are spindle bearings as well. Are these roller bearings that are supposed to spin free? Mine look OK but they don't move. Do you usually replace these spindle bearings? Thanks.
jor
I ANSWERED MY OWN QUESTION. I FOUND ANOTHER SET OF SPINDLES AND THOSE ROLLER BEARING ARE FREE. I'LL JUST CLEAN THOSE UP AND USE THEM INSTEAD.

Yeah these are bearings for the shaft to ride on and they definitely need to turn.

 

[4X4HIGH]

You need an SBK-1 kit. The kit will give you a new spindle bearing, thrust washer, and both seals. You will need 2 kits to do both sides of the axle. These kits are only like $12.00 each from your local parts store.

 

[jor]

Thanks for the tip. I'll pick up a kit. Is there a special tool to remove the spindle bearing? Someone on another board mentioned a "blind puller." Thanks.
jor

 

[4X4HIGH]

Yes, a blind puller works best but other have just pryed the bearing out and then installed the new bearing.

 

[jor]

Well, I got them out. I couldn't find a blind puller. AutoZone had a tore up pilot bushing puller and Checker also had a pilot bushing puller that didn't look like it would work. I used a regular slide hammer and after some healthy whacks, out they came. They had probably been in there since 1978 as that's the year of this front end. I don't think I could have ever pried them out though. I think I might pick up one of those blind pullers from Harbor Freight. If I only use it once in awhile it will probably last. Thanks.
jor

 

[jor]

You need an SBK-1 kit. The kit will give you a new spindle bearing, thrust washer, and both seals. You will need 2 kits to do both sides of the axle. These kits are only like $12.00 each from your local parts store.

Wish I had read your post before I bought this stuff separately. Thanks.
jor