When to replace a spindle/bearings?

[dyeager535]

So I suspect the answer is get another one, but I haven't had to do this before. Got my front axle torn down (finally) and the bearing surfaces on the spindle are not "perfect". I guess these would be termed the hub bearing surfaces. When I took the rotor/hub off, I noticed there was a sliver of steel that I was able to peel off from the "inner" bearing surface. Right on the edge of the surface it just peeled off. Strike one I suppose. Then I got to looking at the bearing surface (again inner) and it's black for a stretch, with what looks like VERY minor galling in a couple of spots. I had no problems with the wheel bearings before I pulled this apart, however I don't want to put it back together again if these indicate that I should replace the spindle and the bearings. Not looking forward to going through all the work again, but I guess if the weather stays nice for a day...So what say the experts?
Sorry, my browser won't allow formatting.

 

[rcamacho]

Try scotchbrite on the corrosion. Else, a machinist might be able to clean up the seal surface on a lathe. If the bearing surface is bad than replace.

 

[dyeager535]

Try scotchbrite on the corrosion. Else, a machinist might be able to clean up the seal surface on a lathe. If the bearing surface is bad than replace.

Definitely the bearing surface. Don't think I'll be paying GM's $200 price for one either.

 

[bp71k5]

What style of spindle is it? Don't the bearings ride on removable races inside the hub? Unless the bearing shoulder was spinning on the spindle bore a little corrosion shouldn't be a big deal. Try putting the bearing back on and see if there's any play or wobble on it.

 

[GNERGY]

Check the bone yards for another spindle and hub and rotor.
I have found out that from doing bearings since 1978 I used to make sure the spindle was clean when I assembled the hub. If the bearing decided to spin for some reason it would gall the spindle. So i finally decided to assemble them with a little wheel bearing grease on the spindle where the bearings sit, this way if the bearings decided to spin it wouldn't mess up the spindle. Hope that makes sense, but that is how I do it now.
Tarey
When I used to travel from Ohio out west to go hunting I always carried an extra spindle and hub, rotor assembly ready to go in case of that problem.