Disk brake spindles - salvageable? • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **dphillips** » 03 Jan 2005 20:21

Several years ago I picked up a set of disk brake spindles to use in converting my Challenger to disks from drums.

Disaster struck - they got wet in storage (due to my own stupidity - not enough grease) and the rolling surfaces rusted.

I have used a rust dissolver on them and cleaned them up but there is some pitting where the wheel bearings would travel. The pitting does not look deep but is any pitting fatal? Can I use them or are they toast? Also, is it possible to have them machined to remove the pits or is that a route that would exceed the cost of replacements?

Thanks!

by **dave-r** » 03 Jan 2005 21:13

I don't think the bearing rotates on the spindle does it? There is an outer and inner part to the bearing if I remember right? The inner part with the rollers slips over the spindle. The outer is pressed into the disc hub. Pitting on the spindle itself does not matter as long as the bearing itself is OK.

by **dave-r** » 03 Jan 2005 21:19

Found a diagram that might help.

by **dphillips** » 06 Jan 2005 14:01

Dave,

Thanks!

So it sounds like the rotor rotates on the roller bearings, and the bearing race just "sits" on the spindle.

I think I can also check this out with a couple of mechanics I know.

To do this conversion, I am going to follow Rick Ehrenberg's latest instructions. He likes the 12" rotors; to use those I will need to get a larger set of disk adapters - mine are for the 11".

This will be the first brake job for me. My biggest concern will be bleeding the brakes - Ehrenberg says its easiest to do it with the master cylinder still in the car.

By the way, how do you use the emoticons? Are you supposed to drag them to the text? If so I can't get that to work...

Thanks,
Duane

by **dave-r** » 06 Jan 2005 14:44

Yeah the bearing is what rotates. Your spindles will be fine.

To use the 12" (actually 11.75") discs you need the 1973-up spindles.

Rick-E's front brake swap has been updated since I did mine and he now suggests the much lighter wilwood brake caliper. His web site article has an address for a guy making caliper adaptors to fit this combo.

http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive ... ipers.html

To use the emoticons just click once on one and the correct code for it will appear in your text where ever your text curser is. You will not see the actual smiley until you preview the message.

by **dphillips** » 10 Jan 2005 18:51

Dave,

Thanks - the spindles are '73s.

I will check out the Rick-E website. The one I visited to get his "latest" listed conventional calipers and other parts, including somewhat larger adapters from an R-body. I would have to get those, but I think I have the calipers and hoses that will work. I originally bought a lot of the used parts from a local salvage yard that specializes in mopars - the owner also gave me a parts list for a brake swap that other customers said worked for them.

Not all the parts match the ones that Rick lists, so I do have to do some homework.

Once I get the parts straight, the bolt-on work looks fairly easy (especially now that I have air tools). The brake line, master cylinder and adjustable proportioning valve installation could be a bit interesting though.

Thanks again, also for the emoticon info

by **dave-r** » 10 Jan 2005 20:56

Only the parts on Ricks list will work!

Other parts may well physically fit but are not right for the job for one reason or another.

I myself followed Ricks original brake swap (in fact he took pity on me and sold me most of the parts) including the big slider calipers. The 17.5lbs lighter Wilwood units are the way I would go now.