Has anyone had a spindle go bad?

[Andrew]

Apparently even after my new transmission (not sure if it was necessary now, don't care, finding new mechanic) was installed, my 96 Aspire's right front wheel siezed up due to the spindle apparently going bad.

i figure that this is something the mechanic should have caught when doing the tranny work but appraently they didnt, so hello extra $200.

but, has anyone, festiva or aspire owner, ever had a spindle go bad? this was like, serious too-- on the freeway, the right front wheel just STOPPED. the tire is so ruined that you can see the belts now.

[packrat427]

I am not familiar with the Aspire suspension yet , but are you sure it is not something he done to create this problem ,when he put it back together ?
It may not be related but I would look at it .
anyone else think that is a possibility.

[Anonymous]

Was that on your good tires? Glad to hear it didn't turn out to bad.. things like that gets people killed. Wouldn't it be the bearings that went bad? If so probably not if they weren't looking for it.

[Andrew]

yeah. I'm not really sure, I suppose it could have been something they did, but he mentioned that if i'd gone over any hardcore bumps that could have done it and i have.

they're replacing the wheel bearing too but that's for free as it's under warranty.

and unfortunately yes, it was on my good tires... i need to come up with $84 in order to get a new tire for that wheel.

[yvanlavoie20]

bearing preload

if axle was removed from the hub and when reinstall with not enough toque the bearing overheat and burn ... they can weld too !
if the spacer between the 2 bearing is missing and the nut is torqued at the spec...the same effect.

[bbarnett]

I just replaced a bad spindle on my Festiva. Bearings locked up and spun on the spindle...wore a nice groove into it. Luckily it didn't lock up my entire wheel....Junkyard spindle, new bearings...it rides SO much quieter now too.

[jess1]

bad spindle hub

I just bought a 1991 L. I took the steering knuckles to a machine shop to
have new bearing and seals pressed in and new rotors attached. The Machine shop guy said the left hub and spacer were chewed up.
I'm looking for a replacement at a junk yard now. How much should a complete left spindle cost me? Anyone know where I can get one.
This is my third Festiva. I have two 1990's both still doing great.
Jess

[Andrew]

Re: bearing preload

if axle was removed from the hub and when reinstall with not enough toque the bearing overheat and burn ... they can weld too !
if the spacer between the 2 bearing is missing and the nut is torqued at the spec...the same effect.

yeah so it turns out they were leaving the spacer out. running fine now, hopefully for good.

[mattswabb]

Re: bad spindle hub

I just bought a 1991 L. I took the steering knuckles to a machine shop to
have new bearing and seals pressed in and new rotors attached. The Machine shop guy said the left hub and spacer were chewed up.
I'm looking for a replacement at a junk yard now. How much should a complete left spindle cost me? Anyone know where I can get one.
This is my third Festiva. I have two 1990's both still doing great.
Jess

Max $50. Check http://www.car-part.com/index.htm