Spindle trouble

[mlc240z]

the rear suspension is next on the agenda and you guys are scaring the wizz out of me!!!!!

[beandip]

send a pm to tanny , he just finished his pins using a puller .Gary

[First Gen Z]

Without the right tools to do any given job you'll have trouble. It's the RULE. With a spindle pin puller, that job is no harder than changing spark plugs. I've done several without the least bit of problems. GET A PULLER!!!

[ezzzzzzz]

I totally agree that the right tool can make the job easier. I have a garage full of one-use tools to that testimony. That said, the spindle pin can and has often been a PITA to many Z owners. My suspension is in exceptional condition for a 34 y.o car. One pin came out without any problem with the puller. The other was not coming out except by great force. I was using an IR Thunder Gun (425lb/ft) and 120 psi off my 7 hp compressor. I then resorted to a breaker bar. That's when the threaded portion parted ways. I have read enough posts to know I'm not alone. Don't be intimidated. At worse you'll have to work harder to get a pin out. Be sure to soak that assembly in a rust buster for a week or two every day before taking on the job. I HIGHLY recommend AeroKroil as the only rust buster to use. Do a web search and buy a couple of cans. You'll thank me every time you use it. :classic:

[HizAndHerz]

Be sure to soak that assembly in a rust buster for a week or two every day before taking on the job. I HIGHLY recommend AeroKroil as the only rust buster to use.

Anticipating the removal of the spindle pins on my wife's 280z, I've been spaying them down almost daily for the past two months. Anytime I'm under the car, I pull off the locking bolts and end nuts and spray up inside as much as possible. I've got another month before I get to the wheel bearings and spindle pins. They should just fall out by then, no? Wishful thinking.

[ncz]

Help. Ok, guys I am an idiot, how do the locking bolts come out. I got the nuts off, but can't get the bolt out. Is it threaded into the spindle pin? Help, want to get this apart today. Thanks for any help

NEVER MIND, I am an idiot :stupid: Just drive them out, HAHAHAHA!! Hope the spindle pins come out that easy. Happy Turkey Day to all

[Marty Rogan]

Tom,

The locking pins are pressed in. Just tap them out with a hammer from the threaded side. If you leave the nut on, you might be able to re-use them. I just replaced mine.

Once those are out, then you get to have fun with the spindle pins!!!

Good luck,

Marty

[ncz]

Thanks Marty, figured it out about the time I submitted the post!!!! After reading the whole thread, looks like it will be 50/50 on the pins. I hope I am in the easy 50!! How was it to replace the bushings?

[Marty Rogan]

How was it to replace the bushings?

Well, it depends. Are you replacing with stock rubber bushings or PU?

Getting the old ones out is not a lot of fun. Some people burn them out. That was way too toxic for me. I used a drill and made a million holes in the rubber until it gave way and I could pull it out with some pliers. Check the instructions of the manufacturer of the new bushings to see if you need to re-use the outer sleeve of the bushings. IF you do, you may be better off having the bushings pressed out by a shop. If you don't need them, get the rubber out of the way, carefully use a hack saw to cut a groove in the casing, and then you can peel it out with a screw driver and hammer. Don't cut into the control arm!

PU bushings go back in fairly easy. When I did the stock rubber ones on my '70 I had a shop press them back in.

Marty

[ncz]

Score:

1for Tommy, spindle pin out with a few love taps from brass hammer

1 for spindle, many love taps with brass hammer, trip to machine shop, large machine shop man with torch and BFH, finally machine shop man with Big F@#$ Press.

Happy Thanksgiving and to warm weather for painting!!!

[mlc240z]

what is this???

almost everyone reports 1 pin pops right out (usually passenger side IIRC), and the other one (driver's) requires thermonuclear extraction.

i can accept this as a fact, but i wish we could try to figure this one out.

there's got to be a reason.

there's a lot of knowledge and experience here. ...........anyone got any ideas?

[First Gen Z]

SPINDLE PIN PULLER!!!!! This tool has been mentioned at least a bizillion times on this site. I just don't understand why some people have to do it the hard way. I sell these tools for the cost of one spindle pin. You use the right tool for the job and the spindle pin job is no harder than changing spark plugs. Check the classifieds.