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| | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 | can you use a wire wheel on a drill to clean the rust off of axle spindles? | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 | Can I use a wire wheel to clean up axle spindles? I am hoping it won't damage where the bearings sit. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 137 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 137 | I would not do it, use a degreaser and a green scotch pad. If the spindles are pitted badly I would replace them. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 835 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 835 | What is it you are trying to clean up?
If it is dirt or grease I would use soap/surfactant or solvent. If the spindle surface itself is damaged somehow, I would use a very fine emory cloth like you would use for a crankshaft journal.
If it is rusty and corroded, you may be looking at a new one.
Kurt | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 | I found an axle someone already used the wire wheel on. Should I pass on it? | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 | someone was selling it. The first picture he sent lit looked a little pitted or discolored. He said they were not and when he resent the pictures the spindles were beautiful but I noticed the wire wheel still on the floor next to the axle. Could he have damaged it? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 835 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 835 | He could have damaged it. Hard to tell unless you can look at it yourself. Sounds sketchy, doesn't it?
Kurt | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,851 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,851 | Are you talking about spindles, or axles? Spindles just have a smooth mounting point for ball or roller bearings, no problem with rust removal with a wire wheel. The bearing race does not turn on the spindle. Rear axles have a roller bearing surface ground onto the axle, and rust pits or deep grooves caused by an aggressive wire wheel will cause bearing roller wear. Please clarify your question.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,907 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,907 | I had a '75 Dodge 3/4T and a front bearing went out. The race welded itself to the spindle. A friend cut the race off with a torch. I used a file to clean up the spindle as best I could.
Even though the new race had a bit of wobble in it, it worked just fine including long trips. On those trips, though, I would stop and feel for excessive heat. It was fine.
So pitting in the spindle might not be a problem, especially if the original high points can hold the race properly. I'd keep an eye, ear and hand on it, though.
Last edited by Wally / Montana; 01/06/2012 9:03 PM.
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
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