Different front spindles?
 

Hi folks,

Looking for your insight. I'm restoring an old 1929 Business Coupe and I took it for a test drive this week. The front passenger side wheel has a slight wobble. After a lot of checking, I've discovered that the "bad" spindle is 1/4-inch shorter than the other, and the inner bearing isn't sitting in all the way within the dust seal as it should. I'm thinking that the improper seating of the bearing is the cause of the slight wobble.

This has me wondering if I've got a spindle from a different year or something. Two questions: 1. Is there a difference in spindles? 2. The parts shops I typically use don't carry spindles. Can anyone recommend a used parts provider?

Thanks as always for your help!

Re: Different front spindles?
 

You just said there was a difference in length. There is an early spindle but the difference is not the length, it is the inner flange where the backing plate mounts. The longer spindle is likely wrong if I understand your issue with the bearings. Flathead V8 spindles look similar and there are probably more versions than 2. On the Model A right and left are interchangeable.

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Thanks! The shorter spindle is the problem one.

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Is it possible the inner dust seal is off size. For many years, all the repos were not correctly sized. Check to see if the dust seal is fully installed.

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Thanks! I was thinking the same but all good with the seal. Seems to be ok which is why I’m wondering about the spindle itself.

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Pictures would help. Their are two different Model A car spindles, then 1932-1934 spindles, then 1935-38 spindles, 1939-1941 spindles and 1942-48 spindles. Please post some photos. I have every type of spindles available for sale.

Steve Becker
Bert’s Model A Center

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Pictures added. First two are of the spindle in question without the dust ring and inner bearing. Third one has the ring and bearing in place to show the gap between the side of the spindle and the bearing.

Thanks all very much for your help!

Steve, does Bert's sell used spindles? I couldn't find it on the website.

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Berts 800-321-1931

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Just to set the record straight, I believe 1935 and 1936 spindles were both unique and one year only. 1937-40 were all the same. Some 1941 were the same as 1937-40 and some 1941 had a reverse taper on the steering arm.

Re: Different front spindles?
 

From Berts website:


Please remember that we have 500,000+ ORIGINAL Model A parts that we cannot show on this website.



If you are in need of any of these ORIGINAL Model A Parts, please call or email us anytime. Phone 1-800-321-1931 or email [email protected]

Re: Different front spindles?
 

Finally, someone besides myself willing to understand and accept this fact! DD

Re: Different front spindles?
 

In picture 1 I see a rust colored object, could this maybe holding the bearing out from where the bearing seats, what is it ?. You can see where the grease as made a mark but not where the above object is appears the bearing is cocked.