First things to do & how to remove spindle washer...

[heavye]

So we made the jump and bought a 1972 bronco last weekend. The body is in good shape, it has been garaged, but it had been driven very little (30 miles in 2 years based on the oil change sticker)

I've replaced the Master Cylinder and bled the brakes that helped braking a lot. Its pulling to the left a little though so I figured I'd pull the drums (all 4) inspect the shoes, adjustment, and slave cylinders.

Assuming I'm on the right path I need a little help.. I can't get the spindle washer between the two spindle nuts to come out, any tricks or tips or do I just coerce it with the screwdriver, pliers, and BFH?

After I go over the brakes what else would you guys recommend I checkout/service. My guess is I need to make sure I get the drive shafts/U-joints etc all lubed or greased. Should I change the transmission and transmission case lube? What preventive maintenance do folks do when you first get one?

Thanks for the help, this site has already been a great resource.

-Eric

 

[mustangmarty]

Yeah, that spindle washer can be cantankerous. Especially with lots of grease on it. I struggled with it too until I decided to use a pair of snap ring pliers by putting the little tips in two of the holes close together. Makes it alot easier when putting it back together too by letting you rotate it into place over the spindle nut locking tip of the back nut. Have fun and set out lots of scott towels. ;D

 

[45acp]

I got a tool i made for it. Get some kind of cheap (and i mean real cheap) flathead screwdriver and bend the tip down to a 90 degree angle. Works great on that washer. If i dont have it handy, a straight pic works good too.

 

[admin]

Oops! I typed everything out and mustangmarty beat me to it.

Just a few things to add...I would spray it down really well with brake cleaner so you can see past all the grease. Look at the little tang on the inside radius of the washer. Make sure it's inline with the groove in the spindle. If it got jambed or twisted a little you may have to coax it back into that groove. Then it should pull straight out.

For those who like pics, here's one from CompleteOffroad.com

http://completeoffroad.com/images/cat/SpindleNutKitDana4449777300.jpg

 

[heavye]

I like the idea of the "custom tool". I can add it to the collection of modified screwdrivers. I did see that it lined up with the groove on the spindle. I should be able to pry it right out. That will work a lot better than trying to grab at it and pull.

-eric

 

[SaddleUp]

I was going to say the same thing Jon did. If the back nut spins (usually indicates a spun bearing) then the washer will spin with it and jam the washer on. (Use a hammer and punch when this happens to get it lines back up) As far as a tool for pulling it out I use a 90 deg. pick. If it is stubborn I smack it with a screwdriver and hammer opposite from where the pin lines up to loosen it. (The one in the back nut)

 

[casadejohnson]

When I Had mine apart for my disc conversion, I decided to use new nuts and washers because my hub tool had slipped and messed up the outer Nut. When I got the replacements, the new washer had 4 ears that stick out from the edge of the washer about 1/4 " The little ears make it much easier to get ahold of the washer and it comes right out. I can't remember if I got them from Autozone or if it was Napa that I got the new washers from. I take mine apart regularly after playing in the mud to be sure no water has gotten into them. It makes the task much easier the next time you have to take it apart. Just somthing to consider since you have it apart anyway. I can send you a photo of what the differnt washers look like if you are interested. I can't post photos but If someone else wants to post the photo, let me know and I'll send it to you.

 

[Revelation]

being en electrician I just get 2 short lengths of wire #10AWG and bend the ends 90 deg, then just drop the short hooks in the slots of the back ring and pull, out comes the washer nice and easy.

 

[NeverSatisfied]

My tool was very expensive to accomplish this. I took a section of coat hanger and bent it into a U-shape. Bent the ends of the "U" 90 Degrees in, and walla a set of tweezers for removing the ring.

Every once and a while I lose it and have to make another.

 

[ken75ranger]

My tool was very expensive to accomplish this. I took a section of coat hanger and bent it into a U-shape. Bent the ends of the "U" 90 Degrees in, and walla a set of tweezers for removing the ring.

Every once and a while I lose it and have to make another.

That what I used! ;D