This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear spindle (hub carrier) on a 1966 Corvette with independent rear suspension, including disconnecting the trailing arm, camber strut, and axle halfshaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear spindle/hub carrier assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Spindle support bearing (if integrated) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing (inspect and replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camber strut rod bushing (inspect and replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hose (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 4 — Assorted sizes for suspension
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 2 qt
• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock front wheels securely.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands positioned under frame rails.
5. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced.
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak.
7. Place drain pan under differential near halfshaft exit point.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect brake hydraulic line
   Using a flare nut wrench, disconnect the brake line at the frame bracket or at the wheel cylinder (depending on routing). Cap or plug the open line to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. If the brake hose is original or shows signs of cracking, plan to replace it during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper or drum assembly
   If equipped with disc brakes, remove the 2 caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper from the frame with wire (do not let it hang by the brake hose). If equipped with drum brakes, remove the drum retaining clips (if present) and pull the drum off the spindle. If drum is stuck, tap gently with rubber mallet around the perimeter.
3. 3

   Disconnect trailing arm at spindle
   Locate the trailing arm attachment point at the rear of the spindle. Remove the castle nut securing the trailing arm ball joint to the spindle. Remove the cotter pin first. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the trailing arm from the spindle taper. Apply penetrating oil and strike the side of the spindle boss with a hammer while pulling down on the trailing arm to break the taper free.
4. 4

   Disconnect camber strut rod at spindle
   The camber strut rod connects to the top or upper portion of the spindle. Remove the castle nut (after removing cotter pin) securing the strut rod end to the spindle. Use a tie rod end puller or ball joint separator to break the taper. Note the position and number of shims (if present) at the strut rod frame mount for reinstallation reference—these control camber adjustment.
5. 5

   Disconnect tie rod or axle control link (if equipped)
   Some 1966 Corvettes have a lateral control link or torque arm attached to the spindle. If present, remove the fasteners securing this link to the spindle. Support the link with wire to prevent damage.
6. 6

   Support differential and remove halfshaft
   Place a jack under the differential housing to support its weight. The spindle and halfshaft assembly will drop slightly when disconnected. Remove the 4 bolts securing the halfshaft U-joint companion flange to the differential output flange. Mark the orientation of the flanges before removal for proper reassembly phasing. Carefully pull the halfshaft outward from the differential. Expect approximately 2 quarts of gear oil to drain. If the halfshaft is seized in the differential, use a slide hammer with axle puller adapter.
7. 7

   Remove spindle support strut bracket bolts
   The spindle may be supported by a strut bracket or bearing carrier bolted to the spindle housing. Remove the 3 bolts securing this bracket or bearing carrier to the spindle. Note the position of any shims or spacers for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove spindle from vehicle
   With all attachment points disconnected, carefully maneuver the spindle assembly out from the suspension area. The spindle, halfshaft, and brake backing plate (if drum brakes) will come out as an assembly. Guide the halfshaft through the suspension components carefully to avoid damaging threads or splines.
9. 9

   Inspect and prepare new spindle
   Inspect the trailing arm and camber strut tapers on the old spindle for wear or damage. Inspect the wheel bearing (if integral to spindle) for roughness or play. Clean the mating surfaces on the new spindle with a wire brush. Apply a thin film of anti-seize compound to the trailing arm and camber strut taper bores. If the spindle has an integral bearing, verify it is properly packed with grease. Transfer brake backing plate (drum brakes) to new spindle if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new spindle into suspension
    Guide the halfshaft through the suspension area and position the new spindle in place. Align the trailing arm ball joint stud into the spindle taper and install the castle nut hand-tight. Align the camber strut rod end into the spindle taper and install the castle nut hand-tight. Do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Reconnect halfshaft to differential
    Clean the halfshaft U-joint flange and differential output flange with a wire brush. Align the marks made during disassembly to maintain U-joint phasing. Insert the halfshaft into the differential housing (it should slide in approximately 1-2 inches). Align the U-joint companion flange bolt holes and install the 4 flange bolts. Torque flange bolts to 75 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.
12. 12

    Install spindle support strut bracket
    Install the spindle support strut bracket or bearing carrier with the 3 mounting bolts. Install any shims or spacers in their original positions. Torque bracket bolts to 45 ft-lb.
13. 13

    Torque trailing arm and camber strut fasteners
    Torque the trailing arm castle nut to 50 ft-lb and install a new cotter pin. If the castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten further (never loosen to align). Torque the camber strut rod castle nut to 50 ft-lb and install a new cotter pin. If equipped with a lateral control link, torque its fastener to 40 ft-lb.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    If equipped with disc brakes, mount the caliper onto the spindle bracket and torque the 2 caliper mounting bolts to 70 ft-lb. If equipped with drum brakes, install the brake drum onto the spindle and secure with retaining clips if applicable. Reconnect the brake hydraulic line using a flare nut wrench. Torque the brake line fitting to 12 ft-lb (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn).
15. 15

    Refill differential and bleed brakes
    Remove the differential fill plug (located on the side of the differential housing) and refill with 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole (approximately 2 quarts total capacity). Reinstall fill plug. Bleed the rear brake system starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder. Pump brake pedal until firm and verify no leaks at the brake line connection.

Reassembly

1. Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to 80 ft-lb in a star pattern.
3. Test brake pedal feel—it should be firm with no excessive travel.
4. Check differential fluid level after 50 miles of driving and top off if necessary.
5. Schedule four-wheel alignment—camber, toe, and ride height must be set to specification after spindle replacement.

Verification

• Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification and cotter pins are installed.
• Verify brake pedal is firm and no brake fluid leaks are present.
• Verify differential is filled to proper level and no gear oil leaks are present at halfshaft entry point.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension.
• Verify wheel bearing has no play by grasping tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and attempting to rock it—no movement should be felt.
• Have alignment checked and adjusted to factory specifications within 50 miles of completion.

More procedures for this vehicle