Axle Beam: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Rear wheel spindle disassembled. Eldorado & Seville:

ELDORADO & SEVILLE
The spindle and wheel bearing is a unitized assembly which eliminates the need for periodic maintenance and adjustments. The spindle and wheel bearing assembly is bolted to the rear suspension control arm, Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 Checking wheel bearing for looseness. Eldorado & Seville:

Wheel Bearing Inspection
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Free disc brake shoes from disc or remove calipers, then reinstall two wheel nuts to secure disc to bearing.
3. Mount dial indicator as shown in Fig. 2, then grasp rotor and check inward and outward movement of spindle assembly. Movement should be less than .020 in.
4. Remove dial indicator and rotate spindle by hand to check for roughness or grinding within the spindle.
5. Replace spindle and bearing assembly if out of specifications or roughness or grinding is present.

Fig. 1 Rear wheel spindle disassembled. Eldorado & Seville:

Spindle & Bearing Assembly, Replace
1. Raise vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Remove brake caliper assembly.
3. Mark wheel stud and corresponding place on rotor for use during installation, then remove rotor.
4. Remove four nuts and bolts attaching spindle and bearing assembly to control arm, Fig. 1.
5. Reverse procedure to install. Torque spindle to lower control arm attaching bolts to 34 ft. lbs.