Spindle, should I replace?

[31 Deluxe Coupe]

What do you think guys? I started disassembly so I could replace the king pins and this is what the spindle looks like. Does the pitting really matter since it just holds grease?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

That's how most of them look and it's not a problem as long as the bearing surfaces hold the bearings snug.

 

[Fullraceflathead]

Tom is correct, as usual. The area you see a rough surface is from the machining when Ford made them. They machine at a faster rate in the taper area. The area that is smooth is where the Bearing race rides. This area must be in good shape. I had one of my spindles scored a little and slightly blue in color. This is from a Bearing just starting to lock up. When this happens the Race starts to spin on the spindle. It can overheat and turn the spindle blue, Not Good.
If the two areas where the Bearing Races are smooth your safe to use your spindles.

 

[31 Deluxe Coupe]

Thanks guys. It is nice to know that I can always get good information and experience here on Ford Barn!

 

[Kevin in NJ]

Measure the roundness of the hearing areas.

Quite often the bearings are very worn on the bottom. I do not know what is considered too worn, but some are worn enough that a finger test is all you need to know it should not be used.

Keep in mind too much wear affects the centerline of the drum. This reduces your breaking if your shoes are centered to the centerline of the axle. If only the inner is worn the it will tilt the drum and wheel. I am not sure if that is a bad problem but I can see it adding to other small problems making a big one.