Wingzero54

Alright, I'm trying to replace my front right wheel bearings, but the locking nut is spinning freely and I do not know how to get it off. I have a Haynes manual, and I checked the Mazda service manual, and both list it as a step to remove the nut. No special instructions, nothing.

It took a lot of torque to break the nut free, and now it spins and spins but won't move forward or backward anymore. I took the caliper off to try to pull the rotor forward to force the nut forward, but it only presses on the bearing behind the nut, and doesn't put any pressure on it. There also isn't any room to get behind the nut either. I tried pliers, and can't pull on it and turn and get it to come either.

Any ideas? I'm at a loss of what to do.

Here's a picture of it

DriveFast7

iTrader: (1)

For starters, if the nut spins and doesn't unthread, there is a big problem... threads are stripped. Hopefully and likely just the nut threads, since its easily replaceable. There is a lot of metal in there, that nut may be seized due to heat. I'd get a propane or MAP torch on that nut then try some more. If you can get a bearing puller on there that would be the next step. It would need the rotor and outer bearing moved inwards to grab on it, if at all. I'd tap that bearing with a punch and hammer.

DriveFast7

iTrader: (1)

Oh, that is the wrong nut on there. It should be a castle nut. Wonder if the last guy put locktite on there since a cotter pin wouldn't work ? Or if it's just the wrong thread.

Wingzero54

Interesting. I thought it looked different from the manual. It had a cotter pin on there, but it does look like it's been messed with before. Nobody thought to pack the bearings though I guess.

Anyway, we took the caliper off to have more room and my dad got a pry bar and he wedged and I turned, and we eventually got enough traction to get it off. It got so hot in there the threads wore/ melted away on partly the nut and moreso the spindle.

Now the issue is the outside of the bearing is slightly melted against the spindle, so I have to get a chisel and hammer away at it. Gonna have to replace everything in there...

Wingzero54

Where can I find a replacement spindle? I've looked everywhere, but only spindle nuts available. The threads on the spindle are almost non-existent where I pulled the nut off at. I can't tighten down any new nuts.

Does a such thing as a replacement spindle even exist?

DriveFast7

iTrader: (1)

Replacement spindle is part of the entire front tube / knuckle assembly. The spindle itself isn't bolt'on. It won't be cheap, I bought a pair back in 1999, they're likely bent / tweaked and could use replacing anyways. I'll try to find a part #.

Wingzero54

Yeah I'm looking around but I'm not sure what that part would actually be called

tommyeflight89

iTrader: (4)

To replace the entire spindle assy I think your best bet is to get a set used. They shouldn't be too hard to find, pretty common.

Just remember that the 84-85 (I think) spindles/struts will be larger than that earlier years. They must match to your front rotors, bearings, seals etc.

Since your spindle is toast, you basically have to swap out the entire strut/spindle assy. Ie compress spring, remove top hat, spring and strut tube.

That's unfortunate, but at least a good excuse to overhaul front suspension components while your at it.

DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

Even if the threads weren't messed up, after being overheated to that degree you wouldn't want to trust the spindle any more anyway. It could fracture under stress and suddenly you are a poorly-balanced tricycle.

350xfire

iTrader: (1)

Pictures?