Kit/process for crack check on spindles

[Jean-Sebastien Stoezel]

Hi:

I had a guy that used to crack check spindles for me for free. He's now retired and I have to find alternatives.

Has anybody used these kits? I'm not sure what the difference is, based on the description I can't seem to see which one would be preferable.

https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI...code=MFX600047

https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI...=MFX01-3354-77

https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI...code=MFX600088

https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI...=MFX01-3187-77

Also, coudl somebody go over the specifics of testing spindles for cracks? The only spindle that I had that failed broke flush at the connection between the flat mounting piece and the spindle axle.

Jean

[veefan]

I've never tried that kit but, I use this, easy and can be used at the track.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...asp?RecID=1207

[DaveB]

Get a set of spindles from Richard, when he makes his next run. You will not have to monkey checking for cracks or the goofy strengthening kits.

Dave

[Jean-Sebastien Stoezel]

Thanks for the reply. In essence it's the same kit it seems, minus the light and more expensive?
I don't have access to Pegasus locally anyways.

Jean

I've never tried that kit but, I use this, easy and can be used at the track.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...asp?RecID=1207

[Steve Davis]

Jean,
I never had much luck with the crack checking kits. But I have found a crack or 2 by simply LOOKING at the base of the spindle.. the part that is normally underneath that spacer that is SO hard to get off.

In my experience, the spindles generally go pretty slowly.. they will crack (almost always due to contact), and the crack will gradually get bigger until they fail. I've seen several in past years where it was quite obvious after the break, that some of the crack had been there for much longer.

Basically - forget the kits, but get that spacer off and LOOK at the spindle base every 2 or 3 weekends and you'll likely never have an on track failure (that does not involve contact).
It does no good to "inspect" the spindle unless you remove that spacer.
Steve, FV80

[Steve Demeter]

A magnifying glass helps immensely.

Second the advice from getting a set from Richard.

[Jean-Sebastien Stoezel]

Hi Steve:

I get too alarmed looking at the spindles. I noticed a bunch of crack-like rings on a set, was convinced they were cracked; further inspection with the magnaflux didn't show any.

There's a few things I'd like to check apart from spindles: drums and a custom pitman arm, which I just had to re-weld after it showed traces of failures.

Jean

Jean,
I never had much luck with the crack checking kits. But I have found a crack or 2 by simply LOOKING at the base of the spindle.. the part that is normally underneath that spacer that is SO hard to get off.

In my experience, the spindles generally go pretty slowly.. they will crack (almost always due to contact), and the crack will gradually get bigger until they fail. I've seen several in past years where it was quite obvious after the break, that some of the crack had been there for much longer.

Basically - forget the kits, but get that spacer off and LOOK at the spindle base every 2 or 3 weekends and you'll likely never have an on track failure (that does not involve contact).
It does no good to "inspect" the spindle unless you remove that spacer.
Steve, FV80