spindle nut replacement

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:12 pm

passenger side spindle nut, Spider.

anyone know of an over the counter (autozone, pepboyz, etc) for this left hand thread nut? it's the nut with the crush sleeve on the end of the threads

i'd like to get my Spider on the road before the correct replacement part arrives all the way from Texas. been without a Fiat strapped to my hiney for too long.

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:00 pm

Hey Mike

I just ordered both sides today. I thought about getting a crown nut and drilling a hole in the spindle, but then I thought, how often do you need to remove or adjust the hub. I just replaced the bearings and oil seal so I should be good for a few years. Besides drilling a hole in the spindle didn't sound appealing to me.

I actually just added the nuts onto the order because I blew out my brake vacume booster on the way home yesterday. Driving home in traffic my booster suddenly broke. That was a scarry ride home, if I put on the brake a vacume leak developed and the car would almost stall. I had to downshift to slow down and then use the emergency brake to come to a complete stop. Oh, and did I mention it was raining. That was some white nuckle driving. I had a much needed stiff drink when I finally got home.

Kind of a blessing in disguise. I was going to do a comlete brake system overhaul this weekend. New master, new rotors, rebuild the calipers, new hoses, pads, etc. I guess I'm glad the booster blew out before I got it all back together.

Matt

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:16 pm

Well, i posted this question on three different forums and not one forum gave a response.

I believe that means we are too busy in the garage right now getting our favorite rides ready for the Fiat Freak Out.

One stinking nut keeps me from putting my car back on the ground.

guess i gotta wait for the brown suited man in the boxy brown truck.

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:21 pm

Sorry to take over your thread Mike. I've been so busy with my wedding and entertaining guests that I haven't visited the forum in a few days, and I just had to comment since I just ordered those exact nuts this morning.

Don't go nuts waighting for your nuts.

Matt

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 12:27 am

this is one of those items that you should keep an extra one in stock. They're not that expensive. I start laughing when I think of going into an Autozone and asking for a left-handed nut. I can just imagine the response of the genius behind the counter while he tries to understand the concept of holding his nuts in his left hand instead of his right

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:23 am

expensive is a relative term. $4 per nut is not cheap. However, not having one when you NEED it makes it cheap at twice the price.

your comments about the counter kid are exactly why i wanted a x-ref number.

Everytime i go to the Zone, the first thing they ask is what year? and what model? I am currently restoring a '69 Spitfire. I cannot tell you how many times they've looked that vehicle up, only to discover that they have zero parts for it....and can order zero more parts for it. it is a game with me now. same clerk, same week, same questions. you'd think they'd learn after a while. YOU AIN'T GOT NUTTIN' FOR A '69 SPIT, you maroon!! put the keyboard down, and use your brain for a change.

two weeks ago, i asked for window wiper arms, not blades, arms. What year? What model? We don't have those (duh). So i ask for 12" blades; and the clerk takes me around back where i discover a whole display of wiper arms. Thought you didn't have any, i say. Oh, those are for Jeeps, is his reply. Well guess what, they fit Spitfires, and that is what i came in here for......

So, here's the lesson....next time you order anything from your favorite Fiat vendor, order an extra set of spindle nuts. that way you don't gotta wait a WEEK to drive your car like i do.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:17 am

$4 may not be cheap, but most people blow that much at Starbucks each morning.

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 2:56 am

Mike have you thought about going to a specialized screw warhouse. Up here we have a place called tacoma screw that has just about any type of screw and bolt that you would need. I've gone in there and have always left with what I've needed for my spider. They even have the correct grades of hardness that you would need.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 8:11 pm

wow, if something as specialized as a left handed metric nut is obtainable in a place like that, the correct size for your Spider spindle....consider yourself a very lucky guy.

my spindle nuts arrived on Thursday, and installed within a half hour of my getting home. a quick shower and 15 minutes later i was driving again.

never to be without spindle nuts in the garage again.

and, today i visited a friend who is in the process of unloading stuff preparing for a household move.....he gave me a set of spindle nuts!!