All, First time doing brakes on my Ford Ranger (previously serviced at dealers or independent shops prior to my ownership). Truck has 257K miles, I purchased new rotors, pads, seals and bearings and upon removal of the old parts and cleaning, I am noticing a few marks and discoloration on the spindle and would like to know if this is normal or I need to replace the spindles. I did some searching on the various forums and tried to look at some Videos and photos but can not determine if what I have is normal. Please see Photo attached. Any help is greatly appreciated, Happy Holidays! :)

 

If you run your finger over each worn out section, does your nail catch in any grooves? Do the surfaces feel uneven? If so, the steering knuckle/spindle assembly will need to be replaced.

 

Thank You for your reply. Yes the outer (smaller diameter) portion of the spindle has area(s) where my finger nail catches on it. When I placed the outer bearing on the spindle it seems to be in the middle of where the bearing sits not the outer edge or the inner edge. Any recommendations for a brand to replace it with?

 

Apparently there's a company (AutoShack) that makes new ones on Ebay. It's up to you whether you want to go that route, or try to find used. Finding used ones can be difficult if the junkyard selling them doesn't take clear pictures of the spindle.

 

I hear you! I was actually thinking of just buying Motorcraft and be done with it.

 

I am sure it's the time of year and with the Holiday season shipping will take too long for me and I need the truck back on the road. Any input as to what will happen if I just place the new bearings, seal and new rotors on that spindle?

 

So the story continues, I start working on the Left Side and this is what I find: See Photo. It appears that at one time someone had to cut something off and cut partially into the spindle and the grooves and roughness on the spindle are much worse than the right side.

 

Thanks for the replies and input.

I ended up purchasing the genuine Ford Spindles from a local dealer for a competitive price (about $50 more for both sides than one Dorman listed on Rock-Auto) and not have to worry about an aftermarket part. For reference to those that may end up having to go thru this here are some part numbers:

This is for a 2003 2WD, 3.0L Coil Springs
Left side Knuckle/Spindle 5L5Z3106AA
Right Side Knuckle/Spindle 5l5Z3105AA

NOTE: If you have the torsion bars the part number ends in BA

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

Glad you were able to find a solution and that OEM was still available. OEM is always the best choice when it comes to parts.

 

At 257K miles after all was said and done, I ended up replacing both spindles, the inner and outer tie rods, both upper control arms and lower ball joints and 2 new rotors with new inner and outer bearings and seals, now to get it aligned.