I'm looking at parts to redo my brakes, and I come across a spindle nut kit. Ok, great, it looks like a castle nut, washer and cotter pin that you remove before removing the rotor, however there is also this odd retainer/cage/whatever in the kit. I searched around a bit and saw in the how to redo your brakes technical article just about the only mention of this cage and that it goes between the castle nut and the washer.

First, here is the kit, it's a Dorman part #05109.
http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/ge...imageurl=http%

Second, why have I never heard of or seen that cage/retainer before? Is there a reason to have it or a reason to use the replacement from the kit? Did they come on the car from the factory and if so, why would someone toss out a part, regardless of how useless it might seem, especially involving the spindle.

Also, it does go between the nut and the washer, correct? In case I get this kit and use the retainer.

 

i could be wrong but i think you put it in b4 the castle nut to prevent the grease from leaking out cause i know it will leak past the cap that you have to tap on last

 

My 92 has that setup. The retainer/cage goes over the nut, and the assembly serves as the castle nut. It's easier to line up the hole for the cotter pin because you don't have to back the nut off as much, just fit it over the nut until one of the holes lines up

If you have a castle nut, the cage isn't necessary. It goes over a regular nut of the same size.

 

Ah ha, that explains it. That goes over a regular nut and not a castle nut. Very interesting. It does seem a bit more convenient, not having to back off the castle nut, but since I've nevr had issue with mine, I'll leave it be. At least now I know for the future if I ever need to use those.

 

The spindle nut setup with the cage is better. The '92s came with it from the factory. It allows a finer resolution over the wheel bearing end play. If you have access to a dial indicator that is the best way to set up the end play.

Shoot for 2 to 3 thou. No more then 5 thou, 1 thou minimum. On cold bearings.

RBob.