Spitfire advice on rear axle/hub

[Bruce100]

I am pulling the rear axles on my 69 Spitfire to change the U Joints. Have the first one off, didn't take long... What else should I consider while I have it off? The car sat since 1989. I know there is a special tool to pull the hub, so I was thinking twice about that....

 

[dklawson]

Since you have it torn apart that far how about new brake shoes, checking and rebuilding/replacing the wheel cylinder, and maybe fitting a set of braided SS brake hoses? The rubber gaiter for the parking brake actuator is probably in need of replacement also. What condition are the shocks in? Also, I always clean and paint parts when I have them off a car.

 

[Trevor Triumph]

Maybe you might want to reconsider the bearings. After twenty years of no movement, dried grease and assorted crud could make a mess of it later. The hubs, I believe, must be pulled off with a factory tool, however a friend built a tool for his own use. (Years ago I watched a guy here in Phoenix use a slide hammer- didn't look like fun to me.)

 

[dklawson]

Agreed. For all the effort to get the axles off it would be false economy to not do the bearings at this time.

 

[Bruce100]

I decided to have them rebuilt by Axle Works. Already put new brake hoses/cylinders/shoes. Thank you all for the input and help.