Speedway Motors Deluxe 1964-74 GM Front Spindle and 11-inch Disc Brake Kit Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides an overview, features, compatibility, and general guidelines for the Speedway Motors Deluxe Front Spindle and Disc Brake Kit. This kit is designed to upgrade the front braking system of specific 1964-74 GM A/F/X Body vehicles from drum brakes to 11-inch disc brakes, enhancing stopping performance and reliability. Due to the specialized nature of automotive brake systems, professional installation is highly recommended.

Image 1.1: Complete Speedway Motors Deluxe Front Spindle and Disc Brake Kit components.

2. Product Features

• Enhanced Stopping Power: Replaces original drum brakes with 11-inch disc brakes for improved braking response and reliability.
• Complete Kit: Includes all primary components necessary for the conversion.
• Stock Height Spindles: Designed to eliminate the need for modifying existing drum brake spindles.


Image 2.1: Stock style disc brake spindles included in the kit.

• Improved Calipers: Features calipers with a larger 2-3/4" bore, sourced from 1969-77 GM midsize cars, with a 7/16"-20 inlet for greater efficiency.

Image 2.2: Brake caliper with a larger 2-3/4" bore.
• Vented Rotors: New 11-inch vented iron rotors with the original 5 on 4-3/4" wheel bolt pattern and 7/16" studs.
• Wheel Compatibility: Designed for use with 15-inch or larger disc brake compatible wheels.


Image 2.3: Vented brake rotor with 5 on 4-3/4" bolt pattern.

3. Compatibility

This kit is compatible with a range of 1964-74 GM A/F/X Body vehicles. Please verify your vehicle's specific requirements before installation.

Image 3.1: Brake backing plates and compatible vehicle list.

Compatible Vehicles:

• 1964-72 Chevelle, Malibu, El Camino
• 1967-69 Camaro, Firebird
• 1968-74 Nova, Ventura, Omega, Apollo

Important Note for A-Body Models: If installing this kit on an A-Body Oldsmobile (Cutlass, 442), Pontiac (GTO, LeMans), or Buick (Skylark, GS), it will not directly bolt on to the original spindles, even with grinding the .610" off the stud at the top. The lower bolt holes in the original spindles are 7/16" and the bracket and bolts are 1/2". The upper bolt holes on the original spindles are 1/2" with the brackets and bolts being 5/8". In these cases, replacement or modification of the spindles will be necessary.

4. Kit Contents (Setup)

The Speedway Motors Deluxe Front Spindle and Disc Brake Kit includes the following components:

Image 4.1: Visual representation of kit contents.

• Stock height disc brake spindles, pair
• 11" diameter vented brake rotors, 5 on 4-3/4" bolt pattern
• '69-77 GM style calipers (7/16"-20 inlets), Left and Right
• Caliper brackets, pair
• Organic compound brake pads, set
• Backing plates, pair
• Rubber brake lines, pair
• Outer wheel bearings
• Inner wheel bearings
• Inner wheel seals
• Set of hardware (bolts, washers, nuts, cotter pins)

5. Installation Overview (Setup)

This section provides a general overview of the installation process. Due to the critical safety nature of brake systems, it is strongly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified automotive technician. Improper installation can lead to brake failure and serious injury.

General Steps:

1. Preparation: Secure the vehicle on jack stands, remove wheels, and safely disconnect the existing drum brake components.
2. Spindle Installation: Install the new stock height disc brake spindles.
3. Rotor and Bearing Assembly: Pack wheel bearings with appropriate grease, install them with seals into the rotors, and mount the rotors onto the spindles.
4. Caliper and Bracket Installation: Attach the caliper brackets and then mount the calipers with brake pads.
5. Brake Line Connection: Connect the new rubber brake lines to the calipers and the vehicle's hard lines.
6. Bleeding the System: Thoroughly bleed the entire brake system to remove all air.
7. Final Checks: Reinstall wheels, lower the vehicle, and perform a thorough inspection and test drive in a safe area.

Safety Warning: Always use appropriate personal protective equipment. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to manufacturer specifications. Consult a service manual for your specific vehicle for detailed torque values and procedures.

6. Operation

After installation, proper operation of your new disc brake system is crucial for safety and performance.

Brake System Break-In:

New brake pads and rotors require a proper break-in procedure to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This typically involves a series of moderate stops from varying speeds, allowing the brake components to heat up and cool down gradually. Refer to the brake pad manufacturer's recommendations for specific break-in procedures.

Normal Operation:

Disc brakes operate by clamping pads against a rotating rotor, converting kinetic energy into heat. Expect a firm pedal feel and responsive stopping. Any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in pedal feel should be investigated immediately.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for the safety and performance of your disc brake system.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

• Every 6,000 miles or 6 months: Inspect brake pads for wear, rotors for scoring or warping, and calipers for leaks. Check brake fluid level and condition.
• Every 2 years or 30,000 miles: Flush and replace brake fluid.
• As needed: Replace worn brake pads and rotors. Address any signs of brake system issues promptly.

Ensure all components are clean and free of debris. Lubricate caliper slide pins with appropriate high-temperature brake grease during pad replacement.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues that may arise with disc brake systems. For complex problems, consult a qualified technician.

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Squealing/Grinding Noise:
  Possible Causes: Worn brake pads (grinding), new pads (squealing during break-in), foreign object, improper installation.
  Solutions: Inspect pads for wear, ensure proper break-in, check for debris, verify correct installation.
• Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal:
  Possible Causes: Air in the brake lines, low brake fluid, faulty master cylinder.
  Solutions: Bleed the brake system, check and top off brake fluid, inspect master cylinder.
• Vibration or Pulsation During Braking:
  Possible Causes: Warped rotors, uneven pad wear.
  Solutions: Inspect rotors for runout, replace or resurface rotors, replace pads.
• Vehicle Pulls to One Side During Braking:
  Possible Causes: Sticking caliper, uneven pad wear, contaminated brake fluid.
  Solutions: Inspect calipers for proper movement, check pads, flush brake fluid.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

Speedway Motors offers a 30-day easy return policy for this product. For specific warranty details, technical support, or further assistance, please refer to the official Speedway Motors website or contact their customer service directly.

You can visit the official Speedway Motors store for more information: Speedway Motors Store