'97 Rear Brake / Axle Problems

[enigmabird]

My brake rotor shattered (I guess that's how 'lifetime' brake pads are lifetime - they wear out the rotor). The pieces wedged the wheel and bent the caliper bracket.

I replaced the caliper and bracket, but the rearmost bolt hole for the bracket on the (spindle? not sure what it's called) was slightly bent, too. I shimmed it thinking it'd be OK, but I drove a couple miles and it started smoking.

It didn't make any noise, but the rotor was screaming hot.

I assume the (spindle) has to be replaced. What's involved in doing that? Will I need any special tools, and what all needs to be replaced (bearings, seals, etc?)

-Dan