Wheel bearing adjustment question

[Steve]

My car failed it's annual heath check on the left front wheel bearing today.I've got all the replacement parts and looking in the manual,it says to tighten the adjusting nut to 90 inch-pounds.Do I not have to back off the nut so you can barely move the thrust washer with a screwdriver?

 

[sixgunrunner68]

That sounds about right to me. It's only a light preload on the bearings. (7.5 ft.lbs.) I would only back it off if the cotter pin doesn't line up, otherwise lock it down.
Spin the hub and tighten the nut at the same time, then back it off slightly. Repeat this two or three times then give it the final torque. This will set the bearings for you.

 

[Steve]

That sounds about right to me. It's only a light preload on the bearings. (7.5 ft.lbs.) I would only back it off if the cotter pin doesn't line up, otherwise lock it down.
Spin the hub and tighten the nut at the same time, then back it off slightly. Repeat this two or three times then give it the final torque. This will set the bearings for you.

Thanks Marty

 

[sixgunrunner68]

 

[Basketcase]

what Marty said! you able to get you car out finally I take it Steve?

 

[69hemibeep]

My car failed it's annual heath check on the left front wheel bearing today.
Dr. Steve, do you give it its exam or does your health care cover birds :jester:

 

[Steve]

what Marty said! you able to get you car out finally I take it Steve?

Yes Dave.It's been almost 3 months,if I'd known it was going to be that long,I would have left it parked at my Mum's house.I've missed a load of shows as a result.Next door kept appologising as she didn't expect the work to drag on so long or cause me the inconvenience it has.On the plus side I've gained an extra 3 inchs space on the width of my driveway which makes getting the beeper in and out a piece of piss so it's not all bad

Bob,not me mate all cars have to go for a Ministry of Transport (MOT test) every year to check they are roadworthy.I rather take a trip to the dentist I'll tell ya..I hate going

 

[Steve]

Took the car out for a proper run today(20 or so miles) and when I got back I felt the front hub and it was hot.Not red hot,you could touch it but hot,the brake drum was cool though.Is this normal or does the nut need backing off a tad? I torqued it to 7.5ft/lbs as per the book.

 

[sixgunrunner68]

I wouldn't back the nut off. I'm assuming that you packed the hub with grease along with the bearings themselves right? There will be some heat generated normally.

 

[Steve]

I wouldn't back the nut off. I'm assuming that you packed the hub with grease along with the bearings themselves right? There will be some heat generated normally.

Yes Marty,packed bearings and hub correctly.I've never done a wheel bearing before and I was just worried about it getting hot.I don't want to burn out my new bearings and have to start all over again.

 

[sixgunrunner68]

I wouldn't back the nut off. I'm assuming that you packed the hub with grease along with the bearings themselves right? There will be some heat generated normally.

Yes Marty,packed bearings and hub correctly.I've never done a wheel bearing before and I was just worried about it getting hot.I don't want to burn out my new bearings and have to start all over again.

It doesn't sound like there's any problem to me. If you had said smoke was bellowing out of the wheel, well maybe.. You have to remember that there is friction on a bearing and it's going to develop some heat. As long as you're not getting burned when you touch it, don't sweat it. If you want just check the torque on the nut and make sure it's still right.

 

[Basketcase]

yeah Steve, what Marty said. warm yeah, too hot to touch no. just for piece of mind, jack up the wheel, and see if it's snug.