How tight is to tight?

Gnant · Post by **Gnant** » February 3, 2009, 7:20 pm

Figured that would get your attention.

Seriously though, I have put my hub back together. Got the bearings pressed in all the way and got it back on the truck. My question is how much do I tighten it? I got it good and snug then backed off just a bit (1/8th a turn). The tire rotates freely with minimal drag. Any tighter and it drags pretty good. Is there a torque setting I should use or is it just by feel?

Sean

Gary Seymour · Post by **Gary Seymour** » February 3, 2009, 7:26 pm

I believe the method is to have the wheel and tire mounted. Give the tire a good spin and tighten the nut until the wheel stops. Then back it off 1/8 turn and little more if needed to get the cotter hole lined up with the slots in the retainer.

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 3, 2009, 9:02 pm

I agree with backing it out 1/8 turn. That's how I do mine.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » February 3, 2009, 9:25 pm

1/8 - 1/4 depending on how it feels when you spin it. not supposed to torque much on it to begin with.

jwh f-100 · Post by **jwh f-100** » February 3, 2009, 9:50 pm

For freshly packed bearings here is my 2cents

Torque it down, spin wheel, loosen, spin, torque it down, spin ect. ect. ect. This will "seat/compress" the grease so you will get a acurate adjustment.

After that tighten to the point you can feel just a slight "slop/movement" by rocking the wheel at 12:00 and 6:00.. The way I was taught is if you do not feel any movement at all it is too tight... Also coter pins are cheap, you could always take a little ride and recheck it...

johnny · Post by **johnny** » February 3, 2009, 10:20 pm

uummm when you can turn the 12" pipe wrench any more than its to tight

John

Gnant · Post by **Gnant** » February 4, 2009, 9:50 am

Glad to see no question is to novice. I have to make a trip to Napa because I lost the retainer cap. Looked for over an hour, don't know where it went. Poof... just disappeared. Argggggggg!

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » February 4, 2009, 9:58 am

Happens all the time...

I typically do the 1/8 trick then run it for a day or two then re loosen and re tighten it for a final. gives the bearings time to work and correctly seat.

See you on Saturday.

Garbz

BigTim · Post by **BigTim** » February 4, 2009, 10:04 am

Gnant wrote:I have to make a trip to Napa because I lost the retainer cap.

Buying another and then using it so that it can't be returned is a sure way to find the lost cap.

Roger Carter · Post by **Roger Carter** » February 4, 2009, 1:51 pm

Some people prefer a defined process. Here is how the Ford Service Manual describes tightening front wheel bearings in F-100/250 two wheel drive trucks.

Tighten the spindle nut to 20 ft/lbs while spinning the hub assembly.
Install the castellated cover over the spindle nut, aligning the cotter pin holes in the cover and spindle.
Back off the spindle nut and cover one hole.
Install cotter pin and bearing cap.

I usually do this a couple times, spinning the hub forwards and backwards, to seat freshly packed wheel bearings. Have never had a wheel bearing problem.
Hope this is helpful.

Roger Carter