Front Wheel Bearing Play

[dariusluke]

Hey forum,

We are happily on the way in Portugal with new discs and wheel bearings, again thanks for previous help!

I would like to know however what amount of play is acceptable, whether it is necessary to jack up the van to check the play, and if new wheel bearings need to be slightly tightened.

The drivers side has a bit more play when rocking the wheel while parked, I am prepared to tighten it a little.
The guys in France fitted them and were well aware that they should not be overtight, but advised me to check them after a week.
Is too much play bad and will it damage the bearing?

Darius

[multisi]

You need to jack up the van to check. They need a little play, but do not tighten up too much, they will overheat . The nut should be punched into the gap to prevent it turning so should not need checking again after a week .

[dariusluke]

Thanks,

I would have thought they don't need attention for a long while.

But how much play is acceptable? I am going to jack it up and have a look.

Darius

[California Dreamin]

Taper roller bearings should not be 'loaded' as such and as long as the races (the bearing seats) have been drifted all the way home there shouldn't be any need to re-adjust so soon after fitment.
Play is needed to allow for expansion and will cause no harm to the bearings. On the other hand, over tightening will cause the bearings to overheat and fail prematurely.
As a rough guide, you can gauge the correct adjustment as it is the point at which the washer behind the nut can still be moved side to side with a flat blade screw driver and any tighter results in the washer locking up and not moving.

But to be honest, you won't go far wrong by tightening the nut with your fingers only, this way you just can't over-tighten and some play will remain.


Martin

[kevtherev]

Yes finger tight as suggested