Front wheel bearing question

KFC911 · 10-19-2003, 12:08 PM

Adjusting my front bearings for the first time, and have an issue...one side seems perfect...I can barely move the washer with a screwdriver, and there is no play at all when attempting to "rock the wheel". However, on the other side, when I am still able to move the washer a bit, I do have the very slightest bit of "play" when rocking the wheel. I tightened it up just a tiny bit till I no longer have any play in the wheel, but now I can't move the washer. I'm unsure about which is 'right', and need some advice. One other thing...the bearings have only 50K miles on them, and I don't think they're worn or anything like that. Thanks in advance!

ps: I posted this on Rennlist in a wheel bearing thread, but haven't gotten a response yet...I wanted hear from the experts on this board too.

Vipergrün · 10-19-2003, 12:22 PM

When I do mine, I basically tighten with my fingers. I am less concerned about having the washer move than I am about free play in the wheel.

-B

Early_S_Man · 10-19-2003, 12:35 PM

Ideally, the play when wheels are grabbed at the 12:00 o'clock and 6:00 o'clock positions and rocked ... will be in the 1.0 mm to 1/16" vicinity on both sides.

The screwdriver/washer method is OK for roadside emergencies, but not for actual adjustments ... because too much variation in the surface finish of the backside of the washer and how well it is lubricated! Because of previous abuse over the life of the car ... the washer can get pretty beat up ... and it is a custom part most people never replace.

If you want to adjust the bearing play to a specific value, say 0.002" ... use a dial indicator!

KFC911 · 10-19-2003, 01:18 PM

Thanks Warren! So from what you're saying (and I have a huge degree of confidence in your expertise!), is that I'm probably concerned about the wrong side. Although I can't double check right now, as I recall, the amount of play in the wheel was ever so slight...probably less than 1/16". Counter to my 'newbie intuition' (I would have thought that you wouldn't want any wheel play at all), I should have, say .002" of play wheen rocking the wheel. Now a couple of novice follow-up questions... How would I use a dial indicator to check the play...on the rotor with the wheel off or ???. Also, what are the ramifications of having the nut too tight (excessive bearing wear I assume) verses having it just a tad too loose ???. Kudos once again to this board for helping us that are 'learning as we go'!