BEARING INSTALLATION & ADJUSTMENT

BEARING INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT

1. Recommended Setting – Typically a trailer hub uses a washer and slotted hex nut for bearing adjustment. Hubs are usually set with a free-running clearance or end play of 0.001″ to 0.020″.  The use of a dial indicator is the only satisfactory method of checking adjustment.  (The average human hair is 0.004″)
2. Feel and Drag Method – Tighten slotted nut until hub drags slightly when rotated. (Rotating the hub while tightening the nut seats the bearing/s. Loosen the nut 1/6 turn (1 hex) to align nut slot with the cotter pin hole.  Wheel should turn freely. In sert new cotter pin through nut and spindle.  If necessary loosen, never tighten, nut to align slot with the hole in the spindle. Bend one leg of cotter pin over the end of the spindle and the other leg over the nut. tap legs slightly to set.  Cotter pin must be tight.
3. Torque Wrench Method – Make sure nut is loose. Tighten nut with torque wrench to an initial torque of 50 foot pounds.
4. Loosen nut from initial torque and finger tighten.  insert new cotter pin ao tang washer through nut and spindle.  If necessary (loosen, never tighten) nut to align slot with the hole in the spindle. Bend one leg of the cotter pin over the spindle and one leg over the nut. Tap legs slightly to set. Cotter pin must be tight