Wheel Bearing: Adjustments

Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment

Tools Required
^ J8001 Dial Indicator Set

Notice: Never preload the front wheel bearings. Damage can result by the steady load on the roller ends that comes from preloading.

Important:
^ Adjust the front wheel bearings correctly in order to ensure the front suspension functions properly.
^ The bearings must be a slip fit on the spindle.
^ Lubricate the bearings in order to ensure that the roller bearings will roll and not skid.
^ The spindle nut must have a free-running fit on the spindle threads.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands.
2. Remove the wheel cover, if used.
3. Remove the dust cap from the hub.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Remove the cotter pin.
Tighten the hub/rotor bearing nut to 16 Nm (12 ft. lbs.), while turning the wheel forward by hand. This will seat the bearings.

Important: Do not back the nut off more than 1/4 turn.

5. Adjust the nut to so that it is just loose. Then, back the nut off until the hole in the spindle aligns with a slot in the nut.
6. Install a new cotter pin.
6.1. Make sure the cotter pin ends do not interfere with the cap.
6.2. Bend the ends of the cotter pin against the nut.
6.3. Cut off any extra pin length.





7. Using the J8001, measure the endplay in the hub/rotor assembly. Proper endplay is 0.03 - 0.20 mm (0.001 - 0.008 inch).
8. Install the cap to the hub/rotor.
9. Install the wheel cover, if used.
10. Remove the safety stands.
11. Lower the vehicle.