Wheel Bearing Adjustment

Wheel Bearing Adjustment

Preliminary Inspection

Note: Ensure the brakes are fully released and do not drag.

Pull or push the tire at the top back and forth in order to test the wheel bearing play.

* Use a pry bar under the tire as an alternative.
* If the wheel bearing adjustment is correct, the movement will be barely noticeable.
* If the movement is excessive, adjust the bearings.

Adjustment Procedure

Note: There are two different style of wheel bearing nut wrenches to match the different style of adjusting nuts and they are NOT interchangeable. Use the correct wrench when adjusting the wheel bearing.

Special Tools
* CH 49794 - Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench
* CH 50636 - Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Rear Drive Axle.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
2. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.




3. Remove the adjuster nut retainer (1).




4. Remove the adjuster nut lock key (1).





Note: If the wheel hub assembly DOES NOT fully seat itself onto the axle shaft and is removed, the wheel hub seal must be replaced.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

5. Using the CH 49794 - wrench or the CH 50636 - wrench (1), tighten the wheel bearing adjusting nut:

* Rotate the hub in the opposite direction to the way the adjuster nut is turning.
* Ensure that the inner bearing and the seal are completely seated against the axle shoulder.
* Tighten the adjusting nut to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).

6. Using the CH 49794 - wrench or the CH 50636 - wrench (1), turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the nut is loose.

Note: Torque on the nut must be zero to finger tight.

7. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise until the nut contacts the bearing cone.




8. Install the rear wheel bearing adjusting nut key (1).

Note: Do not turn the adjusting nut more than one slot counterclockwise to align the adjusting nut slot with the keyway in the axle.

9. If the rear wheel bearing adjusting nut key (1) can not be installed, turn the rear wheel bearing adjusting nut (1) counterclockwise until the rear wheel bearing adjusting nut (1) and the keyway in the axle are aligned.




10. Install the adjuster nut retainer (1).
11. Install the rear axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
12. Inspect the lubricant level and add, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (8.6, 9.5 LD Axle) Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (8.6, 9.5 LD Axle)Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (10.5 Inch Axle) Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (10.5 Inch Axle)Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (11.5 Inch Axle) Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (11.5 Inch Axle).
13. Lower the vehicle.