Wheel Bearing: Adjustments

Wheel Bearing Adjustment

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Block the vehicle rear wheels.
3. Lift the vehicle frame until the front tire is off the ground.

Notice: Refer to Crossmember Support Notice in Cautions and Notices.

4. Support the frame using suitable safety stands




5. Remove the bolts (1) and the washers (2). (The illustration shows a wheel hub with disc brakes, but you will perform the bearing adjustment in the same manner for any kind of axle.)
6. Remove the hub cap (3) and the gasket (4). DO NOT allow the gasket material to fall into the hub, where applicable.
7. Remove the cotter pin (6).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

8. Adjust the nut (5).

Tighten the nut to 153 Nm (113 lb ft) while rotating the wheel 360 degrees in both directions. This rotation will correctly position the bearings.

Important: Always back off the nut 1/4-1/6 turn. This adjustment should result in bearing end play of 0.025-0.200 mm (0.001-0.008 in).


9. Back off the nut 1/4-1/6 turn until the slot in the nut lines up with hole in the spindle (16) of the steering knuckle.
10. Install a new cotter pin (6). Bend the cotter pin for proper clearance of the rotating components.
11. Install a new gasket (4) and align the gasket properly. Attach the hub cap (3).
12. Install the hub cap bolts (1) with new washers (2).

Tighten the hub cap bolts evenly to 13 Nm (115 lb in).




13. Add new lubricant to the oil lubricated bearings only. Refer to Adding Lubricant to Hub Caps Procedures.
14. Remove the safety stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.