How do you know if your wheel bearing is loose?

How do you know if your wheel bearing is loose?

If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel or tire, take note that this is very likely caused by a bad wheel bearing—especially if the noise gets louder as the vehicle accelerates. Another revealing sign of bad wheel bearings: A car that feels loose as you drive it.

How do you tighten a wheel bearing nut?

Step 1 Tighten the bearing for the first time. Thread the wheel bearing nut on until it is hand tight. Loosen the nut back to where you can turn it with your fingers. You will need to use the wrench and your fingers. Tighten the nut to where it is tightened firm once again. Use the wrench to make it as tight as possible.

When to use pre adjusted wheel bearing adjustment?

Pre-AdjustedWheel Bearing Adjustment Procedures The goal of this recommended procedure is to achieve a verifiable wheel bearing end play of 0.001” to 0.005” (.025 mm to .127 mm). This procedure applies to steer, drive and trailer axle assemblies using conventional double nut or single nut systems on Class 6, 7 and 8 trucks.

How do you adjust wheel bearings in a wheel washer?

If required, loosen the inner (adjusting) nut just enough for alignment. ** Bendable type washer lock only: Secure nuts by bending one wheel nut washer tang over the inner and outer nut. Bend the tangs over the closest flat perpendicular to the tang. Tapered Roller Bearing Adjustment Procedure RP 618A Verify end play with a dial indicator.

What happens when you adjust a tapered bearing?

A: Improper adjustment can cause either excessive tightness or looseness. Tightness results in excessive contact between bearing rollers and raceway, leading to higher temperatures, potential excessive loading, and premature bearing failure.

What’s the best way to adjust wheel bearings?

Tighten both lock nuts clockwise. Replace the wheel into the forks. Tighten both axle nuts clockwise. Move the wheel hub sideways to check lateral movement. Spin the wheel easily. You should notice light drag, and the wheel rotation should slow in less time.

What happens if you don’t tighten a wheel bearing?

However, if the bearing is not tightened enough, the bearing will loosen itself up and the entire wheel may fall off. Needless to say, tightening a wheel bearing has to be done carefully and precisely. Tighten the bearing for the first time.

How do you tighten a nut on an axle?

Tighten the nut to where it is tightened firm once again. Use the wrench to make it as tight as possible. Loosen the nut to where you can once again turn it with your fingers. We are doing this to seat the bearing on the axle and to also remove any air bubbles from the grease inside the bearing. You will do this five more times.

What’s the ideal endplay for wheel bearing adjustment?

While endplay is not the perfect wheel bearing condition, it can be accurately measured and repeated by skilled technicians who are willing to spend about 10 minutes per wheel-end to get the adjustment as close to ideal as possible. Ideal, of course, is zero endplay or slight preload.