Timing for repacking wheel bearings.

[FlyStar]

Thanks for that tip to check the U bolt torque. Was not on my radar but prepping for big winter trip tomorrow. I’ll add it to my list. Book says 65 ft lbs for my 5200 lb axles. Love the forum for good stuff like this.

[BobinICT]

Scott,

Full force can range widely based on strength, and weight of the tech where a torque wrench gets it perfect every time. But folks can do what they feel is best.

Checking U bolts is very important, especially when new. A torque wrench on those is critical IMO.

Jim

Great reminder, checking U bolts was another thing on my list to do and it slipped my mind. I was planning to get under there anyway to borescope the interior of the brake drums so I can knock out two items while doing so.

[Cate&Rob]

It is important to understand the purpose of torquing the spindle nut to 50 lb-ft after reassembly. This is to make sure that bearings and races are seated properly and aligned. Thus, this step is most important if a race and bearing have been replaced. I rotate the hub slowly while increasing the torque slowly and about the time I reach 50 lb-ft, I can't move the hub by hand. As mentioned earlier, the hub should be held in this exact position while the nut is relaxed and set to finger tight (or slightly less). It is OK to have a barely perceptible amount of play in the final position. There should be no preload. This is because once everything warms up to operating temperature, that small amount of play will be gone.

Rob

[familytruckster4]

Scott,

Full force can range widely based on strength, and weight of the tech where a torque wrench gets it perfect every time. But folks can do what they feel is best.

Checking U bolts is very important, especially when new. A torque wrench on those is critical IMO.

Jim

I understand what you are saying but Dexter doesnt seem to be worried about the slight variances since thats what they call out in their manual as well as the video I linked to.
U-bolts are a definite on the torque wrench.
I always set my wheel lugs initially with a torque wrench but experience has taught me that the cordless impact I carry will set them around 80 ft lbs and my breaker bar finishes the job. Even without the torque wrench I can get them + or - 2 ft lbs. Not sure if I am lucky or just that good either way it works.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Scott,

Full force can range widely based on strength, and weight of the tech where a torque wrench gets it perfect every time. But folks can do what they feel is best.

Checking U bolts is very important, especially when new. A torque wrench on those is critical IMO.

Jim

I agree wholeheartedly. I have several torque wrenches and use them regularly. Until you use a torque wrench you don't realize how 'not very tight' 30ftlb's is.

I check my u-bolts everytime I do bearing service.

Edit***. Ha Ha...Just realized that the Truckster has the same name as me...Was kind of wondering why you were addressing me directly about using a torque wrench...lol