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Trailer Maintenace
How do I adjust my bearings?
What is the objective of the bearing adjustment procedure?
The objective is to achieve proper and consistent bearing adjustment, targeting .001” – .005” of end-play between the spindle and hub.
What components need to be fully assembled for the bearing adjustment?
The components include the spindle, hub with bearing races (cones), bearing cups, oil seal, castle nut, and washers (flat washer, D-washer, tang washer as specified in the BOM for the end unit).
How should the castle nut be initially tightened?
With the spindle secured at the axle mounting end, tighten and torque the castle nut to 450 to 500 inch pounds while rotating or oscillating the hub. Ensure a minimum of three complete rotations of the hub about the spindle to fully seat and align the bearing rollers within the cones and cups.
What should be done after initially tightening the castle nut?
Loosen the castle nut 1/6 of a turn (one flat or one slot of the castle nut). Check that the hub rotates freely on the spindle without any obvious internal friction. If friction is felt, loosen the castle nut 1/6 of a turn more. Ensure the cotter pin will pass through the castle nut slot and spindle drilling, or that the tang washer is correctly oriented.
What if the castle nut slot or flat does not align with the cotter pin hole or tang washer tab after loosening 1/6 turn?
Loosen the castle nut a little more until alignment is achieved.
How do you check for proper end-play?
Check end-play by pulling outward on the hub with both hands. There should be no movement detected. If movement is detected, repeat the tightening, loosening, and checking steps.
What is the final step in securing the castle nut?
Insert the cotter pin and bend the legs around the castle nut, or bend the tang washer tabs to lock the castle nut in place.
What should be done if end-play movement is detected after the second adjustment attempt?
Set the assembly aside for Quality Control to check end-play with a dial indicator.