The amount of end play, or preload, existing in a mounted pair
of bearings is vital to a vehicle's performance. Too tight or
too loose of a preload can result in a damaged bearing or
alignment problems. Seals, brake components and tire operation
may also be affected, according to the experts at The Timken
Company.
In addition, improper bearing setting can negatively impact
factory settings of camber and toe. To help technicians safely
maintain tapered, the company has developed the following guide
for both passenger car non-driven wheels and independent
suspension rear axles:
Setting for passenger car non-driven
There are several mounting methods for tapered single roller
bearings. Some are more common than others. One of the most
popular methods is mounting and adjusting the bearing setting
with a bottle cap stamping, hexagonal nut, cotter pin and
threaded shaft. This approach is typically used on passenger
car front wheels in combination with a hardened tongue washer
between the outboard bearing’s inner ring and the adjusting
nut.
To adjust the setting of this bearing:
- Tighten the nut while turning the hub. When there is a
slight bind on the bearing, the parts are seated correctly.
- Back off the nut one-sixth to one-fourth of a turn, or
sufficiently to allow .001" to .007" of end play. Failure to
back off adjusting the nut could cause the bearing to run hot
and become damaged. The wheel could also lock or separate.
- Place the bottle-cap-type stamping over the nut and
insert the cotter pin to prevent the nut from backing off.