KIC Catalog

Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedures

PREFACE

The following Recommended Practice is subject to the

Disclaimer at the front of TMC’s Recommended Main-

tenance Practices Manual. Users are urged to read the

Disclaimer before considering adoption of any portion of

this Recommended Practice.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this Recommended Procedure is to achieve

a verifiable wheel bearing end play of 0.001” to 0.005”

(0.025 mm to 0.127 mm).

SCOPE

The following service procedures apply to steer, drive,

and trailer axle assemblies using conventional double

nut or single nut systems. Follow these service proce-

dures carefully to prevent premature wheel end compo-

nent failure and increase seal and bearing life.

ABS (anti-lock braking systems) and traction control

systems with wheel end sensing require precise bearing

adjustment to function properly.

This Recommended Practice details proper service pro-

cedures for D-type, bendable-type, and dowel-type

spindle nut washers.

NOTE: For single nut self-locking systems, consult

manufacturers’ instructions.

If you have a system that differs from what is indicated in

this procedure, consult the vehicle manufacturer’s rec-

ommended procedure.

WARNING: Never work under a unit supported by

only a jack. Always support the vehicle with stands.

Block the wheels and make sure the unit will not roll

before releasing brakes.

CAUTION: If your axle is equipped with spoke

wheels and the rim clamps have been disassembled

to remove the tire and rim assembly, the tire and rim

assembly must be reinstalled and the rim clamps

properly torqued BEFORE adjusting the wheel bear-

ings. Failure to do this

may result in improper wheel bearing adjustment.

REFERENCES

TMC RP 622,

Wheel Seal and Bearing Removal, Instal-

lation and Maintenance.

PROCEDURES

Step 1:

Lubricate the bearing with clean axle lubricant

of the same type used in the axle sump or hub

assembly.

IMPORTANT

(a) In oil bath systems that rely on differential fill to

provide lubricant to the wheel seals, do not pack

bearings with grease before installation. Grease

will temporarily restrict or prevent the proper cir-

culation of axle lubricant and may contribute to

wheel seal failure.

(b) Never use an impact wrench to adjust wheel

bearings.

Step 2:

After the wheel hub and bearings are assembled