Home > categories > Mechanical Parts & Fabrication Services > Needle Bearings > Any one want to give me some pointers on how to tighten down front wheel bearings on a 1987 GMC v-1500 4x4?
Question:

Any one want to give me some pointers on how to tighten down front wheel bearings on a 1987 GMC v-1500 4x4?

I have to replace my front wheel bearings on my truck.Can you point me in the right direction on how to tighten them down correctly after installation.How tight do i make the axle nut or anything that may have to do while i'm replacing them.Thanks.

Answer:

G.M. recommends several different methods, but the most simple is the best. Your pick-up has disc brakes, and this is a factor in the procedure. After cleaning and packing the bearings, and assembling the hub and rotor assembly, with the appropriate socket tighten the FIRST retaining nut until it stops. You will feel it bottom out. Spin the hub/rotor assembly several times and tighten again until it bottoms out. Do NOT apply pre-load. Merely tight is sufficient. At this point, controversy arises. Some will advise to install the lock ring and outer nut at this position. It isn't wrong, it is just that if you back the nut off approximately 1/6th to 1/3rd of a turn, and then secure it with the lock and outer nut, the bearings will run just a BIT cooler,and the fact that the rotor isn't held rigid will allow the pads a bit longer life, and it won't affect either safety or alignment. Good Luck
try getting a Haynes or a Chilton manual on the truck they have them in libraries and parts stores. also pay attention to how you take it off and how tight things are

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