Following the ST-12 in adjusting the front wheel bearings. It states to tighten to around 30 ft/lbs, spin the wheel, back off, and then retighten to around 12 ft/lbs. Did this, and still have a little play in the bearing. Tightening further makes the play go away. But now I'm afraid I've overtightened them. Hard to be sure, but they're probably at around 25 ft/lbs now. What's the harm in having them too tight?
C1 Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment Question
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Re: C1 Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment Question
Chris -
If they're too tight (and 25 lb-ft. IS too tight), it will destroy the bearings and/or races. Make sure the races are squarely seated on the spindle and in the hub and adjust them per the ST-12.- Top
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Re: C1 Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment Question
Chris -
If the races/bearings are squarely installed, there should be essentially no play with 12 ft-lb. torque on the nut; ball bearings require a slight amount of preload (as opposed to roller bearings, which require ZERO preload and .001"-.008" end play for proper operation). With the ball bearings, you torque the spindle nut to 12 ft-lb. while spinning the wheel and insert the cotter pin, or back the nut off just enough to line up the next nearest combination of either vertical or horizontal pin hole and nut slot; with roller bearings, you do the same process, except you back the nut off one full flat and insert the pin, or no more than an additional half-flat to line up the pin holes (that's what creates the .001"-.008" required end play).- Top
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Re: C1 Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment Question
Chris, It sounds like something is binding when you tighen the sprinle nut. I would check the threads on the spindle and nut and also check the washer to make sure the tang is sliding freely in the spindle keyway. Also check to make sure the grease retainer stamped steel washer that fits between the backing plate and the inside bearing inner race is not bent. The inner race should be a light slip fit to the spindle which will allow the grease retainer to center as the bearing is tighened.- Top
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Re: roller bearings
THERE IS NOT, REPEAT, THERE IS NOT a bearing number crossover for the roller bearings!!!!!!!!!!!! They ar strictly a SPECIAL import bearing which fits 53-62 Vette and 49-54 passenger. You can go through other aftermarket sources for the roller bearings (if you like paying more), but Allied is the VERY CHEAPEST source and if you ask for the "Corvette Club" discount, the price for a full set is less than $100. Roy Braatz was the first to point this out years ago! I am continually amazed at how FEW people take advantage of this simple, but substantial upgrade which can NEVER be detected by judges. I first ordered a set immediately after he published the info and have since ordered several sets, always with improved front wheel stability.- Top
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