Thread: End Float Gauge

Don’t set bearings by end float. Just give them a bit of preload.

On the Puma 2.2 you need to determine the end float to know which spacer to order?

My research has found quality bearings are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances so I’d be comfortable reusing the existing spacer. The other option is to convert to the old style two nut system. On our 2011 Defender I’ve converted to the two nut system and also kept the spacer doing the first nut up tight with a breaker bar and locking it with the outer, this gives me workable options (such as remove the spacer and use the traditional preload method) on trips if I have a failure rather the than the one replaceable nut that is done up to 360ft/lb.

I recently rebuilt the destroyed bearings for a friend in their TD5.
Used the spacer system.
Some numpty didn't use a spacer and just tightened the bearing up, and completely destroyed the front assembly.
So we didn't have a base point to rebuild from.


I didn't have a dial gauge, so had to buy one. From memory low $100's from a local tool shop.
They didn't have a Mitutoyo gauge in stock at the time, so went with what they had.

Moore and Wright 0-10mm (400 series) branded gauge plus a stand. They were separate items, but they had the two items as a sale item. Happy enough with the price.

0.01mm resolution is more than adequately and did the job for a home mechanic.

My personal choice between the twin nut vs spacer .. I prefer the spacer.

Annoying that you need to have spacers at hand, but it feels like a more positive(reassuring) reassembly method.
I would also re-use the current spacer with new bearings.
The spacers are horrendously expensive for what they are tho!

Originally Posted by Rolly

On the Puma 2.2 you need to determine the end float to know which spacer to order?

Change to the older, normal wheel bearing setup. The new design it stupid. Wheel bearings are the last place fixed bearing spacers should ever be used.

If your not keen to convert to the two nut system on the older defers than I have a dial gauge on the Northside of Brisbane you can borrow....although realise you get a selection of spacers or shims.

Any dial indicator or finger gauge with mag base would do.

M055 - M055 Magnetic Base and Dial Indicator | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

Originally Posted by W&KO

Any dial indicator or finger gauge with mag base would do.

M055 - M055 Magnetic Base and Dial Indicator | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

Thanks Mate. I've just ordered it!