Pre-load for the swivels?

[TeZZaP]

Hi all

What is the correct pre-load for the swivels - I've looked at the Haynes manual, LRO magazine articles and both the SII + SIII manuals and they range from 8-10lb to 14-16lb... what should it be and does it really matter that much how accurate it is?

TeZZa

[JDNSW]

In my experience the actual figure is not all that critical, although probably better on the higher side, as wear will inevitably decrease it.

I note that the S2a manual give 14 - 16lbs for the older cone type bearing but only 12-14 for the railko type, and I would be reluctant to go lower than this. Also, if you are using tyres wider than the standard ones, you might want to consider increasing the figure by another pound or two.

John

[TeZZaP]

Another thing I noticed was that I set it, as per instructions without the inner oil seal in place, but once that was popped in and all the bolts on the retaining ring tightened the effort needed to pull the swivel went up by a couple of lbs, so should it be set without the big oil seal in place?

[JDNSW]

Another thing I noticed was that I set it, as per instructions without the inner oil seal in place, but once that was popped in and all the bolts on the retaining ring tightened the effort needed to pull the swivel went up by a couple of lbs, so should it be set without the big oil seal in place?

Yes, definitely. The specified figure is without the big seal. It is also without the half axle, but that won't make a significant difference. Some people add a couple of pounds and set it with the seal in place, but the problem is that the drag of that seal is unpredictable, and in any case it should be positioned after the preload is set, as this slightly changes the position of the swivel housing relative to the ball (particularly going from a position of actual free play) and not repositioning the seal may lead to an oil leak. (Actually, many swivel oil leaks are due to loose swivels).

John