Wheel bearing technique

[County3.9]

For years I've set my County wheel bearings using a dial gauge, exactly as per the LR manual, usually requiring many goes until the play is right after tightening the outer nut...and for years I've had to readjust them within 12 months I reckon the dial gauge method is too loose!!

What do the wise and knowledgeable ones out there reckon and what's your technique????

Oh, and I don't have a dial gauge anymore so I'm particularly interested in non dial gauge tips

[Bearman]

I have found with the county that you have to have the bearings tightened up pretty tight. I dont use a dial gauge or tension wrench but nip them up until they are tight but no rolling resistance. My experience is that unless they are tight you get steering wander and drive flange wear..........Brian

[Blknight.aus]

crank the inner hub nut up as tight as you can
turn the wheel at least 3 times
back of the inner nut (dont let the wheel move)
do the inner nut up till it just touches
slide on the lock tab
do up the outer nut to about 50nm
fold the lock tab.

[JDNSW]

I set mine using the dial gauge but set the free play about half that specified. The secret is to tighten it too tight, then, as Dave says, spin the wheel a number of times. Without a dial gauge get it so there is no perceptible drag, but just barely perceptible movement on the rim of the tyre. Check for too tight by feeling the hub temperature after driving a few kilometres.

I must be doing something right - at 490,000km still have all the original wheel bearings and drive flanges.

John

[Chucaro]

Dave and John are spot on, this procedure never fail

[p38arover]

The Disco 1 manual says to do them with a tension wrench - which is how I do them..

13. Fit hub adjusting nut. Tighten to 61 Nm.
14. Back off adjusting nut 90°. Tighten to 4 Nm.
This will give the required hub end float of
0,010mm
15. Fit a new lock washer.
16. Fit locknut. Tighten to 61 Nm.
17. Tab over lock washer to secure adjusting nut
and locknut.
18. Fit a new joint washer to driving member and fit
member to hub and secure with five bolts.
Tighten to 65 Nm.

[Grimace]

I got to adjust mine... AGAIN... hopefully I get it right this time (third time lucky)