How do you set the spindle bearing preload?

I am getting ready for a Chinmotorsports event at Roebling in March. I want to inspect the front spindles, but can't find the procedure for preloading the bearings on reassembly. Can anyone help me out? Glen

Glen,

I can't give you the correct torque spec to preload the bearings but I can explain how I and most people do this. Install lubed bearings,washer and nut. Tighten nut untill there is't any play in hub. Spin rotor a few times than tighten the nut again. Do this at least twice. Becareful not to over tighen the nut( it's a feel thing). When tightening the nut use very little torque. After you have done this install cotter pin in the nearest slot on nut. I know this is not the specs you were looking for but it's how I have allways done this. Maybe someone else will chim in with the correct torque value.

Hope this helps

David

I agee with the above post, it is a bit of feel from what I have beem shown, I have heard of spec miata racers to actually put a fish scale on the load to turn the wheel after adjusting the bearing to get the least resistance. There must be an minimun spec.? are the parts coleman?, they would know.

I agree as well with the above.
get the nut snug. using a caressent wrench add tightness to the nut while spinning the rotor. now back off the nut about a 1/16th. turn and re tighten again while spinning the rotor. once you feel the drag on the rotor see where the cotter key hole is. If you have to back it off to get it in go over the above steps again tightening harder at the stoping point.
this will assure the races are seated.
Again snug up the nut and see where the hole is. You should be able to come to a point where the cotter key will slide right in. If you have to give it an extra 1/16th. of a turn to get the key in, go for it.
That extra little tightening will assure you have a good snug bearing load.
As for specs on this, I am not sure.
Done it this way for 30 years with no problems

The scary part of this is there are millions of cars and trucks out there with wheel bearings that have been tightend this very way.

David

Thanks for the responses, I have done this procedure pretty much as you discribe on my vehicles, (except my Esprit, which has the fish scale procedure) and never expirienced any problems. Just checking before inspecting the spindles. G;-)