Wheel/Brake/Bearing Question
Hi All, I was having some poor braking on our last trip so, after scolding myself for failing to adjust the brakes or lube the bearings since we got the trailer (probably 12,000 miles ago) I decide...
Forum Discussion
Tvov wrote:That basically is what preload means. Some instances will have a lot of preload, and you set the preload by measuring the amount of torque it takes to turn the shaft.
People keep saying "preload"... I take that means snugging the bearings so there is no play at all? Meaning they are tight?
Which I don't do... as all my trailer maintenance guides say, tighten the castle nut, but then back it off to fit the cotter pin in it. That allows for just a very small amount of "play" when you test the wheels.
IME wheel bearings need to have the minimum amount of preload: my Dodge calls for 18 in.lbs. That is basically just over finger tight. Like many applications a little loose is better than a little tight. Wheel bearing directions tend to err on the side of looseness.
