'96 5 lug front wheel bearing preload adjustment

I recently noticed that my front wheel bearings may have a slight bit of play in them. This is the 5 lug, which uses the 2 tapered roller bearings. Not a ton of play but enough to feel if I grab the tire and push/pull. I need to jack up the front so I can get a better idea, was just feeling with the tire on the ground. They dont make any noise or anything like that, I just wonder if they may be a tad loose. Last I checked my ball joints and tie rods were all tight.

Is it possible to just re-set the preload on the front bearings if they are in fact slightly loose? Or do I have to get new ones? Can I do this with a simple fish scale as per FSM?

I have done one of these before on a different application, but its been quite a while so I cant remember what all needs to be done.

Any tips are appreciated.

 

Yup, just set them if they are still recently greased.

Snug, back off, then gently tight. Pin it and send it.

If they are loose you can usually tell simply by hitting the tire while its in the air. It makes a distinct wobble sound.

 

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Ok I know that sound. I don't know when the last time was they were greased....I haven't done it. Been quite a while I'd say. Probably due for it. May be able to get away with just greasing the old bearing??

If I did take it apart do I need to press the old race out or??

 

We don't see a lot of serviceable bearings in my shop, I used to service them once they had too much play, or during a brake replacement.

It's a fair amount of work but its rewarding. You just need some cleaner (brake clean), bearing grease, and a new inner dust seal (many people just re-use it).

I would recommend a youtube video on repacking bearings, any 2WD truck video will do you fine.

You only change the bearing and race if they are worn, noisy, or burnt.

 

Thanks for the reply. If they are getting a bit loose is this not a sign of bearing wear? I just rolled 200k, wouldn't be surprised if they were original. Or at least been in there a long time. Would be a good time to change my brake rotors too.

 

Play is normal, they need servicing from time to time.

If you're near a brake replacement doing new rotors, bearings and pads all at the same time would be a great idea. Makes it way easier to clean with the rotor off.

 

I just put new pads on 15k ago. Rotors are so so, was hoping to get enough life out of the rotors and bearings to last till the next brake job.

So you are saying it might be as simple as just popping off the dust cap and resetting the preload to tighten it up? Or re-greasing is the only way? Like I said, just trying to get it to last till the next brake job, then I'll do it all at once.

 

If you are pressed for time, I would just snug them up. Ideally you repack them so they don't over heat and seize.

 

Ok. Well that's good to know. I figured if I had to take it apart they needed to be replaced. Didn't realize you could just repack em and run.

Do you use a tension gauge to measure preload?

 

Your new brake pads are not part of the equation. Do the work you need to do, reinstall the pads as long as the are evenly worn, not chunked or lopsided.

Even with new rotors they'll be fine, just follow a proper bedding procedure.

No tension tool needed for the bearings, follow what Bishop outlined above.

IMHO it is worth the effort to disassemble clean, inspect, repack (replace if needed)

If your current rotors measure as serviceable, just reinstall them and wait on new until needed.