Setting Up Preload

To follow up on our previous story on Tapered Roller Bearings here are a few tips on a proper preload set up. Since setting it up the wrong way is the most common mistake it is important to learn how to do it properly. If you set up your bearing too tight it will move due to the taper of the rollers. On the other hand, if it is loose then the wheel will move around on the spindle and the load will not be even. 

To check for insufficient preload you want to lift up the wheel and grab the top of the tire with one hand and the bottom with the other one (6 and 12 o’clock respectively). After that you have to push the top away from you and pull the bottom of the tire towards you. If during this you will feel any kind of movement this means that there is an issue with the preload.

To set preload follow the steps bellow:

- Install the fully greased inner and outer bearings.

- Tighten up the nut while turning the wheel or hub 10 complete revolutions. 

- Loose the nut enough to release all previous load. While turning the wheel, tighten the preload adjustment one nut castellation. Turn the wheel couple more times and then check it. If you feel any movement it means that it should be more tight. When you feel it is good enough you can place the locking nut and cotter pin together with the grease cap.

If the wheel bearing needs to be changed you must also install the new race. 

Based on article by Successful Farming