Checking Front Wheel Bearings

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Jun 29, 2009 | 09:51 PM

103Eagle

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Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

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Checking Front Wheel Bearings

Hey All, front wheel is off, getting tire mounted. Something just don't seem right. The axle spins freely in the inner race of the bearings. The race does not turn. I tried to turn the inner race with my finger but it was next to impossible. Seems to me that the axle should be tight in the race and the inner race/axle sould rotate together within the outer race. Am I missing something here? Is the crush or side load what holds the axle to the inner race? Confused as usual.............

Thanks

Jun 29, 2009 | 10:39 PM

Northside

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 103Eagle

Think about it man, If the axle was tight (press fit) in the inner race how are you gonna change the wheel easily? If it's a slip fit, it would spin on the axle, especially if you grease it or use anti sieze on the axle so it slides in easily. The spacers of course hold the inner race stationary with the axle and wheel rotates with the outer race pressed into the wheel and the ***** or rollers doing their thing in between. The inner should spin freely until it's held by the spacer.

Jun 30, 2009 | 04:35 AM

AlCherry

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Rye, By God, Deep East Texas

When I did a tire swap on my EGC, I darn near had to stand on the breaker bar to get the front axle nut off. (overtorque from the factory) I did the wheel bearing check as per the FACTORY shop manual, and the front and rear bearings met the rejection criteria. My dealer checked them and replaced them. If the inner race does not spin freely, your bearing is no good and you need to replace it. Once again, check it per your FACTORY MANUAL. Replace the bearing and Reinstall the wheel and use the proper torque.