How to Adjust & Preload Tapered Roller Wheel Bearings (Classic Cars/Trailers) | Tech Tip 16

[@gellotion]

2001 VW Cabrio, was doing a simple rear brake job and found tapered bearings pressed into the rotor. Hadn't worked on bearings before so i backed off and called a few shops.. Dealer wanted $450 In Labor alone. An independent shop said $375 including parts.. they refused to use the Brembo pads and rotors i had already bought online and i didn't want to hassle with a return and heavy shipping costs. Watched a bunch of videos but this was the first one to really explain how to do the job. Back to doing it myself...Thanks for saving me the cash!

[@FastRust]

That's what it's all about! Glad to be of service

[@Cressida_mx73]

Almost no other car channel I've found explained this simply. Thank you

[@FastRust]

Cheers Jordan 👍🏻

[@felipevalles8041]

I learn myself how to tight this kind of bearings,get a long 27mm socket and tight then by hand,I did it that way on my 01 Explorer Sport Trac..leaving no play at all but making sure the spinning is free and smooth like butter.,thanks for the video👍🏻

[@FastRust]

Smooth like butter, that's what you're looking for! Cheers.

[@davidwrenford4291]

That answered my question very well. Thankyou

[@timsmith8687]

Thank you for a great video very informative.

[@darrylcampbell4411]

Cheers Bro from NZ best informative vid Ive seen yet on this simple yet money saving techneek. Will do mine tomorrow.

[@FastRust]

Thanks mate. You'll soon get a feel for it 👍

[@gellotion]

Best Video i've seen on this!

[@M70ACARRY]

My 2002 Kia Rio uses different width spacers to adjust preload. there are 21 different spacers to choose from. A special tool is required,as well.

[@FastRust]

Sadly this sounds about right, the modern take on a classic reliable design made overly complicated and totally un-serviceable by the at-home-mechanic. Sigh. Sorry to hear it.

[@musicmandz]

thanks i was looking for bearing model

[@DTUFINOPhotography]

My wheels on my FX35 do not move freely and smoothly, i was thinking of replacing all 4 wheel bearings as i just replaced my brake pads and rotors!

[@ETA555]

Love your videos. Entertaining and useful information.

[@FastRust]

Thanks Jonas 👍 Got a few more lined up in coming months.

[@thepatchgamer5259]

yo good job man keep up the good work

[@FastRust]

You're back! Thanks dude.

[@alanw5812]

This video is same of other videos,they teach you how to hand feel,HOW TO HAND FEEL ? I do is,most wheel bearings between the nut and the bearing have a washer,that washer between the shaft have a gap,first I tighten the nut until the washer won't move by a screwdriver, make sure 12:00 4:00 and 8:00,all need to use the screwdriver to move,and don't damage the bearing,and then loose the nut about 5° each time until the washer start to move .I do this way from a car to big truck,hope this can help people they don,t have special tools.

[@FastRust]

Not familiar with this method but seems logical. However, it won't work in this particular case as the washer is keyed so it cannot rotate.

[@alanw5812]

@@FastRust I mean not rotate the washer,just use the screwdriver to move three positions ,hope you understand.

[@alanw5812]

May be I should make a video to teach people how to do it.

[@FastRust]

I get you. Will have a go next time. Cheers. Post a link when you do the vid 👍

[@timsmith8687]

Thank you good video, great tips.

[@FastRust]

Thanks Tim glad it helped

[@ajma1966]

Nice break disks! Are they compatible with Escort's OEM wheels?

[@FastRust]

Yes absolutely. You will need to run a caliper spacer kit and remove the dust shields to make them fit, but it's worth the effort. They are 2.8 Capri discs 👍

[@arunpandaran1604]

Thanks for sharing

[@dagwoodsbumstead312]

There should'nt be any play. None

[@FirstNameLastName-cj1nc]

Not even a teensie teenie tiny 'lil bit?

[@FastRust]

There’s 2 camps here it seems - I was taught to go for a small amount of play, & that’s by old school mechanics who I genuinely believe know what they are talking about. This is how I always, and will continue to set my bearings. My issue with having no play, especially for new people who are learning how to do this, is that it’s quite easy to over tighten them, significantly reducing their life span.

[@Evrenthewrencher]

My 79 requires .001 to .008 of play.not even finger tight.thats how they are.

[@craigd123]

Should be a tiny bit of play to allow expansion when they heat up

[@fiddlerpin]

Should be no play in the bearing but you should be able to move the washer slightly. If you can’t move the washer the bearings are too tight.