wheel bearings dilemma
12-07-2016, 06:30 PM
#1
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2005 C230K SS
wheel bearings dilemma
Hello people
I have always adjusted tapered wheel bearings by feel, but this time I decided to do things the right way for a change and went about adjusting front wheel bearings using a dial gauge. I set it up as per WIS and measured the correct tolerance of 0.01 to 0.02mm. Problem is, if I set the dial gauge to specs I still get a very minute but detectable play when I rock the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock position. If I tighten the lock nut a tad further to eliminate the play, then the dial gauge measurement is out of spec. So should I use the dial gauge measurement or simply adjust for zero play? Should there be some play with the bearings properly adjusted?
Before anyone asks, I'm using the setup with the magnet on the rotor and the dial gauge needle on the spindle. I'm reading the gauge by push/pull on the rotor parallel to the axle, NOT the side to side that others have suggested. The rotor is securely attached to the hub using a lug nut.
Chime in
I have always adjusted tapered wheel bearings by feel, but this time I decided to do things the right way for a change and went about adjusting front wheel bearings using a dial gauge. I set it up as per WIS and measured the correct tolerance of 0.01 to 0.02mm. Problem is, if I set the dial gauge to specs I still get a very minute but detectable play when I rock the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock position. If I tighten the lock nut a tad further to eliminate the play, then the dial gauge measurement is out of spec. So should I use the dial gauge measurement or simply adjust for zero play? Should there be some play with the bearings properly adjusted?
Before anyone asks, I'm using the setup with the magnet on the rotor and the dial gauge needle on the spindle. I'm reading the gauge by push/pull on the rotor parallel to the axle, NOT the side to side that others have suggested. The rotor is securely attached to the hub using a lug nut.
Chime in
12-07-2016, 08:02 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have always thought the spec was a bit too lax, but if MB says it's supposed to have the play, why wouldn't you set it up like that?
I haven't actually done them with a dial indicator myself, always with the traditional method by feel. Never had an issue though.
I haven't actually done them with a dial indicator myself, always with the traditional method by feel. Never had an issue though.
