Front wheel bearings

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Funner

Funner

10 Year
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Threads
75
Messages
3,545
Location
Phoenix, AZ
On two separate occasions I have set up the preload on my front end using the FSM procedures with fish scale and both times I got pretty similar results. The front end was sloppy, sometimes would dart left or right in braking. I have sort of been chasing the loose feel for 5 years i.e. The entire time I have owned it. I kind of assumed that it's just how this old style tractor behaved, but I kept looking. Every bushing replaced, castor, shocks everything torqued etc. Sometimes I thought I could feel an improvement but that feeling wouldn't last. This past weekend I disregarded the fsm process and just torqued them to 30 ft lbs just to see how it felt.
WOW sloppy play is gone, no darting when braking, stays in lanes in a predictable fashion. It's night and day different. I monitored hub temps, not heating up.
Anyone think they maybe overtightened now or have I just struck the right preload?
 
I have seen several threads here that say the same thing. The FSM is way too light on the preload.
 
I think @Pitch just recently commented on a thread about the torque specs.

FSM is definitely too loose.
 
Just like @Funner, I followed the FSM torque specs (which were also graciously supplied in the Cruiser Outfitters kit). Similar experiences on my end. Read up on Mud, and increased the torque to 25#. 70% of a front end shimmy improved. Tire rotation/balance took care of another 25%. On my current front end rebuild, I am going to try 30# out of the gate, and I expect good results.
 
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I think I recently read a 30lb recommendation on the big board, might have been LCP, can't recall and can't remember which thread it was on.

Fish scale soon to be available in classifieds.
 
Otter said:
The fish scale was always a pain.
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I hear you. Always seemed like an inside joke by mr t when performing that task.
 
If your spindles are original, the lands where the bearings run also wear, preventing the bearings from ever being properly preloaded. So look carefully for a wear groove, especially if your bearing have been running loose.

Spindles are a wear item, and I think most 80s should have them replaced at some point-but check and if you can catch a nail where the outer bearing rides, you need a new one. Common problem, almost always overlooked.

Just a bias-these should be replaced every 120K or so. I did mine at about 125 k, and the front end held preload until I just redid that knuckle and bearing at 160K.
 
Cruiserdrew said:
If your spindles are original, the lands where the bearings run also wear, preventing the bearings from ever being properly preloaded. So look carefully for a wear groove, especially if your bearing have been running loose.

Spindles are a wear item, and I think most 80s should have them replaced at some point-but check and if you can catch a nail where the outer bearing rides, you need a new one. Common problem, almost always overlooked.

Just a bias-these should be replaced every 120K or so. I did mine at about 125 k, and the front end held preload until I just redid that knuckle and bearing at 160K.
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Thanks for the thoughts. Everything looks good, the preload held fine they didn't loosen over time, I just think it's too low or can be improved with greater torque on the final setting. I will monitor and report back if anything negative comes up, but it drives great now.
 
I the past I run 25lbs-30 (now 25lbs exclusively with Trail Gear nuts) on both the 80 & LX and have for many years with excellent results. I check my wheel bearing tightness before any extended trip and I have yet to make adjustment for a couple years now since I went with Trail Gear spindle nuts.

Fish scale are for .....fish.:rolleyes: Depending on the bearing grease one uses and ambient temperature you will get different fish scale reading.:doh:
 
LandCruiserPhil said:
I the past I run 25lbs-30 (now 25lbs exclusively with Trail Gear nuts) on both the 80 & LX and have for many years with excellent results. I check my wheel bearing tightness before any extended trip and I have yet to make adjustment for a couple years now since I went with Trail Gear spindle nuts.

Fish scale are for .....fish.:rolleyes: Depending on the bearing grease one uses and ambient temperature you will get different fish scale reading.:doh:
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Any reason you backed off of 30 and settled on 25?
 
Funner said:
Any reason you backed off of 30 and settled on 25?
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There always seems to have room to move on the factory double nut star washer to me. So at 30 I was taken that in consideration settling down slightly reducing final torque. I have nothing concrete to substantiate my thoughts, just something I came up with to make me feel good but my stuff is TIGHT without issue.:flipoff2:
 
LandCruiserPhil said:
There always seems to have room to move on the factory double nut star washer to me. So at 30 I was taken that in consideration settling down slightly reducing final torque. I have nothing concrete to substantiate my thoughts, just something I came up with to make me feel good but my stuff is TIGHT without issue.:flipoff2:
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As long as your bearings are holding up and there is no excessive wear or heat I think you have found the magic number. The proof is in the pudding. :hillbilly:
 
Dimples said:
As long as your bearings are holding up and there is no excessive wear or heat I think you have found the magic number. The proof is in the pudding. :hillbilly:
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I hate pudding!:poop:
 
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