The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Axle bearing preload 1953 3600 truck

Hello - I need some hand holding and advice please.

I have replaced the rear axle hub oil seal on my 1953 3600 and I now need to adjust the bearing preload. The instruction in the manual just says adjust nut until tight and back of 45 degrees. (whats is tight ?)

This feel ok when I spin the wheel I can feel a bit of drag, but it appears to tighten up a little more when I fit the second locking nut. Does anyone have a more precise procedure for doing this. I suspect this is the type of job that you need to develop a feel for and this is the first time I have done this in 30 years so feeling is a bit rusty. From what I understand there is a fair amount of latitude in the actual adjustment anyway, but are there any hint or tricks to have the perfect feel?

I’m guessing if it’s a bit tight the hubs will warm up and warn me that readjustment is required. If its loose I will feel it when the wheel is back on. I think the bearing may be a bit worn also. I will probably look at replacing these next year but I think will be ok for a while as I only do a few hundred miles a year.

Any comment welcome thanks

Regards Chris

What did the bearings and races look like when you inspected them?

One does have to allow for thread slop when tightening the outside nut, try backing off the inner nut one flat to allow for this.

Also depends on how tight the new seal is, sometimes have to adjust w/o seal in place, record setting, then install seal.

Hopefully you were able to get the correct size axle socket, or make one, using a chisel is so 'redneck.'

Ed

Hello Ed

I could only inspect the inner bearing fully as the outer is captive etc. The inner looked ok the cage feals a bit loose bit I dont have anything to compare it with and I dont have much experience. I could not see any cracking or distortion or roller damage etc. I think your correct I should just back off the adjuster to the next tab on the lock washer. I did import the correct tool from the US for adjusting the nut as I have not been impressed seeing it done with a hammer and chisel. I would never use a chisel on something like this given the cost of the tool and cost of a mistake and damage.

Many Thanks

Regards Chris

I've made my own axle nut spanners for years, using an appropriate-sized piece of steel pipe with pieces of square key stock welded to the outside diameter. Once you have one nut removed, use a radiator hose clamp to hold pieces of square stock in place around the nut, then find a piece of pipe the right size to slip into place, and weld the key stock to the pipe. With just a little file-fitting and a hole drilled into the pipe for a round bar handle, you've got an inexpensive tool you can pass on to your grandkids!
Jerry