Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Rule of thumb on tightening Dana 80 hub bearings?

[Texas Diesel]

Is there a rule of thumb on tightening Dana 80 hub bearings? One side has a slight amount of free play when pushing/pulling on the hub. The other side is tight.



I'm talking about the 2&9/16" nut.

 

[TEasley]

Over the years, I've heard tight and loose. The way that works for me is to make them up ( tapered roller bearings ) hand tight, roll the hub some to be sure they're made up, loosen about a quarter turn, roll, and make them up again by hand until they just barely take up the slack and then lock them down. Seems like too tight would be the worst, but loose might "point load" and brinell them. Be sure to hand pack them with a good brand of wheel bearing grease before installing them, so they survive until they get differential lube.



Happy Easter, Tom

 

[Texas Diesel]

That is exactly what I was thinking. Thanks for the confirmation

 

[KYOUNG]

supposed to have like . 002 to . 010 end play

 

[Nate]

I just do it by feel. You want it to be loose enough that it will free spin. If you put it too tight, you could burn up the bearings. Figure once it warms up, it will tighten up. Kinda like back lash on a gear set.

 

[DProehl]

I just finnaly junked the nylock wheel bearing adjusting nut and went old school and got a set of Dana 60 nuts and washers. That wedge messes up the threads on the nut and has the possibility of galling the spindle theads on the way off. The old style nut are easy to adjust with the feel method also. Loose wheel bearings=leaking oil seals. DP