81 k20 front wheel bearing nuts and washer replace

[GSP7]

Ive have a new set of spindle nuts and washer thing with the pin and holes in the washer sitting in my tool box. For 81 k20 front spindle

Been busy, getting ready to move

Refresh my memory on adjusting and these and the front wheel bearings or a link

IIRC its kind of a goofy design

thanks

Gotaa install the new goodys and adjust that one side. I used a old style washer with bend tabs to get by , that pin had broke off years ago

[Richard]

Kind of nice if you have the proper socket. They are not that expensive. The nut with pin goes on first, with pin pointing out. I just tighten choked up on the ratchet while spinning the rotor with the other hand. When snug but still spinning free, stop. For me it is a "feel" I have learned. Try the lock washer with the holes. If pin does not line up with one of holes in washer loosen a bit until it does, flipping it over also changes pin position. Install locking nut fairly tight. I then put the wheel/tire on and check for any movement with no load on axle. Also checking tire still spins free. If spindle is older outer locknut may make bearings to tight. Remove outer nut and washer and loosen inner nut one pin spacing, replace lock washer and outer nut. Then check again. Good time to re-pack bearings. It is not necessary to pack entire hub/bearing area with grease. Just pack the bearings. Hope this helps.

[GSP7]

I have the big special socket.

My temporary fix with the old style tap bend-over washer , my bearing gets loose.

Hopefully that thicker 'hole' washer and pin set up will keep my the bearings adjusted and wont loosen

Yeah, I always repack the bearings wit grease

Not sure what you are referring to here:

It is not necessary to pack entire hub/bearing area with grease

Repacking wheel bearings is pretty basic

.

[Richard]

Sounds like you have been in a wheel bearing before. Have seen some think that packing/filling the entire hub cavity with as much grease you can get in there is a good thing.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by GSP7

I have the big special socket.

My temporary fix with the old style tap bend-over washer , my bearing gets loose.

Hopefully that thicker 'hole' washer and pin set up will keep my the bearings adjusted and wont loosen

Yeah, I always repack the bearings wit grease

Not sure what you are referring to here:

Repacking wheel bearings is pretty basic

.

They should not loosen. The whole system works very well, when done properly, but so many people screw it up.
The "feel" of tight/loose is a bit of an art, but the actual assembly of the system is very straight forward.
The feel of the tightening has a little to do with the wear over time of the nut and spindle. It the inner nut is a little loose on the spindle threads, the outer nut will push that slack out when it is tightened, then the wheel bearing fit will be too tight. The trick of turning the washer over can be quite helpful, as is having a small dentil type pick to pull it out.
All in all, the most important thing is that the pin is actually in one of the holes and the washer sits flat on the inner nut. Having the correct socket is critical. Otherwise it just never gets tightened properly.

[burnin oil]

Originally Posted by Richard

Sounds like you have been in a wheel bearing before. Have seen some think that packing/filling the entire hub cavity with as much grease you can get in there is a good thing.

You are correct on this hub but there are some out there that have the entire cavity filled per the manufacturer. I have usually only seen this on HD trucks or trailers but it isn't very common.