Bearings and torque

[Pomorza]

Hey mates

The day has come that I need to machine my front rotors and thus need to remove them to take them to a shop. First question, I'm going to repack the bearings - as its been three years since I did them - and wanted to know what is the best way to clean them. I want to clean all the old...ish grease out and put fresh nice grease in. Secondly, what is the best time - suspension loaded or in the air (no load) - to torque everything down to specs? I did my suspension a while ago and just want to make sure all the bolts are nice and torqued like they'res supposed to be.

Thanks

Jan

[EuroDat]

Hi Jan,

I had mine cleaned in a parts washer before getting them machined. You can clean bearings with petroleum or kerosine, then rinse with degreaser and water. Other members probably have a special brand they use. After that blow them dry with air. Dont spin them with the air gun. The bearing can fly apart. Most brake lathes have taper locks that lock into the bearing cone and need them in place.

Suspension should always be torque to spec with the vehicle at normal ride hight on the ground. The is especially important with original rubber bushes. With PU bushes you could probably do it in the air, but its always better at normal ride hight on the ground.

Chas

[John Coffey]

Not true with wheel bearings. They should be done with the front wheels off the ground. There is a very specific process outlines in the FSM from proper setting of the front wheel bearing preload.

[EuroDat]

John is correct of course. With suspension, I was refering to the anchor points on the lower control arms.

Wheel bearings should be free to move when preloading the bearing and the brake caliper or brake pads removed to prevent extra drag or mis-alignment.

Chas