Proper Way to Tighten Trailer Spindle of Castle Nut
Updated 10/17/2024 | Published 01/03/2015
Question:
Proper way to tighten wheel bearing
asked by: Walters
Expert Reply:
After you've packed the bearings and assembled everything, carefully slide the hub assembly onto the spindle and install the outer bearing. Install the spindle and tang washer and run the spindle nut down finger tight, then rotate the hub back and forth then rock the hub side to side to make sure everything is seated properly. This will have had provided more room on the spindle, so run down the spindle nut with your fingers a bit more. The hub should spin freely, with a bit of brake lining drag. There should be a little bit of end play (wobble), but not much.
At this point, o make sure the hub is seated properly, back off the castle nut until it is loose. Then tighten the castle nut snugly until it stops. Look to see where the cotter pin hole lines up with one of the notches on the nut. On hubs that use the tang washer or cage to lock the nut, you will have to do this by sight. Then back the nut off one notch, so that the cotter pin will fit through the castle nut.
Install the cotter pin and then spin and rock the hub. When you rock the hub you should feel the hub barely moving front to back. Try experimenting by loosening the castle nut one more notch to feel the difference in the play in the hub.
Then install the wheel and rock the hub again. On the outside edge of the tire, the movement should not be more than 1/4" inch. Any end play should be barely noticeable. When you are satisfied with the adjustment, secure the cotter pin. Push the pin through the hole on the end of the spindle and through the notches on the nut. Then split the bottom of the pin to the left and right.
As you read through it, it seems confusing. What it comes down to is that you want to tighten the spindle nut enough so that there's not too much end play, but not so tight that the bearings bind and overheat.
I've also linked you to a video showing the process. Fast forward to the 3:20 mark, and you can see the procedure. As you can see, our mechanic uses channel locks instead of beginning the process by hand, but the end result is the same. Tighten the nut gradually, making sure everything is seated okay.
Tommy
10/17/2024
So it’s acceptable to some a tiny amount of play? I noticed my boat trailer wheel had the smallest/slightest amount of play when pumping new grease in the ez lube spindle. Didn’t know if that was normal or if it should zero play.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb Axles - 12" - 8 on 6-1/2
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Drum
- Standard
- 25580 / 14125A
- Standard Grade
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- For 7000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 17 Inch Wheel
- 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
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Mike M.
4/27/2024
thanks for the info and the car method is pretty close to the same
Mike L.
4/30/2024