How Tight Should Spindle Castle Nuts be Tightened
Published 01/14/2015 >
Question:
Hello, Working on travel trailer and I find that one of my castle/spindle nuts properly adjusted still allows for more play in the wheel bearings than all the others. Is it acceptable to add a slightly thicker washer or washer shim to take up the extra slack yet leave the nut adjusted as they all should be backed off to the first slot in castle nut or hand tight?? Thanks
asked by: Mike D
Expert Reply:
The nut on the spindle should be tightened until snug, with no side-to-side play in the hub and then backed off slightly, about maybe a 1/8 of a turn. If the spindle uses a castle nut and cotter pin or tang nut, tighten the nut finger tight until it stops, then back it off so the cotter pin or washer tang fits into the next indentation of the castle nut.
If you click on the video link I provided, and forward to the 1:40 mark, you can see one of our techs demonstrating how to tighten a spindle nut.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.78 Inch I.D.
- Bearing 603049
- Race 603011
- 4500 lbs Axle
- TruRyde
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Proper Way to Tighten Trailer Spindle of Castle Nut
- Q&A: How Tight Should Castle Nut be on Trailer Hub
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Video: Packing Trailer Bearing Demonstration
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
- Shop: Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles - Qty 2
- Shop: Timken Replacement Trailer Wheel Bearing - L68149
- Shop: Timken Replacement Bearing and Race Set - L68149 and L68111
- Shop: Timken Replacement Bearing and Race Set - L44649 and L44610
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Q&A: How to Pick Out the Correct Rise/Drop Euro Ball Mount
- Video: Customer Review - B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2017 Chevrolet Express Van 55540
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Video: A Closer Look at the Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Search Results: wheel bearing cap
- Search Results: wheel bearings
- Search Results: wheel bearing dust cap
- Q&A: Boat Trailer Hub for my Trailmaster Boat Trailer.
- Search Results: l44649
- Search Results: l68149
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: cotter pins
- Q&A: Trailer Turn Signals Both Blink when Just Left Turn Signal is Activated
- Q&A: Availability of Trailer Hub that has 6 on 5 inch Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Pricing difference for Timken parts.
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)


