front wheel bearing

[tomgagne]

Massachusetts requires an annual inspection of all vehicles. As part of the inspection they jack up the front and check for play in the steering and the wheels. On the right front of my diplomat I have what I would call a little play, the tire will move slightly (on the spindle) when grabbed at the top and botton and pushed. The inspector didn't think it was too bad. The bearings were just packed 7,000 miles ago at 35K. Is this a sign of a bad bearing? or can they be tightened on the spindle? I have no problems with the ride or steering and I show no abnormal temperature increase in the wheel. Any suggestions?
Thanks

[Pigman]

Contact your chassis maker and ask what the spec's are for play. It sounds like the bearings need to be inspected and then the axle nut retorqued to specs. This usually requires them to be torqued to a set value, backed off and retorqued and then setting the nut to the proper lock position. It all depends on the brand of front end you have what the exact procedure and values you have to set.

John

[walt2137]

Tom its not a hard job to readjust the bearing end play, It was not adjusted properly to begin with I will attach a file just jack up the side that needs adjusting and pull the cap off take the jam nut off and bend the lock washer off of the jam nut and re tighten while rotating the wheel as per the attachment. You will need to borrow or buy a 2 5/8 and a 2 1/4 socket.

[wa8yxm]

Generally they can be tightened, When they can no longer be tighteened it is replacement time.. This SHOULD have been done when they were re-packed since it is one of the last steps in the repacking procedure (Re-Assembly)

[tomgagne]

Many thanks for all the input. I sent a question to mcctech but I haven't heard from them. Walt thanks for the attachment. The RV dealer which did the repack, is no longer in business. If it was them, then it just goes to show you (me) I need to be able to do the easy stuff myself to ensure it's done properly. This forum is fantastic!! Thanks Again.