Wheel Bearings

[theskytoucher]

Wat should the life of a set of wheel bearings (properly installed) be?
Just curious!!!
Thanks

[fordman]

i would say many years if properly maintained. i think mine are probably original to my truck and have not had any problems with them.

[theskytoucher]

ok then for proper maintenance how often should they be repacked/ serviced?

[fordman]

i dont have a factory manual and i cant remember. i do it when ever i have the hubs off for brakes or whatever.

[theskytoucher]

The reason i am asking this is last august i upgraded my truck to disk brakes and the wheel bearings seem to work themselves loose about every 4 months or so, every time they do i take it apart and repack, then reinstall, and it just seemed odd that they would do this so i was just wondering if i should be looking for a problem or if it is normal caus ethe spindles sat in the open for 10 years on a shelf? I dont know its not a big deal and the bearings arent going bad so ti is just curiosity!

[fmartin_gila1]

Troy,
are you positive that the bearing races are fully seated in the hubs? Either the races are not fully seated and are gradually working their way in to seated position or you are not doing a proper preload and adjustment when installing the hubs on the spindle. Keep in mind that drums and disks are adjusted differently.If you can't find that info, give a hollar and you will be given a step by step.
Fred

[theskytoucher]

I didnt realize there were different specs for preload! So if i could get that from somebody that would be great!!! I have the front suspension off a 76 if that makes any difference!!
Thanks!

[fordman]

i think im going to learn something here but when i tighten up all of my hubs either drum or disc i spin them until they get a slight bit of resistance and then back them off so they are still tight but can also line up the key and cage to the key hole.

[fmartin_gila1]

Troy,
First off, do make sure your bearings and races are good, no defects. Ensure that the races are fully seated in the hubs. Pack your bearings as normal ensuring that there is grease filling the gaps between the rollers, plus a little extra spread somewhat evenly in the areas between the races in the middle of the hub. Obtain a Axle Nut Kit for a 80 or therabout F150( I bought the kit from autozone for about six dollars). Install hub on spindle (I had to use two of the special washers on one side to get proper spacing on the cotter key, you may or may not have to do this). Now, while rotating hub, tighten the spindle nut to 20 Ft. Lbs. using a torque wrench. This will seat the bearings. Then, back off the nut about a half turn. Then snug it up and then torque to 18 to 20 In. Lb., then install the castle washer and cotter key without rotating the nut (the castle washer will fit in a number of different positions so you can put it on without turning the nut).
All this will ensure that the rotors are running true with no slack, and that the bearings have the proper amount of preload to ensure maximum longevity. Good luck.
Fred

[theskytoucher]

thanks fred!!!!
now i just have to find a torque wrench that goes down to 20 ft lbs (ours only goes down to 25)
and a torque wrench for in lbs! oh well just more tools for the box!!!!
thanks again