Keep in mind that wheel bearings are not the same as engine bearings, as there is no constant source of lubrication for wheel bearings. This means they must be tight enough to keep water and road dust out. They also support the entire vehicle weight while driving, so they endure abuse from rough roads and potholes, as well as lateral forces when turning.

The best advice is to head to your nearest auto shop that offers wheel repair and replacement services. If you’re on the road, slow down steadily and avoid turning rapidly. If you drive long distances on a bad wheel bearing, you’ll eventually lose control of the vehicle, and the wheel will stop suddenly.

A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together in a metal ring called a race. The race is located inside the hub, and each wheel has one. At the center of the wheel is a hollow piece of metal called a hub. The wheel bearings fit tightly inside this hub and ride on a metal axle shaft, helping reduce friction when the wheel spins.

Diff whine on deceleration

First, what you were planning to do isn't correct. The problem is, to correctly get the preload set, you have to measure the torque at the pinion. Also, you should NOT reuse the same crush collar if so equipped (GM differentials). The preload is measured in inch-pounds (a very small amount Nm). It is basically the turning resistance of the pinion by itself after there is some amount of "squeeze" put on the bearing from tightening the pinion nut. Too much preload and you destroy the bearings in the pinion (after a period of time). Not enough preload and your pinion is too floppy, which causes wear on the gears of the differential, premature seal failure, and the differential is usually noisy during operation.

I made a mistake using a sharpie to mark the nut when changing the radial seal of my rear differential’s input shaft. Oil and tools made the mark disappear. The common way to put this back together is to mark the bolt and torque until it is positioned as before removal. How would you proceed in putting the flange nut back now that I no longer can rely on the mark?

Should you invest the time and money required to have your vehicle’s suspension lowered? It’s a question that many drivers never even think about. Before you make the decision to proceed with lowering your vehicle’s suspension, consider the options and understand the pros and cons that a lowered suspension entails. Why Get a […]

The amount of miles your vehicle can endure will depend on how extensive the damage is and the conditions on the road. If you’re concerned about replacement costs, note that the average estimate for a replacement is about $350 for each bearing.

Tire balancing is an important component of your routine automotive maintenance schedule. Like changing the oil, balancing the tires is something that vehicle owners are encouraged to do several times throughout the course of the year. This is also something you’ll want to make sure to have done by automotive service professionals. There are […]

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If you’re driving on the highway and a wheel breaks off, it’s because a wheel bearing failed. What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing, and what can you do about it? Here, we explore wheel bearings, including what they are, how they work, and how to tell if they’re about to fall off.

If you notice signs of a bad wheel bearing, visit your nearest Meineke location. Once you bring your vehicle to us, we’ll perform a thorough diagnosis to honestly determine if a replacement is necessary.

Jeep JK Dana 44pinion preload

Some differentials do not have a crush collar, but the check/tighten process is still the same. Remember, this is the resistance measured in in-lb on a free spinning differential (has to be jacked up on stands). You'll have to check for your specific vehicle whether it has a crush collar and what the exact preload is supposed to be.

If you want to know how to check for a bad wheel bearing, place your car on a jack stand, grip your hands on the 6 and 12 o’clock positions of the tire, and then spin the wheel to see if it wiggles. It’s also a great way to learn how to tell which wheel bearing is bad.

Most people are aware of the need for general car maintenance. It’s essential to take care of the basics, like regular oil changes and checking battery terminals for corrosion. But, getting an alignment is just as important. Many think it’s simply a minor irritation when your alignment starts to get off. The truth […]

While most estimates suggest wheel bearings should last between 75,000 and 150,000 miles, the actual lifespan depends on:

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I’m not sure if it’s the same for all differentials but this nut does not have a torque specification and the amount of tightening define the preload on the pinion bearing.

You already know your car cannot function safely without sturdy and properly fit wheels. A wheel is complex, and several components must be integrated for it to function safely—including the bearings.

The idea is to sneak up on the preload. If you over-tighten the pinion and create too much preload, the crush collar is then crushed beyond what is usable and you have to start over with a new one.