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 Rear Bearings - How do you shim?

 Created by: 6464s
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 Posted: Apr 1, 2024 01:24AM
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GB
Quote:
Originally Posted by 6464s
Thanks, I got the process. I use to tighten the nut by the old fashion way by feel at 12 & 6  and 3 & 6  to check for movement. Then this community mentioned torque specs. 

Now the question is, in the shimming process, should I grease the outer bearing while I check for the correct torque? I ask about that bearing because it will be in and out ( attraction to dirt and dust ). I figure I would grease the inner and it would be relatively clean.
Mini bearings are not like trailer bearings; the two races are spaced so that they give the correct preload on the rollers hence tightening them to a specified torque setting.  Trailer bearings are free floating with a lock nut (instead of a castellated nut and a split-pin) which is why they need regular checks and are tightened as required.

Be aware that some of the el-cheapo non-gen bearings aren't a big enough diameter on the inner part of the race to shim with balljoint shims - I found that out yesterday on my car trailer...

 Posted: Mar 30, 2024 06:33AM
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I fully greased the bearings before torquing. 

 Posted: Mar 30, 2024 03:34AM
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Thanks, I got the process. I use to tighten the nut by the old fashion way by feel at 12 & 6  and 3 & 6  to check for movement. Then this community mentioned torque specs. 

Now the question is, in the shimming process, should I grease the outer bearing while I check for the correct torque? I ask about that bearing because it will be in and out ( attraction to dirt and dust ). I figure I would grease the inner and it would be relatively clean.

 Posted: Mar 29, 2024 05:15PM
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Shim them.  Works fine.  Shims fit between inner and outer wheel bearing faces.  I think I found that front ball joint shims fit allowing the stub axle to fit through.  Fit one thin shim and check if the wheel spins after tightening the nut.  If not increase shim thickness till it you can torque and the wheel spins freely without binding or being loose.  After your first drive, put your hand on the wheel center to check if too hot.  Compare the temperature to the other wheels.

 Posted: Mar 29, 2024 02:48PM
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how much did you torque them?

Do not need a ton like front discs.

When I replaced my worn out original rear ball bearings with "plug and play" tapered, I had the same problem.

Haynes says 60 ft lbs but no. I ended up just doing it by feel - the old fashioned way - works fine. Might have been 40 at the very most. That was 20 years ago and they are doing fine

 Posted: Mar 29, 2024 08:10AM
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Rear bearings should be an easy replacement. But not so, I replaced them, torqued, couldn't spin the tire. Others have said they shim them. Please share your knowledge. Thanks Jim