torque spec on wheel bearings
 

I just replaced the front wheel bearings (inside one was all but non- existent) on my 1999 Ranger, 2 wheel drive. Is there a torque spec for the axle nut? I snugged them but not too tight. Wheel turns nicely.

Thanks
Bruce

I just changed my rotors at a local DIY place and he had told me that you should tighten it just a bit and then back off about 1/4 of a turn. hope that helps

Does help. Thanks

Don't know if your '99 is the same, but for my 2004 the manual says to tighten the axle nut to 21 ft/lbs while rotating the disk. Loosen the nut 175 degrees. Re-tighten the nut to 17 in/lbs while rotating the disk.

Thanks. I would assume it must be very similar.

reddog99's spec is what my 1994 shop manual also calls for. The 17 Inch pounds is the trickey one not many torque wrenches in inch pounds that are 1/2 inch drive for the 1 1/16 socket you need to use.

Yikes ! Misread that. 21 foot pounds followed by 17 inch. I thought 21 and 17 ft pounds. Glad I saw this again.

from Haynes

1)17-25
2)backoff 1/2 a turn
3) 18-20

when I did mine I just did 25 then backed off then did 20......make sure you used the high temp grease and not the regular grease?

#1 is ft/lbs
#3 is in/lbs

Perfect.

Thanks

wow..............Thanks fo rhte headsuo........ I never noticed that before...........that means I have my wheels bearings torque way to tight.........my wrench does not even go that low.......

My Haynes doesn't list those as well and it's in my Ford Manual.
I'm kind of anal with torque and I actually bought a torque wrench that is in in/lbs. Most people just tighten the nut and call it good. I guess that works too as long as the wheel still turns easily.

Speaking of Haynes - I want to get a manual. Which is better - Chilton or Haynes or both about the same?

Thanks
Bruce

I've been doing all of mine the same, from my truck to a 20,000# disc wheel bearings.

Tighten it while turning the wheel, i get it pretty tight. Then loosen it a half turn or so (until its loose), then i tighten it with my fingers while turning the wheel.

In a perfect world you want 0.000" end play. Since you can't measure that, aim for.001-.003", measured with a dial indicator.

I prefer Haynes over Chilton but anymore, I think they are about the same with leaving important info out. I also believe that both are made now by the same company but I could be wrong.
I started buying the "real" service manuals and I use the Haynes and Chilton as a quick reference. I bought this one for my 2000 a long time ago and don't regret the purchase. Click on the below link.
2000 Ford Ranger Service / Shop Manuals Set of 2 Books | eBay