Hello all. Well Im still waiting for my new tie rod it's been over a month, two vendors and lots of missed dates, but that's ok and not why Im posting. While Ive been waiting Ive been checking everything in the front chassis. I replaced my wheel bearings about 150 miles ago, and while checking for king pin (which have 12K miles on them) about wear I noticed a little play if you grip top and bottom or side to side of the wheel and push/pull to check for play. I measured at the rim, wheels off the ground and cold. There is .012" Play, and I would like to know if that is acceptable. Im thinking that the preload on the wheel bearings has changed during break in, should I take any play out of the bearings, or leave it as is. I have read the recent thread where the F250Rob had his spindle damaged by suspected over tightened bearings (BY the trucks po)

 

The factory book says to tighten them til no play, then turn back "if needed" to align the cotter pin. But it also says there should still be no perceptible play...

I'd say .012" is a fair amount, not excessive, and a lot of that play will disappear when the drums get hot. But if you can go to the next slot in the nut, without excessive drag, go for it. It's a 3/4-16 thread, so 1/6th of a turn would change clearance 1/6 x 1/16 = .010" more or less.

 

Thank you Ross, I didn't want a minor adjustment turn into a major problem. This truck reminds me of my Harley days, always checking and adjusting something, Very hands on love affair, I love it. Thank you for your quick response, as always. Its very much appreciated.

 

When it comes to bearings a little loose is way better than a little tight.

 

I wonder if the later model "2 piece" adjusting nut and nut retainer would work????
https://www.google.com/search?q=ford...hwYDiB-uNJM%3A

Would give a better adjustment.

 

Thanks for everybody's input, all good and welcome info. I haven't been on the board much yesterday or today because of a wildfire that was way to close for comfort. Thanks to the firefighters that literally put there lives on the line for us, have once again saved our town. A witness said the fire was caused by a dragging trailer safety chain that started 5 separate fires. Ok back to the truck, I just got a welcome email saying my tie rod will ship on the 12th, at which time I will get back to my bearing issue. With the fire I just thru it all back together in case I got evacuated , I was sure not going to leave it here. Thanks' again for every ones help.