Wheel Bearings
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel assembly. Remove brake disc or drum if necessary. Measure axle shaft end play with dial indicator. See AXIAL END PLAY & ROTARY SLIDING RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS table at the end of step 3)..
- If end play exceeds limit, retighten wheel bearing nut or companion flange nut to specification (if equipped). See appropriate TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table at end of article. DO NOT back off wheel bearing nut more than 15 degrees to align cotter pin holes (if equipped). Recheck end play. If end play exceeds limit, replace wheel bearings.
- Check rotary sliding resistance. Attach a spring balance to hub bolt. Measure rotary sliding resistance by pulling spring balance at a 90-degree angle to hub bolt. Note measurement when hub begins to rotate. See AXIAL END PLAY & ROTARY SLIDING RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS table below. If resistance exceeds limit, replace wheel bearing.
AXIAL END PLAY & ROTARY SLIDING RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
End Play In. (mm) |
Rotary Resistance Lbs. (N) |
| Colt, Colt 200 |
.008 (0.2) |
4.9 (22) |
| Colt Vista & Colt Wagon |
.031 (0.8) |
3.08 (14) |