Wheel bearing nut torque

[MeanRedSpider]

There was a little play in both the front wheels of my W210 so I've taken up the slack in the nut literally with my fingers (I don't want to overload the bearing) and the wheels feel much better but still rotating freely and with no tight spots.

What's the correct procedure for these particular wheels? On my Alfa race car it's torque to X then back off 1/4 turn (or something similar). Since these nuts only have two flats and a locking screw, I'm assuming it's not a torque wrench job but would feel happier knowing I'd done it correctly.

Thanks!

Richard

 

[MeanRedSpider]

Oh - and please can I not have WW3 start on this - I was just looking at the whole dial gauge thread.

BTW - I've done the SKF Bearing Mounting and Maintenance course (all 3 days) and I'm a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

 

[iscaboy]

BTW - I've done the SKF Bearing Mounting and Maintenance course (all 3 days) and I'm a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

then you already know the answer...

 

[SilverSaloon]

I've done this on my 124. I too tightened it until the wheel was just feeling a resistance when spinning and then backed off 1/4 turn and tightend the allan key. i believe the haynes manual suggests this method aswell.

this was 2 years ago and i've not had any problems since. however many say you must use a dial guage, so if in doubt, use one. Dial guage is the MB recommened method.

 

[MeanRedSpider]

then you already know the answer...

Well, I'm pretty happy with where I've landed (else I wouldn't have done it) and it's certainly infinitely better than it was before but MB have been building cars for a long time (though, in many aspects of the W210 you wouldn't believe it) so I'm always happy to take some guidance from them.

 

[Number_Cruncher]

For info: Although this is for W124, the bearing layout is the same;

http://www.ps2cho.net/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD2/Program/Chassis/33-0300.pdf

 

[renault12ts]

Hi MRS. You have read the dial gauge thread, don't you think it was all said then?

 

[chris846]

well if you don't want to use a dial gauge (why not?), then it's somewhere between:
1:finger tight plus a smidgeon for good luck (too tight)
2: just enough to take out play when rocking the wheel rim (too slack)
I know that 1 is too tight, because that's how I did mine, before checking it properly with a dial gauge and finding I had to back the nut off a lttle.
I know that 2 is too slack because, after setting it properly with a dial gauge, there was still no play at the wheel rim.
...and don't knock me for use of the technically-hilarious term 'smidgeon': you were the one who didn't want to use the dial gauge remember!
atb
chris

 

[renault12ts]

well if you don't want to use a dial gauge (why not?), then it's somewhere between:
1:finger tight plus a smidgeon for good luck (too tight)
2: just enough to take out play when rocking the wheel rim (too slack)
I know that 1 is too tight, because that's how I did mine, before checking it properly with a dial gauge and finding I had to back the nut off a lttle.
I know that 2 is too slack because, after setting it properly with a dial gauge, there was still no play at the wheel rim.
...and don't knock me for use of the technically-hilarious term 'smidgeon': you were the one who didn't want to use the dial gauge remember!
atb
chris

To whom are you referring?

 

[MeanRedSpider]

Hi MRS. You have read the dial gauge thread, don't you think it was all said then?

I have no idea how the two cars relate - I've learned not to assume. I have a dial gauge and I'm prepared to use it!

 

[MeanRedSpider]

For info: Although this is for W124, the bearing layout is the same;

http://www.ps2cho.net/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD2/Program/Chassis/33-0300.pdf

Thanks but I get a broken link - is it still live?