Date:         Sun, 8 Aug 1999 23:41:08 -0400
Reply-To:     EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: Proper Peen nut adjustment-front rotors?
Comments: To: Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <dfde4fae.24df2561@aol.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

     Here is the proper way to adjust wheel bearing load. Use a
pair of channel lock plyers and give it a good hard turn, (I'm
serious....read on)  as you rotate the hub. Then loosen it up again
until you have play. Then tighten it up  again, as hard as you can, (READ
CAREFULLY) With YOUR HAND. No Wrench. Your done.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler


On Sun, 8 Aug 1999, Jeffrey R wrote:

> Hello--
>
> I'm pretty sure I had over tightend the peen nut on the front wheels when I
> replaced the bearings. Hence the other day I smelled "hot" and the front
> right wheel itself was hot. I checked the bearings and they they were spent,
> bent even.(I'm not completely incompitent. But I'm pretty sure I over torqued
> the peen nut slightly or so.)
>
> I just replaced the bearings (both sides assuming I over torqued both and to
> avoid trouble) and followed Bently to a "T". I could slightly move the trush
> washer with a screw driver, without prying with the peen nut snug  then
> backed off. Then I peened the nut.
>
> I just drove about an hour and the right front wheel is hot again. Hotter
> than the left front. I could hold my hand on it without having to pull it
> away because the heat was too much--which with the spent bearing got too hot
> to touch above a count of 6. I tried to move the thrush washer with the screw
> driver just now with the car on the ground (not jacked) , but couldn't unless
> I pryed a little. Now the whole thing must expand when it's hot. I suspect
> the thrush washer might get a little tight during use.
>
> My question is how tight is tight or loose. Should this thrush washer move
> freely with substantial play when it's cold. Or do I adjust it hot? I suspect
> I adjusted it too tight again--but I also fear adjusting it too loose.
>
> And that little bit of peen keeps that nut on, huh? That's a little
> frightening. I kind of liked the old kotter pin set up on the beetles.
>
> Any info will be greatly appreciated.
> I just replaced the front wheel bearings because the old were spent and
>