How tight do I torque wheel bearings?
 

I've replaced the front wheel bearings in my '69 RR. I tightened down the bearings pretty tight. I did not use a torque wrench, even though I have one. I'm wondering if someone here knows how much torque they should be given, or if I should just tighten them, tight?

I've read good and bad things about loose and too tightened bearings and don't want to fall into either category. I'd prefer to tighten them to recommended specs.

Thanks.

Over the years I found that turning the hub while tightening the hub to about 20 ft lbs. of torgue, then loosen the spindle nut about a 1/4 turn,then tighten hand tight until it's snug and you are good to go. For racing I like it a little bit on the loose side anyway,but that's me.

The 1970 Coronet/Charger Manual says: Tighten to 90 inch-pounds while rotating wheel, line up slot in lock nut with cotter pin hole then back off one slot.

The resulting adjustment should be zero (no preload) to .003" end play.

THIS. The proper procedure is right in the shop manual

You can download a 70 manual for free at MyMopar

http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31

(Side note, check out the tech service library, the top link)

The link for the manual. These are page numbered consecutively in your viewer, so you'll have to play with page numbers

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/ser...ice_Manual.zip

Here is a 69 manual, posted by AbodyJoe over at FABO (A bodies only)

http://www.abodyjoe.com/pictures/Mis...e%20manual.pdf

This manual uses proper Mopar "dash" page numbers

Just snug them down while turning wheel, make sure bearings are packed with grease and there is ample grease in hub. Install cotter pin put grease cap back on and it is done.

Thank you everyone for all the responses.

I ended up tightening the bearings down snug and then backing the nut out about 1/3 turn. Took the car for a 10 mile tester yesterday and all is good! :)