Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Wheel seal--Stemco (Read 1370 times) previous topic - next topic

Wheel seal--Stemco

Does anyone have any experience with changing wheel seal in front axle?  I have changed mine and according to Stemco Video
after you go through all their torque procedures you want a .01 to .05 end play.  I put original bearings back on since there was no discernible  wear.  I guess my question,  is this enough end play? I sure don't want the bearings to overheat. The actual end play I
have is .04.  Again, Thanks in advance
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #1 –
Chris I am sure your fine, when I did mine last summer was in those specs . The book tells you the procedure.
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #2 –
I hope you meant .004

My personal experience is that the "legally verifiable" (according to the video) measurable endplay results in a slight steering dead spot in the wheel.

If slightly preloaded, which is a non measureable amount, they dead spot goes away.

Obviously everything else suspension wise must be ok to notice this IMO.

Again my opinion is that the Michelin's latest tires designed-in self steering sipes may have been added to help the vechile stay straighter with non preloaded wheel bearings. 

My x foretravel line mechanic preloaded hundreds of unihomes and unicoaches to reduce customer complaints about wander without issue.

I measured hub temps with a slight preload and with .001-.003 end play.  No difference in temps over 5k mile drive and measurements.  I left the hub cap off for more accurate measurements.

And synthetic oil

The difference is subtle and unless you drove the exact coach set up both ways you probably would be happy with the DOT end play.

The slight preload and the Michelin's(at least on our 40') is magical.  Slight pressure on  the steering wheel alter the path. Slightly  Less truck wind sway. 

As preload is not quantifiable the DOT requirements mentioned twice by the gentleman doing the video were setup by the lawyers to be proveable in a court.

I am not telling anyone or suggesting anyone here do anything not per the DOT regulations for commercial truckers.

Just my personal experience and testing.

In a heartbeat if I were doing my own I would at least be down at least to the bottom of the legal .001 limit. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #3 –
Your fine .? If you turn the nut in 1 flat what do you read? Does cotter key hole line up then? You might get it between .001 and 004. But you are fine at .004
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #4 –
Old topic, but we also discussed this here: Replacing Wheel Seals need some info

To add new info, I'm doing both front wheel seals and not changing bearings.  I will run a tiny bit of preload (no end play). Here's some anecdotal info:

Quote
When I worked at Conway Freight, they wanted 50 ft/lbs of preload on drives, and 25 ft/lbs. on steers. Which went against the 0.001-0.005" end play that bearing manufacturers want. I've seen then done with dial indicator to have end play, I've seen them done a certain torque, the back up 1 flat. I've seen at least 1/2 dozen different ways from good mechanics and have not seen any way more or less prone to failures.

My conclusion is, it's not as critical as most people make it out to be. I even took a Con-Met course on the preset hubs and the guy said that spec is 0.001-0.005", but zero is OK if it doesn't drag. Well then why do you say 0.001" minimum of zero is OK?

I go for 0.001-0.002", I have seen ABS set faults for erratic signal at 0.005" on trailers, so loose is bad. I never seen issues at Conway running 50 ft/lbs of preload, which I thought would build excess heat, but I never seen an issue from it. So if how you've always done it is working for you, it's not wrong.
  Anyone know anything about Stemco Pro-Torq axle nuts? | Page 3 | TruckersRepo...


and right from SKF: Selecting preload with a PDF with even more enginerd info: http://www.skf.com/binary/12-299896/Bearing%20preload_tcm_12-299896.pdf
1998 U270 34'

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #5 –
I'm upgrading to the Pro-Torque nuts from Stemco, but they have new fancier stuff now called teh Zip-Torq.  Looks too complex for me, lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mpNyRv5ABQ
1998 U270 34'

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #6 –
This came up before and because as a heavy equipment mechanic we always preloaded Timken bearings, I called Timken and asked a tech there. He said that Timken and other tapered bearings work best with a preload, but said the manufactures of the equipment get the last word. Like Bob said probably a liability issue so do what you feel best. In my experience as heavy equipment mechanic, many specs. called for zero clearance then remove .003 of shims to get the correct preload. It depended on the size of the bearing on how much preload to use. On my crane both front and rear axle bearings were preloaded and I never lost a bearing in 31 years.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #7 –
It is not possible to make a simple procedure that allows repeatable measurement of preloading a bearing.  Leaving 0.001 to 0.005" of play is easily measured (using a dial indicator).

Because of this, and the fact that millions of mechanics need to be able to follow a procedure, the less desirable method of leaving a little end-play is used.

The "rules" are written due to implementation of procedures, not because of engineering constraints.

I always preload.  And when the rotating assemble warms up, it likely will expand and increase clearance.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #8 –
Glad I am not the only one to promote preload.  My Cummins will not do it for the legal reasons I assume.

I told the  subject to further research I might take it back to my old Foretravel mechanic to add preload.

The nut has slots for a locking pin.  The slots may not allow the .001 adjustment.

Mine are .001 and .003 respectively and a slight dead spot as i stated is present versus the previous preload.

With preload it was perfect.  Without it 90%?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #9 –
I preload mine, done hundreds of them never lost a bearing.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #10 –
So after the standard procedure of installing a bearing, how is the preload done? extra lb per ft? or?

Might take my wheels off and see what mine look like.

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #11 –
Quote from: krush –
It is not possible to make a simple procedure that allows repeatable measurement of preloading a bearing.  Leaving 0.001 to 0.005" of play is easily measured (using a dial indicator).

Because of this, and the fact that millions of mechanics need to be able to follow a procedure, the less desirable method of leaving a little end-play is used.

The "rules" are written due to implementation of procedures, not because of engineering constraints.

I always preload.  And when the rotating assemble warms up, it likely will expand and increase clearance.
Actually the hub expands more than the spindle so clearance decreases.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Wheel seal--Stemco

Reply #12 –
Well I have my helmet and flak jacket on so here goes. For me it's a feel, tighten the bearing down to make sure everything is seated back off a turn, then lightly tighten the nut, install the lock nut done. But as I said I been doing wheel bearings and seals since I was 14 or so. It's a fine line, when you install and tighten the lock nut it will change the preload. If one doubts the ability to preload a bearing a bit loose is better than over tight.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country