Anderson Group
Self-loading Trailer – Operator's Manual
91
3. Turn the wheel quickly to check for unusual noises such as grating or knocking.
If a bearing is damaged, replace all the bearings and seals (see section 7.7.7).
To check the wheel bearing play:
1. Lift the axle until the wheel is no longer resting on the ground.
NOTE:
Make sure that the vehicle is completely immobilized.
2. Release the brake.
3. Grasp the top and bottom of the wheel and attempt to rock it to check for play.
If there is any play, take it up (see section 7.7.5).
NOTE:
For self-steering axles, make sure that the play is not coming from the
suspension or pivot.
7.7.5 Adjusting the wheel bearing play
Figure 56 and Table 17 show the various components of a wheel bearing.
To adjust the wheel bearing play:
1. Lift the axle until the wheel is no longer resting on the ground. For large wheels, remove the
wheel to make it easier to feel the play and see what you are adjusting.
2. Remove the hubcap.
3. Remove the cotter pin or hair pin clip from the castle nut.
4. Tighten the castle nut (right-hand threads) to take up all the internal play. The tapered roller
bearings will be firmly in contact with the hub shoulders, support ring, spindle, and castle nut,
and the rotation of the hub or wheel will drag slightly.
5. Loosen the castle nut until there is no more friction between the castle nut and outer bearing.
Make sure that the hole for the cotter pin or hair pin clip corresponds to the notch in the
nearest nut.
6. Tap the hub with a mallet to make sure the assembly is seated.
7. Check that the hub rotates freely. It is better that it be slightly loose than too tight. If needed,
repeat steps 4 and 5.
8. Once it has been adjusted properly, insert a new cotter pin or the hair pin clip, as appropriate.
9. Put the hubcap back on.
10. Put the wheel back on (see section 7.7.1 and section 7.7.2).
Once the wheel is back on, turn it slightly. The wheel should come to rest with a slight rocking
movement.
