DANA 53R-300, Service Manual

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Wheel Bearing Adjusting Procedure
1. Before wheel bearing adjustment is made it is imperative all tapered bearing cones and
cups be pressed to fully seated position. Do not attempt to seat cups and cones by
tightening spindle nut against internal gear hub as this is not an effective method of
seating the components and damage may occur.
2. Coat face of spindle nut, spindle threads and spindle splines with Anti-Seize or Never-
Seez.
3. Install spindle nut and tighten to 1200 lbf/ft [1627 Nm]. Shock internal gear hub with
heavy bar while rotating wheel hub a minimum of 2 revolutions. Recheck nut torque, if nut
moves retorque to 1200 lbf/ft [1627 Nm] and repeat shocking and rotating. Repeat
process until the spindle nut does not advance when when torqued.
4. Loosen the the spindle nut ¼ to ½ turn and shock the wheel hub until a slight amount of
bearing end play is achieved and the wheel hub can rotate freely.
5. Using a strap, hoist and scale or torque wrench and adapter bar, determine the rolling
torque of the wheel end with the bearings in a no load condition. Due to the imbalance of
the hub assembly there will be a variation in rolling torque as the wheel hub is rotated.
Record the maximum rolling torque figure observed while the hub is being rotated. This
figure will be the “No-Load” rolling torque.
6. The acceptable value for axles using LCB (liquid cooled brakes) is up to 200 lbf/ft
[27 Nm], other brake types 25-100 [34-136 Nm].
NOTE:
The specifications given are for axles using new parts. For service on axles with used parts
the procedure is the same except the minimum allowable rolling torque can be as low as 5
lbf/ft [7 Nm].
7. Tighten spindle nut to 600 lbf/ft [813 Nm]. Advance the nut until 3 holes in the lock plate
line up with the holes in the internal gear hub.
8. Check wheel hub rolling torque, it must be within the specified range as listed below. If
rolling torque is higher than specified reduce the nut torque to obtain an acceptable
reading, but not less than 400 lbf/ft [542 Nm]. If spindle nut torque must be reduced
below 400 lbf/ft [542 Nm] the is likely a concentricity or alignment issue in the hub
assembly and it should be disassembled and inspected and reassembled as required.
9. If rolling torque is lower than specified increase spindle nut torque until preload is in
specified range with lock plate holes aligned. Do not torque to more than 1400 lbf/ft
[1898 Nm]. Recheck rolling torque after rotating the wheel hub at least 5 times.
10. Install lock plate and screws as specified in the service procedure.
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