97 xlt 2wd front bearing bolt keeps backing off..

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

As per the title..I was doing a general overlook of the expy and right off I notice play in the front right wheel. the first time this happened tightening the retainer nut for the bearing fixed it. then I did it again. and again. and now...again.

I've got to make a 500 mile trip and most of my belongings will be in teh expy when I do. I don't want this bearing to back off doing 80 on a freeway.

the nut cover and cotter pin are installed properly as well but it just backs off enough to put noticeable play in the wheel. the left wheel does the same but not as bad. anyone have a torque spec for the bolt?

 

[bedrck46]

Specs should be in the service manuals

 

[tinman13kup]

I've always tightened the nut until all play was removed and then gave it another 1/4-1/2 turn to preload the bearings.
Are you sure the bearings are not shot or the races not fully seated?

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

well, it turns out the play is elsewhere...I did the initial check on the ground but when I raised her up to tighten the bolt there was no bearing play and all I noticed was some slop in the steering. but it's odd how it does it.

the whole steering drag link seems to twist on the axis of the pitman arm, idler arm and both tie rod ends when you force the wheel either direction. the tie rod ends are secure though (boots are slightly torn but they are good otherwise. I tried to get a video of how it's doing but all I have is a cell phone and it didn't seem to want to work.

 

[tonydiv]

I would also put a mark on the nut and the retainer, to make sure that they are not spinning.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

I thought about that. I should likely post a new thread about the steering linkage issue since I found there to be no play bearing wise. it just feels like it when I have the truck on the ground.

 

[stamp11127]

Since the boots are torn I'll venture a guess that the inner tie rods are shot.
Torn boots = failed boots, I don't care what anyone else says.....It is either sealed or it isn't sealed, there isn't an in between.

The only time you can "get away" with it is if you tear the boot and then replace it.

The business I'm trying to get back into has the right way, the wrong way and then there is the DOT way. School Buses operate under the DOT way.