To properly adjust the rear wheel bearings on a classic Chrysler, start by gathering essential tools: a torque wrench and a grease gun with high-temperature grease are crucial. Lift the vehicle with a hydraulic floor jack rated for two tons, securing it with jack stands and wheel chocks. After removing the wheel, access the bearings by detaching the brake drum. Inspect for wear, such as dents or rust. Clean thoroughly before adjusting tension by tightening the axle nut to 20-25 ft-lbs while rotating the wheel. Finalize with 10-15 ft-lbs to prevent wobble. Precision in these steps ensures smooth operation and longevity.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before you start adjusting the rear wheel bearings on a classic Chrysler, gather a set of tools to make the job easier and more accurate.
You'll need a set of wrenches, both metric and imperial, to fit different nuts and bolts you might encounter. A torque wrench helps you tighten things just right so the bearings won't wear out too soon.
Get a good jack stand for keeping the car steady, and use a hydraulic floor jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. A bearing puller set will help you remove old bearings without damaging anything.
Also, have a grease gun filled with high-temperature wheel bearing grease to keep everything running smoothly afterward. A dial indicator gauge helps you measure the play in the bearings for accurate adjustments.
If this is your first time doing this task, a detailed service manual for your specific Chrysler model can guide you through the process.
Lift the Vehicle Safely
Make sure the car is lifted safely before working on the rear wheel bearings. If you're dealing with a classic Chrysler, be careful to avoid damage or injury. Use a hydraulic floor jack that can handle at least two tons. Place it under a strong part of the chassis, usually where the Chrysler manual suggests.
Once the car is lifted, keep it stable. Put jack stands under the axle or frame for safety. These stands should be on a firm, flat surface. This helps stop any movement during your work. Use wheel chocks around the front tires to stop the car from rolling.
If you have access, a four-post lift offers better safety and stability than a two-post lift. This is especially true for older car models.
Records show that lifting cars improperly is a common cause of repair shop accidents. So, follow these safety steps when adjusting the rear wheel bearings.
Remove the Wheel
To remove the wheel, first make sure the car won't move by placing chocks behind the wheels.
Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel, but don't take them off yet. This helps keep everything stable.
Next, lift the car with a hydraulic jack or lift. Make sure the car is steady.
Once it is off the ground, fully remove the lug nuts and then take the wheel off the hub.
Here's a simple guide to follow:
- Chock the wheels: Keeps the car from moving.
- Loosen lug nuts: Use a lug wrench, but don't remove them completely.
- Lift the car: Use a hydraulic jack or lift.
- Remove the wheel: Take off the lug nuts and detach the wheel.
This process lets you get to the wheel bearings, which are key for the car to run smoothly.
Always follow safety steps and check your Chrysler's manual.
Access the Bearings
To get to the bearings, first, take off the brake drum or rotor from the wheel hub. Make sure your vehicle is lifted safely and won't move. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts. Be gentle to avoid breaking anything nearby. If the drum or rotor is stuck because of rust or dirt, lightly tap it with a rubber mallet.
When the drum or rotor is off, you can see the wheel hub assembly. The bearings are inside this part, held by a nut and washer. Check your Chrysler's manual for the right torque settings when taking off these parts. The nut usually needs between 75 and 100 foot-pounds of torque.
Carefully pull the hub off the spindle to find the inner and outer bearings. Pay attention to how the bearings and any parts like seals or washers are placed. Write down or take a picture of how everything comes apart. This will help you put it all back together correctly.
Inspect for Wear
Take off the wheel hub assembly and check the bearings for any wear or damage signs. Look for small dents, deep lines, rust, or color changes on the roller surfaces. These issues can mean the bearings might fail. If the bearings look dry or don't have enough oil, they might be rubbing too much, which can wear them out faster. The races, or tracks, should be smooth and shiny without damage.
Here's a simple way to understand what to look for:
| Problem | What You See | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dents | Little marks on bearing surfaces | Bearings won't last as long |
| Deep Lines | Big scratches or grooves | Bearings might stop working |
| Rust | Metal parts look rusty | Metal is weaker |
| Color Change | Metal looks different in color | Bearings might be too hot or lack oil |
Check these signs closely. If you see them, it's best to change the bearings to keep your car running safely. Using good quality bearings made for your Chrysler will help your car work well.
Adjust Bearing Tension
Make sure your rear wheel bearings have the right tension for your classic Chrysler to run smoothly. Too much or too little tension can cause bearing problems or safety risks. Here's how to adjust it:
- Clean the Area: Make sure the hub and bearings are clean. Dirt can mess up the tension setting.
- Tighten the Nut: Gradually tighten the axle nut while turning the wheel. This helps set the bearings evenly.
- Initial Tightening: Turn the axle nut to about 20-25 ft-lbs while spinning the wheel.
- Loosen the Nut: Loosen the nut slightly, about half to three-quarters of a turn.
- Final Adjustment: Tighten the nut again to around 10-15 ft-lbs. The wheel should turn freely without any side-to-side movement.
After adjusting, check to ensure the wheel spins easily and doesn't wobble. This helps keep your Chrysler's rear wheel working well.
Test and Reassemble
Regularly check the wheel assembly to keep your classic Chrysler safe and running well. Start by looking at the wheel bearings. Make sure they're not too tight or too loose. Spin the wheel by hand. It should move smoothly and quietly. This helps avoid early wear or unsafe driving conditions.
Next, use a dial indicator to measure how much the wheel moves side-to-side. For Chrysler's rear wheels, the play should be between 0.001 and 0.005 inches. This ensures the bearings are set right and keeps the wheel stable.
When you finish testing, put everything back together. First, reinstall the wheel hub and make sure it lines up correctly. Tighten the hub nut to the torque specified by the manufacturer, usually about 50-70 lb-ft for classic Chrysler cars.
Put the cotter pin in place to lock the nut securely.
People Also Ask
Can I Reuse the Old Wheel Bearings if They Look Fine?
It's not a good idea to use old wheel bearings again, even if they look okay. They might have hidden damage. It's better to get new ones to keep your car safe and working well for a long time.
What Type of Grease Should I Use for Classic Chrysler Wheel Bearings?
Use a high-temperature, good-quality wheel bearing grease for your classic Chrysler. Pick a lithium-based or synthetic type that meets NLGI Grade 2 standards. This will help keep the wheel bearings working well and last longer.
How Often Should Rear Wheel Bearings Be Adjusted on a Classic Chrysler?
Check and adjust the rear wheel bearings on a classic Chrysler every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever happens first. Doing this helps keep the car running well and stops parts from wearing out.
What Are the Signs of Improperly Adjusted Rear Wheel Bearings?
If your car's rear wheel bearings aren't adjusted right, you might hear grinding or humming noises, notice the wheels feel loose, see uneven tire wear, or feel the wheels getting too hot. These signs mean you should check and fix them soon to avoid damage.
Are There Any Special Considerations for Adjusting Bearings on Vintage Models?
When fixing old model bearings, check the original instructions and use tools from that time. Old parts can be fragile, so be gentle to keep them working and looking like they should. Always be safe and wear the right safety gear.