Abstract: A system and method for adjusting wheel-end tapered roller bearing preload force on an axle spindle with a diameter, a longitudinal groove or flat, and a thread pattern to receive an adjustment nut, having an inner washer, an inner adjustment nut, an outer washer with first detent features and an outer adjustment nut with second detent features. The first and second detent features interact so as to define at least one detent position between the outer washer and the outer adjustment nut for adjusting the preload force.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods facilitate precise adjustment of wheel-end tapered roller bearing preload force on an axle spindle with a diameter, a longitudinal groove or flat, and a thread pattern to receive a hexagonal adjustment nut with six outer edges. A system may include a flat inner washer, an inner adjustment nut, a flat outer washer having an outer tab extending from the outer edge and a plurality of markings on the outer surface or the outer edge of the outer washer, each marking indicating the amount of rotation needed to cause a predefined lateral movement of the inner adjustment nut as a function of the diameter and thread pattern of the axle, and an outer adjustment nut.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods facilitate precise adjustment of wheel-end tapered roller bearing preload force on an axle spindle with a diameter, a longitudinal groove or flat, and a thread pattern to receive a hexagonal adjustment nut with six outer edges. A system may include a flat inner washer, an inner adjustment nut, a flat outer washer having an outer tab extending from the outer edge and a plurality of markings on the outer surface or the outer edge of the outer washer, each marking indicating the amount of rotation needed to cause a predefined lateral movement of the inner adjustment nut as a function of the diameter and thread pattern of the axle, and an outer adjustment nut.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods facilitate precise adjustment of wheel-end tapered roller bearing preload force on an axle spindle with a diameter, a longitudinal groove or flat, and a thread pattern to receive a hexagonal adjustment nut with six outer edges. A basic system includes a flat round inner washer having an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the axle, an outer diameter, an inner surface, and outer surface and an outer edge. The inner washer includes a tab or D-shape to cooperate with a groove or flat, respectively on the axle to ensure that the washer does not rotate following installation. A plurality of markings are provided on the outer surface or the outer edge of the inner washer, each marking indicating the amount of rotation needed to cause a 0.001? lateral movement of the adjustment nut as a function of the diameter and thread pattern of the axle.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods facilitate precise adjustment of wheel-end tapered roller bearing preload force on an axle spindle with a diameter, a longitudinal groove or flat, and a thread pattern to receive a hexagonal adjustment nut with six outer edges. A basic system includes a flat round inner washer having an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the axle, an outer diameter, an inner surface, and outer surface and an outer edge. The inner washer includes a tab or D-shape to cooperate with a groove or flat, respectively on the axle to ensure that the washer does not rotate following installation. A plurality of markings are provided on the outer surface or the outer edge of the inner washer, each marking indicating the amount of rotation needed to cause a 0.001? lateral movement of the adjustment nut as a function of the diameter and thread pattern of the axle.

Abstract: An interlocking nut and washer system complies with new standards identified in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J2535, Setting Preload in Heavy-Duty Wheel Bearings, and with maintenance recommendations issued by the Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Practice RP618, Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure. The system includes an improved inner washer, adjustment nut, intermediate washer, and outer nut that interlocks with the intermediate washer following the introduction of an established level of preload force by the adjustment nut. The inner washer isolates the adjustment nut from the inner bearing race to eliminate frictional wear. An increase in outer diameter of the inner washer provides an interference capability that serves as a safety factor to prevent separation of the wheel hub from the axle spindle in event of bearing failure. The inner washer includes markers to establish the final adjusted preload or the endplay position of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: An interlocking nut and washer system complies with new standards identified in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J2535, Setting Preload in Heavy-Duty Wheel Bearings, and with maintenance recommendations issued by the Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Practice RP618, Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure. The system includes an improved inner washer, adjustment nut, intermediate washer, and outer nut that interlocks with the intermediate washer following the introduction of an established level of preload force by the adjustment nut. The inner washer isolates the adjustment nut from the inner bearing race to eliminate frictional wear. An increase in outer diameter of the inner washer provides an interference capability that serves as a safety factor to prevent separation of the wheel hub from the axle spindle in event of bearing failure. The inner washer includes markers to establish the final adjusted preload or the endplay position of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: The spindle ends of an axle of conventional design are provided with either right hand or left hand threads to receive respective axle nuts in combination with special lock ring fasteners. A nut of standard configuration used for tapered roller bearing adjustment and hereafter described as the adjustment nut is threaded into position having torque applied to it in a controlled manner to achieve specific preload bearing pressure against the inner race of the outer wheel bearing through a washer whose internal tab projects into the spindle keyway after which a threaded lock ring is rotated into contact with the adjustment nut. Having achieved positive positioning of the threaded lock ring in bearing contact with the adjustment nut, a retainer is installed to secure the lock ring in position on the threads of the axle spindle preventing further rotational movement.

Abstract: The end of an axle spindle is provided with right hand and left hand threads to receive respective axle nuts. The inner nut thread diameter is larger than the outer nut thread diameter in order to avoid interference. The wheel, bearings and an inner nonrotatable washer on the axle spindle are secured in place by tightening the inner nut to an initial snug (no clearance) condition against the face of the nonrotatable washer. One of eight holes on the outer face of the inner nut receives a projecting pin of a spacing control device which pin projects a predetermined distance. The outer nut is turned until the spacing control device engages one of the eight recesses. Then the flats of both nuts are tightened by a spanner wrench which causes the inner nut to "back off". The method is to create a space between nuts (e.g. by use of a shim spacer) which converts to an appropriate clearance space between the inner nut and nonrotatable washer in the final condition and to maintain that space in the final condition.

Abstract: The end of an axle spindle is provided with right hand and left hand threads to receive respective axle nuts. The inner nut thread diameter is larger than the outer nut thread diameter in order to avoid interference. The wheel, bearings and an inner nonrotatable washer on the axle spindle are secured in place by tightening the inner nut to an initial snug (no clearance) condition against the face of the nonrotatable washer. One of eight holes on the outer face of the inner nut receives a projecting pin of a spacing control device which pin projects a predetermined distance. The outer nut is turned until the spacing control device engages one of the eight recesses. Then the flats of both nuts are tightened by a spanner wrench which causes the inner nut to "back off". The method is to create a space between nuts (e.g. by use of a shim spacer) which converts to an appropriate clearance space between the inner nut and nonrotatable washer in the final condition and to maintain that space in the final condition.