Greetings All,

This post is in reference to an '84 300SD and my question is simple. Is there a way to know or adjust fairly easily the front spindle nut without the dial indicator after changing out the lube on the front wheel bearings and replacing the seal? I don't have the dial torque gage they call for but I know someone out there has done this without one. Please give me details to tightening the spindle clamp without causing excessive preload on the bearing surface without this special dial torque tool.

Thanks,
Charles

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"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan

Charles,

I recently replace my bearings and although we don't drive the same model, I'd bet the procedure is the same. I assume you're refering to the nut that actually tightens down on the bearing, so I'll give you what the Haynes manual says. Tighten the nut until you can no longer turn the wheel(the brake rotor) with your hands. Then back off the nut by 1/3 turn. Then tighten the allen bolt that goes through this nut. That's it. It would be a good idea to check again after 100 miles or so.

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Dave
1995 C280
1999 Triumph Daytona 955I - my speed fix.
1982 300TD - Gone, but not forgotten.

I used the exact same method (as per the Haynes Manual) 20,000 miles ago and it's been just fine. I'd second the check it after a few hundred miles suggestion as well.

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LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold