Pinion preload

[PaulS]

I don't have an inch-pound torque wrench, so I can't be sure of where 20 in-ib is to confirm bearing preload.  Two places I looked today either had nothing, or only click-type torque wrenches (and even those didn't go below 30 in-lb).

I'm thinking, though, that 20 in-lb will feel somewhat tight--the pinion won't spin freely.  Any comments on how tight it should feel?

(There's a 0-60 in-lb beam-type torque wrench listed on the website of a tool store in town.  I just hope it's in stock after I drive across the city for it tomorrow...)

Thanks,

-Paul

[Bruce_W]

  You're right, it should not spin freely, but be a bit tight. You should be able to turn it with one hand, but with some effort. Mostly, it's just to be sure that there is no "wiggle room" left, but not tight enough to burn up the bearings. I always liked new bearings to be a little tighter than used ones.   BW

[bretto]

I could send you my park tool beam style torque wrench to use and you send it back when done, if you pay shipping.  Kind of a speedy way to do it but I'll offer.

[PaulS]

Thanks for the offer!  I popped over to the store in town and picked one up this morning, so I'm good.

-Paul