Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

On the occasion of a recent Controle Technique (MOT) the tester commented on the slackness of the front wheel bearings. Fortunately the french system allows you a couple of months to rectify problems are not critical to safety so I have researched the archives and done the job.
Not having access to a dial gauge or a convenient torque wrench I adopted the often recommended method of spinning the wheel whilst tightening the hub nut untill it just starts to bind then slacking it off a little.
I then went for a drive(perhaps 30kms) reaching speeds of 70-80 mph. I then felt the hubs which were completely cool and when the car was jacked up the wheels spun freely. HOWEVER there was no discernible play when rocking the wheel at top and bottom. Should I be worried?

Roger.

The important thing with taper roller bearings is that they shouldn't be pre-loaded.
The often mentioned "allowable rocking" is due to the somewhat crude 1/6th turn of the centre nut locking via the split pin & a little rocking is preferable to a loaded bearing.
To me it sounds like you've done a good job & achieved the best result.

Worry? well yes you can, if it turns you on

Cheers
John

Thanks John,
I'll put the worrying on hold. Might keep testing for hot hubs though!

Roger.