HELP: Can't get wheel bearing right!

[aweiss2k]

About 6 months ago I replaced the front bearings on my '97 Ranger (my first time doing that job). At the time I was a little concerned because I thought I had them in a bit too tight. A couple week ago the right-front bearing started making thumping and grinding sounds, especially on tight turns. So, today I got another set of bearings and went in and replaced it.

I was intending to keep it looser this time, but I just can't seem to get it right. I tried seating it at 32 lbs. and then backing the nut off to 16 lbs, but even at that torque the wheel doesn't spin even close to freely. It stops after maybe 1 revolution. If I go much looser, the rotors start to flop all over the place. I can't come close to finding a spot where the wheels spin more-or-less freely without also wobbling around.

What am I doing wrong? How freely should the wheels spin? Should I drive it around for a week and then go in and readjust once the new grease has softened up a bit? I'd really prefer not keep replacing bearings every 6 months (although I'm getting pretty quick with it!).

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Install the new bearings packed full of grease, put on the inner lock nut. Tighten it down as much as you can get it with a ratchet by hand. spin the rotor a few times, re tighten the nut, spin the rotor, re tighten, spin the rotor. Back the nut off 90 degrees and then grab the socket with your hand and just go hand tight. The spec is 14-16 INCH lbs, which I've found to be right around hand snug. You just want to take the end play out of the bearings. Put on the locking washer, if the pin doesn't line up flip it over. Install the outer lock nut and torque to 150 ft lbs if stock size tires and wheel, go to 220-250 for bigger tires and wheels.