Introduction:
Once in a great while I’ll see a post where someone has complained about the front wheel bearings coming loose on their 1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4×4. This generally happens after someone has reinstalled the spindle lock nuts and not properly tightened them.
Here’s how to properly tighten the spindle locknuts after you’ve installed a grease packed wheel bearing in the brake rotor:
From MAKG
For manual locking hubs, inner nut to 30 ft-lbs., rotate rotor, retorque 30 ft-lbs., repeat until no change. Back off 1/4 turn. Tighten to hand-tight (I think the spec is 16 INCH-lbs.). Install washer without turning inner nut. Install outer nut to 150-250 ft-lbs.
From 4x4Junkie:
The way I do mine (not a whole lot different from what MAKG posted):
- Pack liberally with a good quality lithium-base wheel bearing grease (I use Castrol Wheel bearing Grease)
- Assemble it and tighten the nut to 35 ft-lbs. while spinning the rotor back & forth.
- Back it off a half-turn, then retighten to 15 INCH-lbs. (about what you’ll get by tightening it until snug by hand with the socket)
- Install locking washer (flipping it over if the hole doesn’t line up, don’t move the nut)
- Tighten the outer nut to 250ft-lbs, making sure the washer tab doesn’t slip out of the spindle groove.
Chilton Manual Instructions:
- install the inner locknut on the spindle and tighten it to 35 ft-lbs.
- Spin the brake disc (rotor) several turns in each direction to seat the bearings.
- Loosen the inner locknut 1/4-turn, then retighten it to 16 in-lbs.
- Install the lock washer and align the locknut pin with one of the holes in the lock washer. If necessary, turn the inner locknut slightly to align the hole and pin.
- Install the outer locknut and tighten to 150 ft-lbs.
- Lubricate the needle bearing spacer and needle bearing (if equipped) with the same grease used for the wheel bearings. Install them in the spindle.
- Install the axle shaft spacer
- Install the snap-ring on the spindle.
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.