Steer Axle bearing

I tighten them until theyre snug with 0 play and back off quarter turn. I do it a few times to make sure I've seated the bearings and races.Usually the races are set when the hammer and drift bounce instead of drive. Never heard of using a dial indicator, maybe you mean a torque wrench?

 

TA's and Petro's use them. I don't like the seals they sell, and they don't always have a Pro-Torq nut in stock, but they do have dial indicators.

 

What do they do with them, check side to side or out of round?

 

In/out play is the standard measurement. Typically you want it to be between 2 and 6 thousandths. They should always do this measurement and you should make sure they do.

There is also a type of dial indicator that will tell if your spindle is too worn or out of round. They usually won't do that test unless they see a reason. TA/Petro does have an upper limit to how far out of round a spindle can be and they won't do the job if it's over.

 

I've always done my own and always will, they can sure find more ways to separate you from your money. Its funny too because any tech I ever spoke to at the Peetro or Flying fishhook didn't make a lot of money. But that's on the east coast and down south.Never had the pleasure on the west coast. I did stop for a steak dinner at a J outside of Bakersfield while on vacation and I wouldn't let a stray dog eat there.

 

Yes it's definitely a feel and like I said your races have to be seated or you'll get a false feel.In 30 some odd years I've done more than a few and I've never had a problem. I've also seen my share of bearings that were not done right and they can definitely get ugly. I'll stick to doing my own.

 

Yes, in this day and age, everything is about liability, whatever did we do before lawyers and insurance companies. I'll tell you, we got along.