Question is: Should I tighten the bearings even more or is this play a pretty natural thing? I would guess there is a slight play in the bearings when cornering causing the pads to touch when I'm not braking. When I originally installed the rotors I tightened the bearings with and adjustable with four finger pressure (10-20 lbs?) while turning the rotor, then loosened the nut and tightened with a rag and finger tight pressure (5-10 lbs?). One other thing, I used 2000 degree anti seize on the pad backings (worked fine the last time) , is brake anti-squeal grease that much better?
f150 brake squeal after brake job
Guessing at a problem is always a bad thing. If there_is_enough play in the bearings to be the cause, you do need to re-adjust them. This time use a torque wrench. Since you do your own work, you should buy one and use it. The wheel bearings need to be 'seated', using a torque wrench, at 25lbs while rotating the rotor in the opposite direction. Back off
1/8 of a turn and then finger tight them. Put on the nut-lock so there is a hole for the cotter-pin to go through. The nut-lock/spindle nut should not be turned any more than 1/2 flat for the pin installation. Once you get the wheels mounted, grab the tire at 12o'clock/6o'clock or at 9 & 3 and move it in/out. There should not be more than 0.0005in of play (that ain't much play, so you shouldn't feel any looseness) For example: 1/64th in=0.15625inHope this helps.......
Dave S
Found the intermittent squeal: Had a chance to lift the truck today. Bearing adjustment was still perfect. Pulled front of wheel while pushing rear of wheel while turning. Squealing was coming from lower anti-rattle clip - it slid over a bit and was rubbing on rotor in turns. The new ones had a tab that should have been bent down to hold it in place. My fault. Back to having the smoothest, quietest brakes in town Thanks for your input.
Think you missed a decimal point :-)
1/8th inch = 0.125in 1/64th in=0.015625in0.15625in = 10/64in=5/32in
Sorry, just couldn't resist.
Sure did! Proofread the post too!
DS
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