Torqueing Hub Locking Nuts

[Mako Koiwai]

I was surprised to find that I could distinctly feel a difference in wheel turning resistance when I changed out our front Miata bearings ... between the lightest and the heaviest recommended torque settings for the locking nut.

We're going to be changing out Leonard's front bearings in a few days. Suggestions? I torqued mine to the mid range of the suggested torque settings.

For racing should one use the lighter setting, or do we in fact "need" the heavier setting?

[Marshall Grice]

I was surprised to find that I could distinctly feel a difference in wheel turning resistance when I changed out our front Miata bearings ... between the lightest and the heaviest recommended torque settings for the locking nut.

We're going to be changing out Leonard's front bearings in a few days. Suggestions? I torqued mine to the mid range of the suggested torque settings.

For racing should one use the lighter setting, or do we in fact "need" the heavier setting?

i would go with the higher end of the range.

[Mako Koiwai]

Thanks ... does it seem "right" that using different amounts of torque on the locking nut would influence resistance? Seem like there could be heating issues involved, etc.

[John Coffey]

http://www.cerobear.de/index.php?id=37&L=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Amazing amounts of friction reduction. I've seen a mounted front wheel and tire on a RX8 repeatedly settle with the valve stem down with these wheel bearings installed.

[Mako Koiwai]

Meaning the wheel/tire wasn't well balanced. ;)

[Marshall Grice]

Meaning the wheel/tire wasn't well balanced. ;)

hahah. I wasn't going to bring it up, but yeah. Also i'm pretty sure low friction bearings is going to put you in SM or higher.