I've got a new Torker DX24 that has the cap type of wheel bearing (not lollypop). On the bearing cap there is a little label that says 'maximum torque, 45 in/lbs.' I used a torque wrench to take it up to 35 in/lbs. and the wheel was pretty well bound up at this setting. It was very difficult to turn and had a very 'notchy' feel to it. I started to back off on the torque and the wheel still had a lot of drag on it until I got down to 12 in/lbs. where it turned pretty freely but I could still feel a little catch in the bearing at one spot through a full revolution. I didn't get a completely smooth and free turning wheel intil I got it down to 8 in/lbs. With the wheel off of the unicycle the bearings feel very smooth. I checked the bearing recess in the frame and in the cap and they don't have any noticable irregularities in them. 8 in/lbs seems awfully low to me. I'm not up to a riding level yet where I'm doing any drops or anything but I'm still a bit worried that a bearing cap could fall off. Has anybody run into this? Am I living dangerously riding with the torque so low?
You only need enough torque to keep the bearings from moving in the holders. If that's 8 ft-lbs, it's OK by me. Use blue thread lock (Loctite or Permatex) or nylon insert nuts to prevent loosening.
Are you sure your torque wrench measures is in inch/pounds? Most common torque wrenches use ft/pounds. If you torque it to 35 ft/pounds, it would most likely cause the bearing problem that you mention. I use a 10 mm socket on a 1/4" nut driver handle to tighten my main caps. With this setup, it is almost impossible to damage the bearings (unless you are the Hulk) 🙂
-- Krashin'Kenny - Crash Tested
If you ain't crashing, you ain't going fast enough!!!!!!!!!!!
*Are you sure your torque wrench measures is in inch/pounds? *
Yeah, I'm sure. I own a couple of ft/lb wrenches and had to borrow the in/lb wrench from a friend. From the feedback I've gotten here I'm gonna get them as tight as I can and still have the wheel turn smoothly and use a little locktite to make sure nothing falls apart. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
Yeah, I'm sure. I own a couple of ft/lb wrenches and had to borrow the in/lb wrench from a friend. From the feedback I've gotten here I'm gonna get them as tight as I can and still have the wheel turn smoothly and use a little locktite to make sure nothing falls apart. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. *
Sorry if I insulted your intelligence 🙂 .
-- Krashin'Kenny - Crash Tested
If you ain't crashing, you ain't going fast enough!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I would have read this about 3 months ago.I got a torker DX and later took it to a bike shop to see if it was tight enough they didnt have a tork wrench but the guy looked at it and said i had it tight enough(he was kinda yung and inexpeirenced).1 week later both bearings broke! Cost $40 to get new ones . Another bike shop guy(who I trust)said just barly tigten it up untill it stops wiggling inside the bearing caps.
