Re: Front wheel bearings

Posted by BH On 2012/8/25 20:56:47

mypackard -

If this is in regards to your 1937 115C, you are correct that this procedure isn't provided in either the 1937 or the 1937-1938 shop manual.

Although it isn't obviously listed in the topics included in the online Service Index that I compiled for the 1935-37 Juniors (just not possible to list every detail), know that "Mechanical Specifications and Adjustments" were published in the factory service newsletter as new models were introduced. (Prior to 1937, they were known as "Standard Sizes and Adjustments".)

For 1937, look to SL Vol. 10, No. 17; "Wheel Bearing Adjustment" is the last entry under the "FRONT SUSPENSION" section (pg. 5 of the PDF). However, no torque specs are provided.

My dad, who worked in both Packard and GM dealerships for many years, never torqued front wheel bearings, but would simply give the tire a good spin just before he cinched the castle nut with a pair of water pump pliers (aka - tongue and groove pliers, Channellocks, etc.) until it felt reasonably tight (neither loose nor binding), then proceed as directed.