Wheel bearings - checking and adjusting clearance — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform code 7X

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• The play adjustment is correct when it is possible to displace the thrust washer in only the radial direction and, when moving the brake drum in the axial direction, it does not have an apparent play.
• Accordingly, it is possible to attain perfect seating of the bearings.
• The wheel hub cover must be replaced with every removal.The wheel hub guard must be free of grease.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle 22.1Service descriptions, lifting the vehicle up to working height.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the wheel hub guard, with the Hub nut guard pullerVW 637/2.
4. Place a screwdriver between the washer and the brake disc hub in such a manner that the screwdriver is perpendicular to the washer.
5. Move the washer in the radial direction with a light pressure of the forefinger(arrow) applied to the end of the screwdriver.

6. Never turn (arrows) or leverage the screwdriver. [Note: The play adjustment is correct when it is possible to displace the thrust washer in only the radial direction and, when moving the brake drum in the axial direction, it does not have an apparent play.]
7. If the washer does not move, it is necessary to adjust the roller bearing clearance.
8. ⚠ The screwdriver should touch only the washer and never the outer roller bearing of the wheel.Never rotate or leverage with the screwdriver, assuring that the screwdriver does not touch the brake drum hub on no account.If the notes above are not strictly followed, the adjustment of bearing end play will be jeopardized (it can lead to noises and breakage of bearings). — Raise the vehicle 22.1Service descriptions, lifting the vehicle up to working height.
9. Remove the front wheel.
10. Remove the wheel hub guard, with the Hub nut guard pullerVW 637/2.
11. Unlock and remove the counter nut and the locking washer.
12. Tighten the hexagonal nut with 34 ± 5 Nm, simultaneously turning the brake drum by hand. Then, loosen the hexagonal nut with 1/2 of a turn. [Note: Accordingly, it is possible to attain perfect seating of the bearings.] — 5 Nm (3.7 lb-ft)
13. Loosen or tighten the hexagonal nut, relieving or increasing the pressure on the thrust washer; simultaneously, check its displacement in the radial direction, according to the aforementioned procedure .
14. Install a new locking washer and counter nut. Tighten the counter nut, with a tightening torque of .
15. Check the roller bearing clearance adjustment again. If necessary, repeat the procedure until the adjustment is correct .
16. Lock the nut and the counter nut with the tabs of the new locking washer.
17. Install the wheel hub guard with the Support tube40-20.. [Note: The wheel hub cover must be replaced with every removal.The wheel hub guard must be free of grease.]
18. Install the front wheel.
19. Tighten the wheel lugs. Tightening torque, see .

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