What Dial Gauge Do You Use

[Kyiv]

Front wheel bearings require a dial indicator to set play at 0.01-0.02 mm. That's tinnier than a human hair I think, but I guess the engineers decided it's important enough. Looking at dial gauges on Amazon, even $200 ones have a margin of error of +/- 0.02 mm . The middle of the road units $40-50 with positive reviews have +/- 0.03 mm. Many/most of you do bearings yourself. What dial gauge do use to set the damn play accurately to 0.01-0.02 mm?

 

[JC220]

I have an approx. $50 dial guage and magnetic block from ebay. Works just perfectly for setting wheel bearing play never had any issues. It was bought so many years ago I couldn't get a link now. Don't get too hung up reading all the specs - as long as it can work within the desired range it will be fine for this task.

They are a precision tool so handle it carefully. I also kept the wrapping and box to keep mine in when not in use. A bearing grease packer is also a useful addition for this task. It is important to properly pack wheel bearings with grease you tube will have videos of proper packing procedure by hand but the tool makes it faster & easier.

 

[gerryvz]

You can get a magnetic base and dial gauge inexpensively from Harbor Fright, as well.

 

[gsxr]

Here's one that has resolution/graduation to 0.001mm, and claimed accuracy of ±0.005mm:

Clockwise Tools DITR-0105 Electronic Digital Dial Indicator Gage Gauge Inch/Metric Conversion 0-1 Inch/25.4 mm 0.00005 Inch/0.001mm Resolution with Back Lug Auto Off Featured Measuring Tool: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Clockwise Tools DITR-0105 Electronic Digital Dial Indicator Gage Gauge Inch/Metric Conversion 0-1 Inch/25.4 mm 0.00005 Inch/0.001mm Resolution with Back Lug Auto Off Featured Measuring Tool: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

I have an old Mitutoyo analog similar to this newer version, it costs twice as much as the off-brand, but IMO it's probably worth it:

Mitutoyo 2046S-01 Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 9.525mm Stem Dia., Lug Back, Yellow Dial, 0-100 Reading, 57mm Dial Dia., 10mm Range, 0.01mm Graduation, +/-0.013mm Accuracy: Industrial Warning Signs: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Mitutoyo 2046S-01 Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 9.525mm Stem Dia., Lug Back, Yellow Dial, 0-100 Reading, 57mm Dial Dia., 10mm Range, 0.01mm Graduation, +/-0.013mm Accuracy: Industrial Warning Signs: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

EDIT: Discussion about wheel bearing packing methods moved HERE.

 

[Kyiv]

Here's one that has resolution/graduation to 0.001mm, and claimed accuracy of ±0.005mm:
https://www.amazon.com/Clockwise-Tools-DIBR-0105-Electronic-Conversion/dp/B07888LX1R/

Ordered it, thanks! I actually saw this listing, but after seeing first 3 models all having +/- 0.03 accuracy, didn't bother clicking on the last one

 

[alabbasi]

Did I just hear Gerry advising someone to get something from Harbor Freight?. I'm going out to buy a lottery ticket