how tight do i tighten the rotors?

Mustang5L5 said:
Not that tight, it's measured in inch-pounds.

I usually hang snug the nut while spinning the rotor. Then i go 1/2 turn or so and that's it.

5L5 posted the correct method. I vary it a little bit to ensure that the bearings are properly seated to the races. I spin the hub while tightening the nut till I feel it dragging then back it off a quarter a turn so that is spins freely. You should always spin the thing when tightening. If when you back off, you still feel a burr or dragging then you'll know something is up before you go driving it.
 
You guys are all wrong.Right out of the 89` Ford Mustang car shop manual.

1);Rotate wheel and hub counterclockwise while tightening hub nut to 17-25lb.ft.

2);Loosen hub nut 1/2 turn.

3);Tighten hub nut to 10-28lb.in,(inch pounds) or FINGER TIGHT and no more if you don`t have an inch pound torque wrench.(who does):shrug:,I just have the foot pound ones.

You don`t need an inch pound torque wrench.Finger tight and no more beyond that.I always do it finger tight,no more is necessary.
 
What if you have really weak fingers?????
I agree rotate until you feel drag and back off a 1/4 turn that oughta set you up about right. depending on damage you did burning up these bearings, you may want to check out your rotor and spindle to make sure you didn't jack them up.
 
Snug the nut, and then back it off until there is no drag on the hub. Or tighten the nut as your spinning the hub, and when you feel light drag, back it off a bit.

That is why there is a collar and a codder pin, it prevents the nut from going anywhere after it's where you want it.
 
Jaswir said:
are you sure finger tight is enough???

It`s enough,all the bearings need is the hub nut tightened slightly to eliminate the free play when you push and pull on the wheel.

I think the problem here is that guys see a nut and figure it has to be tightened down with force.This is not the case with these front wheel bearings at all.

If you are tightening that hub nut more than finger tight after seating the bearings and backing off the nut you are just creating more friction for the bearings.

Go ask the bearing manufacturers and see what they say.