Endplay or preload settable lock nut

A method for providing a lock nut useable for setting a bearing to preload or endplay, comprising:

• providing a nut threadably engageable onto a spindle or axle;
• providing a locking mechanism engageable with the nut and configured to prevent rotation of the nut threaded onto the axle or spindle;
• providing a plurality of preload markings circumferentially spaced apart on the nut, the distance between the preload marking corresponding to a preselected amount of preload applied or reduced on said bearing when the nut is (i) tightened to apply a preload force to said bearing or (ii) loosened to reduce a preload force on said bearing, respectively;
• providing a plurality of endplay markings circumferentially spaced apart on the nut, the endplay markings being spaced apart substantially equidistantly but located circumferentially at the nearest preload marking location the distance between the endplay markings, corresponding to a preselected amount of endplay increased or reduced in said bearing when the nut is (i) tightened to reduce endplay on the bearing or (ii) loosened to increase endplay in said bearing;
• and
• wherein said endplay markings are visually different than at least a portion of said preload markings, and the nut enables setting the bearing on the axle or spindle to either an endplay setting or a preload setting by adjusting the rotation of said nut according to the endplay markings or the preload markings, respectively.

A lock nut useable for setting a bearing to preload or endplay, comprising:

• a nut threadably engageable onto a spindle or axle;
• a locking mechanism engageable with the nut and configured to prevent rotation of the nut threaded onto the axle or spindle;
• a plurality of preload markings circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart on the nut, the distance between the preload marking corresponding to a preselected amount of preload applied or reduced on said bearing when the nut is (i) tightened to apply a preload force to said bearing or (ii) loosened to reduce a preload force on said bearing;
• a plurality of endplay markings circumferentially spaced apart on the nut, the distance between the endplay markings corresponding to a preselected amount of endplay increased or reduced in said bearing when the nut is (i) tightened to reduce endplay on the bearing or (ii) loosened to increase endplay in said bearing;
• and
• wherein said endplay markings are visually different than at least a portion of said preload markings, and the nut enables setting the bearing on the axle or spindle to either an endplay setting or a preload setting by adjusting the rotation of said nut according to the endplay markings or the preload markings.