new rotors

 

First, I reassemble everything leaving the nut on the spindle finger tight.

Second, I put the wheel back on.

Third, I spin the wheel and as the wheel is spinning I'm snugging that nut with a wrench (it won't take much). At the same time I'm aware of the hole in the spindle for the cotter pin.

 

What you want to be careful of is crushing the bearing cage. You will notice the wheel slow a bit as you are tightening. Don't go too far, the cage will flex but you can crush it if you go too far. Once you notice the "drag" on the wheel as it's spinning note the location of the hole in the spindle and how the slots in the retainer line up.

If it turns out you have to back off the spindle nut slightly, do so. The drag is cause by a flexing of the bearing cage and will cause excess friction and premature bearing failure. Once the hole in the spindle and a slot in the retainer line up grab the wheel and rock the wheel top and bottom. Not a bad idea to check side to side while you are at it. You can check play in the ball joints and steering linkage while you are there. If the wheel bearing is loose you'll know it. It will take very little effort rocking the wheel to feel it.