A preloading axle clamp for a wheel bearing includes an axle adapted to receive a wheel bearing and a connecting fork. A bushing is positioned about a first end of the axle. A fastener having a first flange is coupled to the first end of the axle, wherein a portion of the fastener is inserted into the first end to retain the connecting fork on the axle. A nut is threadedly coupled to the bushing, wherein rotation of the nut on the bushing causes a preloading force on the wheel bearing.