front wheel bearings

Like most, I never use a torque wrench, just one hand on a Crescent wrench as I spin the hub. You can feel it loosen as the grease works out of the bearing gaps. I always back off at least 1 slot, then repeat a tighten-release cycle to be safe. Too loose is better than too tight. The factory manual suggests the wheel should be installed when doing this (I never have).
That's how i did it with a 12 inch long cresent & the tire/wheel installed, then give a good shake at the top of the wheel to see if any play in the bearing. No issues so far.