If you have disassembled, you may also want to install a slotted lock washer after grinding a groove in the axle, which makes the nut absolutely unscrewable
When I was in school, a long time ago, I was taught that you should never install this nut without the washer. The washer is also manufactured and sold by SKF.
Also, don't be afraid of torquing the axle nut really tight!. I checked the SAE for torque notes and that size nut in mild steel strips at around 1200 ft-lbs! So I use 400-ft-lbs on my axles. A long time ago I bought a two-piece 0-600 ft-lb Snap-On torque wrench for this and other outrageously tight jobs. Found on E-bay cheap 'cause you don't use them often. Weighs 12 lbs.
That's the whole point of the slotted washer, you don't have to tighten with a HUGE amount of torque to keep the nut from coming loose. This design error, or small saving by De Tomaso, has caused problems for many owners.
Does anyone have an opinion on using an impact on the nut? I have Milwaukee 1/2 drive that specs 450ft/lbs fastening torque and 650lbs busing torque.
Also, I haven't seen anything about using red Loctite, maybe this is not a good idea?
Thanks,
John
Red Loctite is not the permanent, impossible to release, thread sealer many think it is.
it will very easily give up its hold when melted out of a connection using a propane torch.
I personally don’t see a problem with red Loctite in this application.
Larry
Thanks for the info. I've had the nuts off once and know about the L and R threads. The RF spindle actually has left-handed threads too.
I will hold off on the Loctite since it doesn't seem to be used for this job.
I took the axle nuts off with the Milwaukee impact with no problem the first time. I was thinking I could use the impact first and then go back at it with my 600lb torque wrench. I'm not as strong as I used to be so hopefully the 4ft wrench will give me enough leverage.
I have a fixture setup using the original hubs. Hoping to put the wheel studs thru it and tighten the lug nuts the back side. Just hoping the vice will hold everything.
Thanks,
John
When i did axle bearings i made a plate with the lug stud hole pattern and bolted that plate to a 2x2 steel tube. Slide it in the receiver hitch on my truck and torque away.
@jwelch68 posted:Does anyone have an opinion on using an impact on the nut? I have Milwaukee 1/2 drive that specs 450ft/lbs fastening torque and 650lbs busing torque.
I've done quite a few for one vendor and that's how we do them, crank the air up to 150 psi and use a high torque impact wrench. You can actually audibly here the sound change once it's fully seated and tight.
