Wheel bearings vs. ball joints. Axle nut #?
10-11-2013, 01:16 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Wheel bearings vs. ball joints. Axle nut #?
On a c5z I just replaced my 1st rr bearing at 55k mile quite a few with big sticky tires.
The ball joints seemed good.
In your experience do ball joints out last bearings by some/much/a lot?
For the axle nut, the fsm says to buy a new one and torque to #118.
What is your procedure on axle nut?
I bet it's a $20 nut.
So if you do an upper bj, a lower bj, a wheel bearing, chg studs, an axle, a boot that's 6 new axle nuts?
The ball joints seemed good.
In your experience do ball joints out last bearings by some/much/a lot?
For the axle nut, the fsm says to buy a new one and torque to #118.
What is your procedure on axle nut?
I bet it's a $20 nut.
So if you do an upper bj, a lower bj, a wheel bearing, chg studs, an axle, a boot that's 6 new axle nuts?
Last edited by froggy47; 10-11-2013 at 05:46 PM.
10-12-2013, 07:14 AM
#2
Race Director
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I have replaced WB's a couple of times and use the same nut (me). 
Seriously, I don't know the actual rationale behind the FSM procedure recommendation. I do know that a couple of weeks ago, while replacing the two rear's with SKF I had to go buy a 500# air wrench to remove the nuts. Evidently, the last shop I used really put some torque to them.
Seriously, I don't know the actual rationale behind the FSM procedure recommendation. I do know that a couple of weeks ago, while replacing the two rear's with SKF I had to go buy a 500# air wrench to remove the nuts. Evidently, the last shop I used really put some torque to them.
10-12-2013, 08:01 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
I never replaced any ball joints. I think I used them for 8 years with no problems. I torque the rear nut at #118, but they always seem to come loose. I finally just torque the heck out of it and forget the numbers. Never replaced nuts.
Steve A.
Steve A.
10-12-2013, 01:44 PM
#6
Race Director
Thread Starter
I reused mine & set to #120.
If you think about the construction of the rear bearing, I think over tightening it may distort the tolerance between the races & the *****. They (the bearings) are made to have a certain torque spec applied, not less, not more. I guess they may loosen on occasion but it's very easy to check.
Last edited by froggy47; 10-12-2013 at 01:47 PM.
10-13-2013, 08:31 PM
#7
Safety Car
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I always torque the rear axle nut to 120# and reuse the nut. Never had a problem with using them the second time. Just be sure you clean the threads with a wire brush before removing the nuts. If you are worried about it coming loose, use a drop of red loktite on the threads. If you are tracking the car, that is one bolt that you should check periodically anyway.
10-13-2013, 08:56 PM
#8
Race Director
Thread Starter
I always torque the rear axle nut to 120# and reuse the nut. Never had a problem with using them the second time. Just be sure you clean the threads with a wire brush before removing the nuts. If you are worried about it coming loose, use a drop of red loktite on the threads. If you are tracking the car, that is one bolt that you should check periodically anyway.