Torque Axle Nut

Post by **shaker_chi** » 12 Sep 2017, 21:49

Been doing a lot of suspension work on the 98 S70 T5 I am trying to bring back to life. I put on a new hub on the driver side. Couple questions about the nut:

1. Can I reuse the old one? When I compare it to a new one, the old version seems to be in 2 parts.

2. What do I torque it to?

Lastly, I put a new boot on the axle since the old one was ripped. I did it without removing the axle from the car. I cut the old boot off, cleaned up the grease with a few shop towels and saw there wasn't any dirt or debris inside. I was watching Roberts youtube video and decided to keep the axles in the transmission and just compressed the clip holding the end in place. Threw on the boot, greased it up and threw on the clamps. Took me less than 20 minutes and didn't have to worry about the snap ring or popping it out of the transmission.

Thanks

Post by **erikv11** » 12 Sep 2017, 22:47

1. I re-use a lot of fasteners, probably more than most people on here. Axle nut I will re-use if it is not all rusted to heck. I often prefer re-using the old axle nut over using what looks like a crappy, lightweight replacement. While the nut may look like a "castle" it should however be only one piece!

2. The torque spec is 120 Nm (that's 89 ft-lbs), plus another 60°

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 13 Sep 2017, 15:34

erikv11 wrote: ↑12 Sep 2017, 22:47 1. I re-use a lot of fasteners, probably more than most people on here. Axle nut I will re-use if it is not all rusted to heck. I often prefer re-using the old axle nut over using what looks like a crappy, lightweight replacement. While the nut may look like a "castle" it should however be only one piece!

2. The torque spec is 120 Nm (that's 89 ft-lbs), plus another 60°

I agree. Usually if the nut is in good enough shape, why replace it with a cheaper looking replacement?

No need to replace the nut unless you really want to or the old one is stripped/rusty/damaged.

Post by **scot850** » 13 Sep 2017, 15:40

There is a version of the nut that came with 2 parts, one was like a wide flanged washer and the other looked like a regular castlated nut. I re-use the original over the after market rubbish I have got with a re-built or aftermarket axle. Usually they are cheap crap. Importance is to torque the nut correctly.

Neil

Post by **abscate** » 13 Sep 2017, 16:12

Bastard alert - on the 1999-2000 the nut went to a Torque to Yield bolt, which is a one time use.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 13 Sep 2017, 20:31

abscate wrote: ↑13 Sep 2017, 16:12 Bastard alert - on the 1999-2000 the nut went to a Torque to Yield bolt, which is a one time use.

I've noticed that on my cousin's car. I've always been very confused by it.

Post by **rspi** » 19 Sep 2017, 07:41

I forgot to torque one a couple of months ago, and 10,000 miles later I thought a wheel bearing was going bad. Drove another 350 miles and it was getting worse. Turn right and got bad honning, turn left, felt fine. Went to break the bolt loose, oops. Torqued it down, good to go. Yikes!

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 19 Sep 2017, 07:54

Torque to yield bolts - aka stretch bolts? I had hoped only VW had used them =)

Post by **oragex** » 19 Sep 2017, 08:37

wizechatmgr wrote: ↑19 Sep 2017, 07:54 Torque to yield bolts - aka stretch bolts? I had hoped only VW had used them =)

They are not too bad, it's a 14mm. Much easier to remove that the old big nut, basically like any other 14mm bolt. There have been issues with them breaking loose while driving, so they went to an improved design with the washer. Yes, these are stretch, but I reused mines many times (replacing shocks and control arms, etc) without any problem. I just don't tighten them to the full torque. The weak point with this design is that the hole in the axle actually goes right inside the CV joint so grease can go on the threads.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 20 Sep 2017, 02:28

oragex wrote: ↑19 Sep 2017, 08:37
wizechatmgr wrote: ↑19 Sep 2017, 07:54 Torque to yield bolts - aka stretch bolts? I had hoped only VW had used them =)
They are not too bad, it's a 14mm. Much easier to remove that the old big nut, basically like any other 14mm bolt. There have been issues with them breaking loose while driving, so they went to an improved design with the washer. Yes, these are stretch, but I reused mines many times (replacing shocks and control arms, etc) without any problem. I just don't tighten them to the full torque. The weak point with this design is that the hole in the axle actually goes right inside the CV joint so grease can go on the threads.

Are you thinking we could theoretically grease the outer CV in this fashion?