Axle nut

[RiceeatingSHO]

What size socket?

 

[ManySHOs]

30mm.

If you have an impact gun, use it. If you don't use a 1/2" ratchet. If you use a ratchet, you'll need someone to stand on the brakes or lower the car to the ground with the wheels on and the cenercaps off. Either way, cool and lubricate the axle threads with PB Blaster or antiseize.

Ian

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

no impact wrench. Car's on the ground...I'll just use a cheater bar...

 

[Storm-Chaser]

30mm - front

36mm - rear

 

[1993MTXSHO]

I have a 30mm front socket (it is a little lose but works fine), but isnt the front axle nut 29mm to be exact?

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

I want to buy the correct size, anyone care to elaborate? I'm getting mixed opinions here.

 

[PAracer]

I've always used a 30mm. No issues.

If you want to confirm, you can always measure the nut across the flats.

 

[gmorrell]

I have a 30mm front socket (it is a little lose but works fine), but isnt the front axle nut 29mm to be exact?

I have 4 new front axle nuts "in stock", they measure 29.3 to 29.5mm across the flats, depending on which pair of flats you mic. The 0.2mm difference is because these nuts are purposely manufactured slightly out of round, it's called torque prevailing - a locking feature.

Please don't use an impact wrench to run down or especially to seat axle nuts, it can Brinell (flat spot) the bearing rollers. Hand torque only.

The chain auto parts stores have selections of deep axle nut sockets, 30mm is the right one to get for the Taurus front nuts.

 

[Shoaz]

The car doesn't need to be on the ground, either. A screwdriver stuck into the rotor vanes and wedged up against the caliper bracket will hold it still just fine for either removal or installation of the axle nut.

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

Thanks guys. This forum never fails me, although I do fail it sometimes.

 

[ManySHOs]

I have 4 new front axle nuts "in stock", they measure 29.3 to 29.5mm across the flats, depending on which pair of flats you mic. The 0.2mm difference is because these nuts are purposely manufactured slightly out of round, it's called torque prevailing - a locking feature.

Please don't use an impact wrench to run down or especially to seat axle nuts, it can Brinell (flat spot) the bearing rollers. Hand torque only.

The chain auto parts stores have selections of deep axle nut sockets, 30mm is the right one to get for the Taurus front nuts.

Gary
I wouldn't use an impact to run the nut down - do you see an issue with using one to remove the nut?

Ian

 

[Storm-Chaser]

29mm for the front axle nut will work on some axle-nuts, but I've seen almost as many that required using a 30mm socket - including brand-new OEM axle nuts. If I were speculating, my guess would be that the way some manufacturers crush-squeeze the nut to make it a pseudo- lock-nut would be why.

You won't have a problem using a 30mm deep-well socket.

I have a 30mm front socket (it is a little lose but works fine), but isnt the front axle nut 29mm to be exact?