Torquing Wheel Hub Retainer

[SHOpar]

We just got done doing replacing the wheel bearings on my friends SHO, and used an impact gun to run down the wheel hub retainer, and then a torque wrench to tighten it. One person was standing on the brakes the entire time to keep the wheels from rotating.

After doing all the work, I looked through the manual and saw that it says NOT to use an impact gun to run this nut down.

Does anyone know why you wouldn't want to use an impact gun on this nut? I really hope it isn't a big deal...

Thanks for any info!

 

[SHOtimer]

Somebody else may know for sure, but I remember reading a post on Shotimes, that said not to because the threads are so fine an inpact gun would probably strip them.
Doug

 

[sdpatt]

The key to the installation was the use of a torque wrench to achieve the required nut torque. The torque on the hub nut is a key feature to properly load the bearings and should always be confirmed with a torque wrench. The caution against the impact gun was probably the use of only an impact gun to install the nut.

 

[SHOpar]

sdpatt:
The key to the installation was the use of a torque wrench to achieve the required nut torque. The torque on the hub nut is a key feature to properly load the bearings and should always be confirmed with a torque wrench. The caution against the impact gun was probably the use of only an impact gun to install the nut.

That's kind of what I was thinking. I just had visions of the impact gun mysteriously damaging something like the trans, axles, or new bearings - it would be just my luck!

That nut sure is a PITA to tighten though - it took FOREVER, even with the impact gun. I think next time around, I'll just tighten it with the breaker bar. There was no way I could have run it down the the 1/2" ratchet...

 

[Underdog]

It is indeed a hard nut to tighten. Spraying the stud with WD40 before trying to put the nut is generally speeds up the process. I usually use an impact to get it 3/4's of the way, then a ratchet to get it the rest of the way, then a torque wrench to torque it down.

I don't think you have any worries as long as the nut is on tight.

 

[SHOpar]

Underdog:
It is indeed a hard nut to tighten. Spraying the stud with WD40 before trying to put the nut is generally speeds up the process. I usually use an impact to get it 3/4's of the way, then a ratchet to get it the rest of the way, then a torque wrench to torque it down.

I don't think you have any worries as long as the nut is on tight.

I noticed this is your first post - welcome! I've been a long time lurker on this list, and have just recently started posting frequently. This is an EXCELLENT forum!

I basically tightened the hub nut exactly as you described. It's nice to know that someone else has used an impact gun on this nut and not had any problems.

Thanks everyone for abating my paranoia!

 

[rangerj]

SHOPAR,
I assume you are referring to the axel nut. It is a lock not, and this is why it is hard to thread onto the axel. A lock nut is supposed to be drawn down smoothly over the threads until it gets to the specified torque.

I can only assume that the advice against the use of an impact wrench is because of the jerking action of the impact wrench, and if a lock nut is over-torqued and backed off it looses some of its locking feature (so I have read).

I would hope that you do not keep your impact wrench set at the 180+ foot pounds that it takes for the axel nut! rangerj