Rear stub axel nut?

[ciaoflyer]

What is the correct procedure to tighten this nut?  It is the big nut that secures the rear stub axel by the flexible joint.

[GTMaster]

Hi,

I think it has to be tightened to 55Nm then secured (staked). You'll have to leave the wheel on the ground so that the axle stub won't turn while tightening (may even have to pull the handbrake on).

[thepuddlejumper]

Hi have you replaced the wheel bearings and the compressible spacer if so you will have to crush the spacer during tightening untill you get the bearings in the coreect position.  I found it took a lot more torque to crush the bearing than the specified bearing torque.  I had to do this with a 1m long extension to the socket while another held the axle with a long shaft. If you are just replacing the nut, always best to use a new nut as staking it usually occurs in the same position and the staked bit on the nut can break off resulting in the axle falling out, this unfortunatly also happened to me in Holland.  You don't want to overcrush the spacer so I just tightend the nut untill I was happy with the bearing resistance of the drum and axle simmilar to tightening the front heel bearings.  Hope this is of help.

Ralph

[ciaoflyer]

Great!  Thanks for advise, just replacing nut as bearings are ok.  So it seems it is just a case of carefully tightening cos I don't have to crush the spacer.  Going to follow the haynes manual advise with a spring balance.

What grease should I use for the drive shaft splines?

[GTMaster]

I use graphite grease on the splines (especially on the gearbox input shaft when replacing the clutch for e.g.)

[ciaoflyer]

Is it OK that I do not replace the collapsible spacer?

[GTMaster]

I didn't replace them on mine (didn't even need to change the bearings), only changed the grease, seal and nut. I torqued it down and no problems since. It might be wise to put in a new one if you're fitting new bearings as well, that way you'll know that everything is all right in the hub.

[thepuddlejumper]

I did replace the spacer once but only because the stub axle decided to leave the car resulting in damaged bearings and stub axle, but I don't replace it when replacing the rubber drive couplings and have had no problems.

Ralph