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Spindle Nut Torque Requirements

Spindle Nut Torque Procedure for 600-8,000lb Dexter Axles

Bearing Adjustment and Hub Replacement

If the hub has been removed or bearing adjustment is required, the following adjustment procedure must be followed.

For standard grease or oil axles using cotter pin:

  1. After placing the hub, bearings, washers, and spindle nut back on the axle spindle in reverse order as detailed in the previous section on hub removal, rotate the hub assembly slowly while tightening the spindle nut to approximately 50 Ft. Lbs. (12" wrench or pliers with full hand force.)
  2. Then loosen the spindle nut to remove the torque. Do not rotate the hub.
  3. Finger tighten the spindle nut until just snug.
  4. Back the spindle nut out slightly until the first castellation lines up with the cotter key hole and insert the cotter pin.
  5. Bend over the cotter pin legs to secure the nut.
  6. Nut should be free to move with only restraint being the cotter pin.


Spindle Nut Torque Procedure for 9-15K Dexter Axles

Installation/Adjustment

For ABS installation:

  1. Assure that the ABS sensor is pushed fully into its retainer clip (sensor tip is as far outboard as possible).
  2. Install hub and drum squarely to the spindle centerline so that the exciter ring inside the drum will contact the sensor tip and push it back to the proper sensor to exciter ring running clearance (gap should not exceed 1/16" inch).

For non-ABS installation, begin with step 3:

  1. Install the bearing and washer into the hub. Thread on the inner nut, rotate the hub and tighten the nut to 100 Ft. Lbs. of torque.
  2. Loosen the nut to remove preload torque, do not rotate hub.
  3. Hand tighten the nut, then back it off ¼ to ⅜ turn.
  4. Place the tang washer on the spindle and bend two tangs inward over the nut. This will keep the inner nut from turning while torque is applied to the outer nut.
  5. Install the outer nut and torque it to 100-175 Ft. Lbs. Ensure that the inner nut does not turn. Bend two tangs from the tang washer over the outer nut flats to secure.


Spindle Nut Torque Procedure for 22.5-27K Dexter Axles

Adjustment

After properly installing the bearings and seals according to the manufacturer's recommendations, tighten the inner spindle nut to 100 Ft. Lbs. while rotating the hub to ensure proper seating of the bearings, cups and seal in the wheel hub.

!! CAUTION: You must follow the maintenance procedures to prevent damage to important structural components. Damage to certain structural components such as wheel bearings can cause the wheel end to come off of the axle. Loss of a wheel end while the trailer is moving can cause you to lose control and lead to an accident, which can result in serious injury or death.

  1. Loosen the inner spindle nut to remove pre-load torque.
  2. Hand tighten the inner adjustment nut, then back off ¼ turn, ⅜ turn maximum.
  3. Install lock ring (lock ring must engage pin on inner spindle nut. Nut to engage nearest pin hole).
  4. Install tab washer and outer locknut. Torque outer spindle nut to 250-300 Ft. Lbs. Bend 3 tabs over outer nut flats to secure.
  5. This procedure should assure an end-play of .001* to 010* which must be present in the adjusted wheel bearing assembly.