Axle Torque

[Al_C]

One of these days I’ll get my build log updated, but here’s a more pressing issue. Maybe you have some good ideas in this regard, even… The challenge is – at least for IRS – the axle turns when you attempt to torque the axle hub nut. In your experience what’s the best way to hold everything stationary without breaking other parts, like studs?

My first attempt was with a 2X4 drilled for two studs. At the risk of being laughed off the forum, I’ll report that I actually had limited success with it. The 2X4 tended to split as the torque increased, but I succeeded torqueing both nuts to 190 lbs. (If you look at the photo closely, you’ll notice that the knuckle is on the wrong side, but that's another story…)



Everything is now in its proper place – except that I need to torque my axle hubs again. Maybe there's a better method than lumber - in your experience, what’s the best way to hold things in place?

[edwardb]

I just got snugged mine up with an impact driver (it's only good for about 100 ft/lbs) and then I'll torque them for real later in the build when the wheels, tires and/or engine/trans is in place. Then I can lock it down with the brakes or just sitting on the ground in gear and torque to the full value.

[CraigS]

Try a piece of re-bar. I think you can get maybe 3 ft lengths at HD in the garden dept. If you run a lug nut onto 2 of the studs just the right distance it will keep the re-bar in position.

[Al_C]

Thank you gentlemen! Different approaches, but both sound reasonable. I like the re-bar approach (sooner is always better than later) - I was concerned about messing up studs. It looks like the nuts in place should solve the thread problem. As long as a given stud can handle ~100 lbs./ft. of torque everything should be fine.

[CraigS]

I 'think' we wedged the thing we used at Phileas Fogs between two wheel studs. Both had nuts on them. His was actually a piece of 1/2 inch round bar that he used for something else. I suggested re-bar because I thought it might be easier to find and it's about the same diameter.

[Scud67]

Large pry bar against the studs - if you think you will damage the thread, then some lug nuts installed will prevent that. You won't break the studs when torqueing the nut.

[MCathcart]

I use a Dewalt DW292 impact wrench. They are rated at 345 lb torque.

[Al_C]

Large pry bar against the studs - if you think you will damage the thread, then some lug nuts installed will prevent that. You won't break the studs when torqueing the nut.

Thanks, Scud67! This was what I wanted to find out.

[Mesa Mike]

I put the wheels on and set the car on the ground and did it that way. Just block the wheels.