Cars & Vehicles Auto Parts & Maintenance & Repairs

Torque Specifications for a Hub Bearing

    Torque Specifications

    • Although every vehicle's exact specification of the torque range for the axle's hub nut can vary, the torque should be set at or near 175 foot-pounds (225 Newton-meters). It is important to use a torque wrench, which can be set to measure the amount of torque being generated when tightening the hub nut.

    Loosening Procedures

    • Most vehicles do not require any specialized tools or adapters in order to remove the hub nut. However, turning the hub nut in order to loosen it will often spin the rotor. If this happens, wedge a pry bar or tire iron between two wheel studs, found on the rotor, and rest one end of the pry bar on the ground. This will prevent the rotor from turning while unscrewing the hub nut.

    Improper Tightening

    • A hub nut that is too loose may lead to premature wheel bearing failure. As a worst case scenario, the hub nut may also loosen so much that the entire wheel assembly along with the tire comes off the vehicle while traveling. This could lead to catastrophic axle damage as well as potential for an accident. Alternatively, if the hub nut is too tight, then the wheel hub may not spin properly, leading to bearing damage as well as extra power needed to turn the entire wheel. This will also result in a decrease in fuel economy.

    Considerations

    • Some vehicle designs utilize hub nut rims and spindles as part of the hub nut assembly. Certain repair manuals also suggest replacing the hub nut, usually just a few dollars, whenever it is removed from the rotor. If a hub nut cover is used, it is often suggested to replace it as well.

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