Front Spindle/Wheel Nut Torque

Jason Datoc · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 3:38 am Post subject: Front Spindle/Wheel Nut Torque

I have an 04 Alpha chassis and the front wheel attaches directly onto the spindle with a single center nut to secure it. What torque should this nut be at? I tighten it to the point where the wheel still spins freely without any side-to-side slop, but the bolt can still be tightened further. Only thing is, the tighter I make it, the more drag there is on the wheel to the point it won't spin freely anymore. Thanks in advance.

TJ Koyen · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 6:57 am Post subject:

I always tighten until it stops the wheel from spinning freely and then back it off 1/4 turn.
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Michael Taksa · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:58 am Post subject:

Our tech men wants to be able to spin the spacer on the spindle with force. If it spins freely nut not tight enough, if it does not spin, nut too tight. I whould not tighten it too much and then back off, since you are distorning the bearings every time you do it.

Jason Datoc · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:56 pm Post subject: Nut

Got it, thanks guys!

Dean Graves · Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 9:50 am Post subject:

Castle nut and cotter pin works great. Hand tighten back off one castle. A very small amount of slop is better than bind.

Walt Gifford · Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:38 pm Post subject: Spindle mount wheels

If you leave the nut loose it can loosen even more on the left wheel (causing a deadly hazard) and tighten down hard on the right wheel. I've seen guys smoking the right front tire all the way around the track.

If you can turn the nut until the wheel doesn't spin freely then you need to reduce the width on one of the spacers.

The nut should be tightened down hard on the spindles shoulder and the wheel should then have .010" to .020" axial end play.

Hope that helps,
Gif Cool

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Jason Datoc · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 2:07 am Post subject:

Thanks, I'll try that too.

Jim McMahon · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 6:53 am Post subject:

Replace the nuts often of course Smile

New Nylocks feel good.
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