Need help with 2011 axle nut

I replaced the wheel bearings on my 2011 trd off road. The drivers side axle nut came off with no problem. When I went to put it back on it was hard to get it threaded and when I finally did it was hard to turn. I stopped and took it off.

I have cleaned the threads on the spindle and nut, then oiled them. But no success, the nut does feel warm so I’m sure it’s messing up the threads. I have not used any air tools to put it back on just a ratchet.

the first three thread on the nut are shiny so the paint or whatever coating on it has been worn off, which I think confirms there is a thread issue. I cannot see or feel any damage on the spindle. I did hit the end of the spindle to knock it out of the bearing, but I did not hit the threads.

I have a tap that should fit the spindle, but it seems a bit small, it is from a cheap set so not positive it’s the right size.


I’ve had to order a new nut in case that is the issue, I would take the one off the right side and see how it fits, but it was such a pain to take the end cap off and get it back on I’d like to avoid that. I do have a thread file, but hesitant to use it yet.

Looking at the taper on the end of the spindle it does not look mushroomed at all. Also this all well before the cotter pin hole. Does anybody have any ideas, or has had a similar problem?

 

@Superdave1.0

Sounds like it's cross threading.... did you try adding a little grease/lubricant?

 

Yes I did, helped a little but not much.

 

As you’re getting a new axle nut, I would rethread the spindle, so everything is clear and clean

 

I'd replace the cv axle. The threaded portion of axle is likely damaged. It usually happens when hammering the axle out of the knuckle. The threaded portion becomes mushroomed or swollen.

I had a bad experience with this once. The owner of a Tacoma had previously damaged his axle by hammering on it. The axle nut and cv axle were slightly cross threaded upon removal. The truck owner said to install it as is, so we took a chance. When I torqued the axle nut down to 173 ft lbs, it didn't seat against the wheel bearing.

Within a week the truck owner experienced a wobbly wheel. So I had to make a house call to replace the CV axle and also a new wheel bearing assembly. That axle nut MUST be properly torqued down or you will have wheel bearing issues.

Edit: Try a new axle nut first. If that spins on freely then you should be ok.

 

I am going to try the new nut, if that fails I’m going to try a thread file, and if that doesn’t work I’ll replace the axle.

 

Its good practice when hitting on threaded things like axle spindle to thread the nut back on and make it flush with the top of the spindle to help mitigate any swelling / mushrooming Since its a castle nut, flip it around so the "Castle" part is facing inwards towards the hub. This also helps keep the axle in place in case that mighty swing of yours smacks that axle right out of the hub, the nut will stop that from happening. I know this advice is a bit late, but good to remember for next time.

 

Owner declined a new axle and nut and you still had to make a house call? That sucks

 

Hopefully got paid for it.

 

I did it out of customer service. I should have known better than to run that nut down. Luckily he lived 15 minutes away.

 

Nah, but he left me a stellar review on my install thread here, so it all comes back in the end.

 

Mo money

 

Well good on you to handle it that way, karma has a way of making these things worth it. Also, for those with a conscience, helps sleep better at night