Axle Nut question

I replaced a wheel bearing (genuine Koyo) assembly yesterday and the axle nut zipped off fine, when I went to put it back on it was extremely difficult, it didn't seem to be cross threaded as I pulled it off after starting it several times just to make sure, anyone else run into this?

 

Did you also try to "zipping" the nut back on? If not and you tried using just normal tools I would say a thread or two on the axle got messed up, particularly when you threw it across the concrete floor in anger, or the nut got started cross way. Try a new nut first. Go slow. Otherwise you may need to remove the axle shaft and dress the threads with a die or thread restorer.

 

I put it back on with an impact wrench after I felt it was ok, it didn't snug up easy though but it did snug up flush. Ugh, I don't want to have to do this again, but I may do it anyways if my inner tie rod doesn't pass inspection while I have the wheel off. I should have checked it or the nut with the tap and die set like you suggested. I don't think that bad boy is coming off, at least not without an impact wrench.

 

Clean the threads on the axle and nut with a wire brush and ensure visually the threads are ok. If you didnt have to spend 5 minutes utilizing an impact gun to get it on, you're fine. You can utilize anti seize to lubricate the threads for easier reassembly and disassembly the next time you service the bearing.

 

I hear you. I wish I could list all the mistakes I have made trying to learn things. BTW, I would strongly recommend that you do the inner tie rod (it is the inner one closest to the rack under the bellows you have an issue with, correct) and be done with it or you will likely be back doing so again in the near future. Check the other side as well.

 

You probably know this already, but that wasn't a good idea at all.

 

I did that which is why it was a mystery that it wasn't threading very easily, some of the threads on the nut look kinda flattened(not sharp).

Suggestions on how to fix this? Chase the nut with a tap and the axle with a die? or replace the whole cv axle?

I sincerely appreciate everyone's feedback here.

 

Just kidding...its not wise to air ratchet it down all the way...

 

I cross threaded an axle nut once and it didn't seat properly, and the play it allowed destroyed my wheel bearing on a road trip the next day.

If you aren't confident it's on there right and think you messed up the threads, then I'd get a new axle for the peace of mind.

 

At a minimum I would suggest removing and chasing the threads with a tap and die.

Using force is not a good answer for most problems. Unless a nut is self locking you should be able to thread it on by hand.

 

Do as others have suggested to repair it. Even though you think it's on there tight or remotely close to the required torque specs of 173ft/lbs, that torque would be no match to the forces exerted during just plain driving forces if it's cross threaded. I would probably buy a new axle nut for peace of mind and you should always use a torque wrench for install versus the route of the "ugga duggas caw caw"

 

Good news, the axle seems to be fine. The nut not so much. I’m chasing the axle with a thread file in the correct 1.5 pitch and it seems ok. I’m putting a new nut on.

 

Thanks for everyone’s help and advice, the job has been done correctly. I was able to tighten the new nut with just a hand powered wrench, no pneumatics this time.

 

Just visually those axle threads look too small and rounded for my taste.

 

I’ll check on it in a few days when I’m changing out the inner tie rod. It actually snugged up more this time than last time. The pictures don’t show a good detail but the threads were sharp to the touch.