Castle nut size question

[FlyStar]

What size socket do I need for the axle castle nut on my 5,200 lb Dexter Axles on my 312 BHTS?

Thanks for the help, unit is in storage and I’m gathering tools needed for my first bearing repack project.


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[FT4NOW]

If you're not replacing bearings and races, you wont need to preload them. Remove the cotter pin, and the castle nut shouldn't be tight, same goes for installation.

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[Hoopy Frood]

Yeah, unless you're doing it strictly by the book, a large crescent wrench will do the trick. You just need to snug it up and take out all the slack, then spin the tire, then back off to the nearest cotter key slot. With wheel bearings, "preload" is really a misnomer since you don't want any.

[FlyStar]

Agree but when I get in there, if I need to replace a bearing and a race, I want to be ready to torque to 50 ft lbs then back off to finger tight as recommended in the riveting Dexter video.


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[FT4NOW]

Yeah, unless you're doing it strictly by the book, a large crescent wrench will do the trick. You just need to snug it up and take out all the slack, then spin the tire, then back off to the nearest cotter key slot. With wheel bearings, "preload" is really a misnomer since you don't want any.

Preload probably not the best word, but I think the idea got across on what I meant. [emoji2369]

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[Hoopy Frood]

Preload probably not the best word, but I think the idea got across on what I meant. [emoji2369]

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Oh, absolutely. I just hate seeing "preload", it gives the wrong impression. Just my OCD coming out. Kind of like "sway bars" instead of the proper term "anti-sway bars".

[jleonard]

I would call it "removing the axial lash (or end play)". That's the terminology we used at the company I worked for that made steering u-joint shafts (intermediate shafts).

[Hoopy Frood]

I would call it "removing the axial lash (or end play)". That's the terminology we used at the company I worked for that made steering u-joint shafts (intermediate shafts).

Maybe even "setting the axial lash (or end play)", since you don't remove all the end play, just around 95%.

[FlyStar]

Bud at etrailer reported that the castle nut will need a 1” socket. Thanks Bud and thanks to etrailer.


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[Wynn1427]

Bud at etrailer reported that the castle nut will need a 1” socket. Thanks Bud and thanks to etrailer.


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1in socket seemed a little small when I read this. Checked my bearing box and have 1 1/2" socket in there when I repacked mine.

Socket size check:
Part # here -> https://www.dexteraxle.com/product/2...4/hub-drum-kit
Socket size here -> https://www.fayettedistribution.com/...006-191-00.htm