4WD Front Wheel Bearing Wrench?

[JFitzgerald]

Last weekend, I started to take my truck apart to install new rotors and pads. When I got the hubs off, the wheel bearing nuts looked like the usual type - round with four notches 90 degrees apart around the outside. I tried my socket for this type nut, but it won't fit the nut. Can't get down in there to measure it, but it seems to be a larger diameter than my wrench. The wrench I have fits the nuts on Dana 44's, so I thought the 60 must use a bigger one. I went to buy the right wrench, found one by Lisle that said it fit all Dodge W150, 250 and 350 up to '93, along with most Chevys and Furds. Got it home, took the hubs off again, and it is the same thing I already had. Too small. The store carried two wrenches, so I went back to check the other. It was the same except it also is set up for the 6-slot type which my Jeep's front Dana 60 has (6 slots in the face of the nut). Note : these 6-slot nuts are not original to the 60 and came from a 14-bolt GM axle.



Anyway, is there a special wrench or do I have some unusual nuts on this thing? Both sides are the same.

 

[AMikonis]

I have two of these, and I know one fits! I have the one with the 6 outer tabs, measuring across the inner tabs, tip to tip is 2 inches. The other one I have measures 2 1/4 inches. It's marked OTC 7158. Must be the one... .

 

[zgordons]

I will be changing my front wheel bearings this weekend, and am curious as well. Let me know what you come up with, as far as the proper wrench. Thanks

 

[dslcummins]

The outside diameter of the nut is 2 1/2" and the distance from one notch to the other is 2 1/4".

It has four notches. Be sure the inner nut has a little pin on it, they break off real easy and the has to be replaced.

 

[CRWilliams]

The 60 does use a larger version of the 44 type socket. I believe I saw the correct one at the local Checker store. Check at your local Checker/Shucks/Kragen store. I good parts house will also know which socket you need. I had a heck of a time finding mine when I needed it, but they are out there, just some places dont stock it.

 

[JFitzgerald]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I may have found one here. wrench on page 7. They have a link on the site to buy one, and it's only $8, but add $7 for shipping. I may go to NAPA at lunch and see what they have. I don't know of a CSK store locally.



I'm wondering if there may be two sizes of nuts on the 60's depending on the weight rating of the axle? (Since the Lisle wrench said it would fit 250's) Could they use different spindles? When I bought my front brake parts, they asked if I had the 3800 lb. axle or the 4500. According to the tag on the door, it is the 4500, which I'm guessing all Cummins trucks may have because of the engine's weight. Does my rambling make any sense?

 

[JFitzgerald]

There are definitely two different sizes of the 4-slot nuts. Bought a wrench at NAPA for $17 that looks like it will fit. They also had the smaller one that appears to be the same one I already have.



Hopefully now I'll get a chance to get my brakes done this weekend.

 

[dslcummins]

Parts houses keep trying to sell me parts for a 3800 and I have the 4500. The wheel seals are smaller, can't remember off hand about anything else.

 

[Speedo]

Those round nuts that use a spanner socket for your front axle

will also fit your rear axle if you want to get rid of those rounded

hex nuts and washers with bend over tabs.

 

[JFitzgerald]

Good idea Speedo. Not sure which is better - fooling around with the bent tabs or lining up the pin??



The last wrench fits. Finally got the brakes done this weekend. New rotors and Performance Friction pads. Also adjusted rear brakes. Stops better, but towing will be the test.



Wheel bearing nut torque: I torqued to 130 lb. ft. while rotating, then backed off about 120 degrees. Felt a bit stiff, but it was only about 20 degrees yesterday. Is this the proper method on this truck?