Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Axle flange bolts working their way loose!

[Got Smoke?]

I'm having a problem keeping the right rear axle flange bolts tightened on my truck. Had some rear end work done 2 months ago and he had to heat up the hub to remove two snapped flange bolts, but he replaced all of the bolts with grade 8 hardware on both sides.



Now twice in about two months I've had all 8 axle flange bolts work their way finger loose and start leaking gear oil badly. The first time I used red lock tight and an impact, now less than a month later its happened again.



Any ideas? The drivers side hasn't given me any problems?!?!

 

[Hoefler]

Check the hub bearings. If they are set too loose, it will cause the the axles to flex the studs. Since this appears to be a reoccurring thing, the stud holes are most likely egged out, the only solution is to replace the hub.

 

[Extreme1]

Use a torque wrench in a star pattern. Impacts aren't real good for seating something consistantly.



Also (assuming the bearings are tight which is most likely the problem) make sure the area where the broken bolts were retrieved from are flat so the flange draws up square.