Axle Nut Removal

[JohnHaggerty]

I'm about to try and remove the axle nut. I'm thinking I should have removed it while the tire was still on the ground, but did not have the correct socket. I ordered the socket in 1/2" to match my impact gun. I see the final torque for this is 263 ft-lbs., so I'm assuming it is going to be tough. I'm at the point where I already removed the hub extension (?) and ready for the nut. Any experiences or advice would be great. Also, what reacts this torque? Should I be concerned about that part(s)? Thanks!

 

[seafish]

You can use the weight of the vehicle to loosen the axle nut by putting a 3/4" drive socket and breaker bar on it, then also use a 4' to 6' long steel cheater pipe on the breaker bar to get more leverage.

It is in fact safer to do this while the truck is on the ground, but If the truck is already on jack stands, you can still place a floor jack under the end of the cheater pipe and use the floor jack to lift and turn the breaker bar in a counter clockwise direction...it SHOULD release the axle nut long before lifting the truck off the jack stand...the longer the cheater pipe, the sooner the axle nut will release.

Obviously go slowly and note what is happening but you can always simply release the floor jack to settle the truck back on the jack stand if the axle nut is not releasing.

 

[bcbender]

The dealer way overtightened the one on my 04 when doing front u-joints... I was forced to try all kinds of things, truck on the ground, tires on, put it in 4wd, parking brake on, and finally had my wife hold the brakes while I stood on a 10' pipe.... The brakes was the key I think to keeping it stationary to break that sucker loose.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Harbor Freight electric impact took mine off no problem.

 

[JohnHaggerty]

Problem solved. Came off easily with correct socket and impact gun.