Rotor replacement

[LHastings]

I am new to the TDR and just replace my front brake rotors on my 98 4X4 . What I need to know is what is the right amount of torque for the axle nut?
Also I am wondering what determines the loading on the bearings?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Torque the axle nut with a 1/2in air-impact for all it's worth... . or up to 300 or so ft. /lbs. I wouldn't go much tighter than that.

The bearings are sealed from the factory and require no adjustments.



Matt

 

[TSielski]

The axle, or spindle nut on the front of the 2500 4x4 is 175 ft lbs (from the service manual). Use a torque wrench. I would not recommend wailing on it with a 1/2 inch drive impact wrench. Good ones can develop over 500 ft lbs of tightening torque, and it's difficult to control how much torque you've applied. Even though the Timken Unipak bearings are sealed, too much tightening force cannot be good.

 

[LHastings]

Tsielski ,
Thanks for the info. Got it torqued, and road tested it. For the first time it does pull when break.

 

[TSielski]

If I read your reply correctly, you now are experiencing brake pull, where before you replaced the rotors you had none? If this is so, there are MANY threads on this forum discussing that topic. You might do a search.

Couple of things that come to mind are, if you replaced your hub/rotor assemblies, or rotors alone (after getting the old ones pressed from the hubs and new rotors pressed on), did you also use new brake pads? If the old pads had uneven wear, or even portions of them not making contact with the old rotors due to bad scoring, that could be a cause. The pull may fade as the pads wear flat on the new rotors.

Its always good to lube (with quality synthetic grease) the sliding surfaces on the calipers and steering knuckles (after you've cleaned them) when you have things apart, as it tends to minimize brake pull.

If nothing else was changed or altered during the job, can't think of any other possible reason for the pull.

This may not sound reassuring, but a significant percentage of 2500 Rams experience brake pull. Some slight (like mine), and others so bad the owners arbitrate for a new vehicle. IMO it's another questionable design from the wonderful engineers at DC. Hope you get it sorted out.

Tim

 

[LHastings]

First I need a proof reader before pressing the send button. I had this truck in the dealer here and they could never fix the problem. So I decided to replace the pad and Rotors not the Hub. Also I lube the caliper slides. About two months ago I replaced the rear break shoes and able to adjust them up without the the rears grabing while going down the highway. This is the first time the breaks have ever been this good since it came from the factory.