11 replies to this topic

[Minion Burn]

I have replaced both CV joints this weekend and the car is still up on axle stands so I haven't used it yet. I have replaced the hub nuts (which came off relatively easily) and do not own a torque wrench. I have read about using a flat washer instead of the split washer to reinstall the CV joint the then removing the nut , replacing the split washer and tightening up to the the next split pin hole before inserting the pin.

My problem is that I don't own a torque wrench. These nuts are renowned for being very very tight. Can I just tighten it as much as possible i.e. very very tight or is the torque setting that important?

Cheers

[Retro_10s]

It's obscenely dangerous to tighten a Castle nut without the proper torque setting. Undertightened or Over tightened, it's just as dangerous. Either Borrow or buy a Torque Wrench and do it properly. Maybe someone local in the Regional sections on TMF can help. Do not drive the car till it's done.

[tomsbluemini]

It's obscenely dangerous to tighten a Castle nut without the proper torque setting. Undertightened or Over tightened, it's just as dangerous. Either Borrow or buy a Torque Wrench and do it properly. Maybe someone local in the Regional sections on TMF can help. Do not drive the car till it's done.

Here here... i've got experience of a garage not tightening up the castle nut properly.... BIG trouble...

you can get a torque wrench for about £20 now... perfectly good for the job and it'll be there next time you want one

[Minion Burn]

The only *rubbish* thing is that my 34mm socket is 3/4 socket and not the 1/2 that most torque wrenches are. Can I get a torque wrench in the 3/4 size?

[Retro_10s]

>>LINK<<

You might like to try Machine Mart, or any of the mini specialists such as MiniSpares, Minisport etc etc.

And the correct Imperial sized socket to tighten the hub nut is 1.5/16, not a Metric 34mm.

[Broomer]

The only *rubbish* thing is that my 34mm socket is 3/4 socket and not the 1/2 that most torque wrenches are. Can I get a torque wrench in the 3/4 size?

i had the exact same problem with the sockets.

[Minion Burn]

It's obscenely dangerous to tighten a Castle nut without the proper torque setting. Undertightened or Over tightened, it's just as dangerous. Either Borrow or buy a Torque Wrench and do it properly. Maybe someone local in the Regional sections on TMF can help. Do not drive the car till it's done.

I accept the wear factor on over tightening the nut but could it be considered "Obscenely dangerous" to do so? perhaps my stupidity but please clarify.

Cheers

[Retro_10s]

Over tightening puts undue stress on the thread, stretching it. It is possible for this to shear.

In extreme cases this can cause catastrohpic bearing failiure and the possibility for the wheel+ drive flang+disc to come off, I'd class that as obscenely dangerous wouldn't you?

[998dave]

You can buy little adapters for drive sizes, I know Halfords do them here, not sure about Norway.

Essentially I have a 1/2" torque wrench, and then adaptors to 3/4", 3/8", and 1/4" drives, also means I can use the ratchets in any sockets I happen to want.

Dave

[GraemeC]

And the correct Imperial sized socket to tighten the hub nut is 1.5/16, not a Metric 34mm.

That depends on the age of the car and whether the nuts have ever been replaced. Later cars used 34mm A/F nuts and these are what are readily available as replacements through the Mini Specialists at 1/2 the price of the imperial sized ones.

[rozzer1275]

you can use a socket wrench, extend the handle with a tube to a length say 1 metre, then apply a known weight to it, with the socket handle at 90deg angle.

1kg = 9.81N

[Retro_10s]

Yep you're quite right graham, i was just looking at a couple I have here and one of them is 34mm.