so the torque spec for the front axle bolt is 140ft-lbs + 180 degrees. I got to 140 ft-lbs easily with the torque wrench and then switched to half inch drive breaker bar with 18" handle, and then used half of the floor jack handle as an extension and there was no way I was going to get 180 degrees more out of that bolt. Not even close. I got _maybe_ a quarter of turn out of it and part of that was flex in the tools. I'm going to be sore tomorrow I can tell. I need to hit the gym.

Can someone tell me that i'll be fine and that my axle is plenty tight please? Thanks.

 

I think that you should be fine. You are supposed to use new axle bolts every time you loosen and re-torque them, because of the high torque loading. But at $12 or so per bolt, that seems expensive. I know that many garages and dealerships do CV joints, wheel bearings, etc, without ever replacing that bolt. I would re-check the axle bolts for tightness after some miles and periodically, just tomake sure they didn't loosen up.

 

you are a badass for getting them that tight!

 

I dont remember it needing to be that tight. But im almost positive your supposed to check the bolt after 500 miles.

 

You'll be fine. Your axle is plenty tight.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Bogie, the CV boot kit came with a new bolt so I'm all set there! I hadn't heard anything about rechecking after 500 miles or so. That's a good idea... will do that.

 

Regardless of whether you're supposed to or not, I definitely would. That's a key component there, and not one you want to have loosening up or breaking. Check it after a week or so to make sure it's still tight - see if you can tighten it some more using the same technique you used to tighten it the first time, just to be sure.