How Tight to Torque Spindle Nut on Trailer Axle with Sealed Bearings

Published 12/20/2016

Question:

Hello I have a 2009 lakota fifth wheel with 6000# lippert axles The bearings are not cone type bearings and appear to be a more normal sealed bearing ,, what is the bearing nut torque supposed to be. It does not have a castle nut but has a self locking nut Thanks

asked by: Gord D

Expert Reply:

When you install the sealed bearings on a spindle there is no specific torque rating for the castle nut that holds your hub in place. We recommend tightening the castle nut down until it stops, and then backing it off slightly. Since your spindle nut is self locking it won't back itself off. Over tightening the nut can lead to the spindles and bearings overheating, which can damage them.

We have a video that outlines the proper way to remove and install a trailer hub, to view the video, click on the provided link.

expert reply by: Jameson C