Spindle Nut Torque For Installing Trailer Hub that Won't Cause Hub to Heat Up

Updated 04/17/2019 | Published 04/16/2019

Question:

Wheel bearing too hot after replacing and fresh grease If i untie the castle nut the wheel has play but doesnt heat, but thats nut rigut either.any solutions pleaseeeee

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

The spindle nut that holds on a trailer hub needs to be just tight enough that it seats the bearings and everything is held in place but not tight enough to create friction and heat like you are experiencing.

When our installers replace a trailer hub, there isn't a set torque spec used when tightening the spindle nut. The hub is placed on the spindle, making sure the inner and outer bearings are correctly seated. The spindle nut is then run down until you start feeling resistance. At that point, spin the hub and check for end play (wobble). If the hub still seems a bit loose, you can run the nut down a bit more.

As you'll see in the video I've linked to, tightening the nut is something you'll do by feel, not by a particular torque rating.

expert reply by: Jameson C