How Tight Should Spindle Nut of Trailer Hub Be and Should Brake Drum Drag

Updated 09/14/2020 | Published 09/10/2020

Question:

I noticed the tire wiggled when jacked up.nut was loose voter pin was in.after taking it off the drum. I noticed the magnet was rubbing on the drum is this normal.

asked by: Stephen M

Expert Reply:

A light drag on the drums from the brake magnets is normal, but if there's enough movement in the hub/drum that you can wiggle it that would indicate it's not quite tight enough.

The nut is normally ran down until there is no side to side play in the hub, and then backed off to the next notch in the castle nut so the tang washer or cotter pin can secure the nut. Over-tightening the castle nut can damage the bearings, races and spindle.

If you click on the video link I provided, and fast forward to the 4:45 minute mark, you can see the procedure.

expert reply by: Jameson C