Are you referring to the axle nut? That is not something we memorize unless we see the same model over and over for the same repair. We just grab sockets until we find the one that fits. A real common size is 32 mm but do not make a special trip to town to buy a socket just on my recollection.
While we are on the subject, be absolutely sure there is never any vehicle weight on the wheel bearing any time that axle nut is loose. Doing so will instantly make the bearing noisy. Some people put the tire on the ground to hold the axle from turning when they loosen or tighten the nut. That is enough to damage the bearing. An easier way is to poke a punch or screwdriver into one of the cooling fins on the brake rotor to hold the axle. That nut should be tightened with a click-type torque wrench. The correct torque spec. Should be listed on the sheet of instructions that come with a new boot, bearing, or half shaft. If nothing is specified, 180 foot pounds is the lowest I have ever seen. Some GM vehicles call for as much as 240 foot pounds.
Also, a lot of axle nuts are "torque-to-yield" nuts, meaning they can only be used once. They will not clamp properly a second time. The people at the parts store should be able to tell you if you have that type of nut. Some replacement boots come with a new axle nut. If yours does, be sure to use it.
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Sunday, October 29th, 2017 AT 4:01 PM
