Am replacing a front wheel bearing. Got defeated by this big-ass nut because I don’t have a socket big enough for it. Bentley doesn’t seem to mention it’s size.
What size is the big nut on the front hub?
laz
#2
36mm.
Possibly a thin walled socket is required. I vaguely recall buying a 36mm socket that was too thick to fit inside the hub… then running to Sears to buy the closest standard size that’d fit (1 7/16" ?).
PDS
#3
Yup, Definitely a 36mm. I just went through this. Picked up a standard 36 mm crafstman socket. Worked just fine - plenty of outside clearance.
Get a long extension - I believe the nut is torqued to 210 ft/lbs
Ranger
#4
Am now a veteran of the E30 front bearing/hub replacement. I didn’t realize that a new nut is required, but fortunately “my shop” was able to get one on 6hrs notice. I got a 36mm socket and had to grind it a bit to get it to fit.
I had to fire up the big air compressor and use a serious impact wrench to get the old nut off. Used it again to get the new collar nut on. I swapped over my old studs because they only have a year on them.
Removing the studs last night took a while. They wouldn’t come out with the torch putting out a nice blue flame. I eventually figured out that the torch needing to be roaring hot. Then the studs came out pretty easily.
Other lessons learned. A sissy impact wrench is no good. I replaced my Harbor Freight impact wrench last Winter with a good used one from Ebay. Nice to do something smart for a change.
Also broke in the gear puller that was also bought for last Winter’s engine work. It pulled the old hub off in seconds.
Was a bit of a surprise to see the usual unexpected hurdles get resolved pretty efficiently one after another.
TheRedBaron
#5
Ranger wrote:
Enjoy it while you can. Those victories are few and far between… Ask Robinson if you doubt.