See full version: How Tight Should Castle Nut be on Trailer Hub
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 to the next notch wheel the tang washer will fit into the castle nut. Over tightening the nut can lead to the spindles and bearings overheating, which can damage them. [links]
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. [links]
asked by: Robert B
2005 Horton car hauler with 6000 lb. Dexter EZ lube axles. I bought this used and noticed that all 4 wheels had play in them, so when I repacked the bearings I tightened the nut enough to eliminate the play but still allow the wheel to turn freely. Using a laser thermometer, I took it out for about a 20 minute drive loaded with a car in the trailer. I noticed the hubs came up to 95-115 degrees within about 2 miles, but never got any hotter than that. The air temperature was 55 degrees, so about a 40-50 degree temp rise. Is that normal or do I have the bearings too tight? here
95 degrees on a 55 degree day seems a bit warm. I would try the above mentioned install method for the nut which should reduce the tension. here
You tighten them too much and you'll fry the bearings. I generally tighten them down with a wrench to make sure everything is seated and then back them off and make them as tight as I can with my fingers. Never had any bearing issues on any of my trailers doing it that way.
Re: How tight must wheel castle nut be? here
Re: How tight must wheel castle nut be?
Tighten the nut to where it is tightened firm once again. Use the wrench to make it as tight as possible. more
Tighten the bearing for the first time. Thread the wheel bearing nut on until it is hand tight. Take your wrench and place it over the wheel bearing nut. Tighten the nut until it is firm and cannot be tightened anymore.
Loosen the nut back to where you can turn it with your fingers. You will need to use the wrench and your fingers.
Loosen the nut to where you can once again turn it with your fingers. We are doing this to seat the bearing on the axle and to also remove any air bubbles from the grease inside the bearing. You will do this five more times. more
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