Step 10: Torque Axle Nut, Install Retainer, and Finishing Touches | Return to Steps
Axle Nut
Finally, the axle nut can be torqued. I had to go and get a big ol 3/4" torque wrench, since my normal wrench doesn't torque this high. The 35mm axle nut should be torqued to 173 ft-lbs To prevent the hub from moving too much, I reinstalled the wheel, put it on the ground, and chocked it. Others have had luck with a screwdriver in the rotor fins, but I didn't want to cause any damage to them.


Retainer and Cotter Pin
After torquing the nut, the retainer can be installed. If you find the retainer doesn't align with the cross pin, try rotating it to several other positions. I was able to rotate mine to fit, but if needed, the axle nut can be slightly tightened to fit the next available slot. I inserted the cotter pin, and used some tongue and groove pliers to bend the ear over. I also hammered the short side of the cotter pin back as an extra precaution.


Final touches
A dead blow hammer worked well to set the hub cover and wheel center cap back in place.


Evaluate Final Boot Stretch
This is an important part of the Boot Stretch Mod. I stretched the inner boot when rebooting the axle, but since it wasn't on the vehicle, I didn't know how much to stretch. Once the weight of the vehicle is supported on the suspension, check and make sure the boot isn't overstretched. Both an overstretched boot and a stock stretch boot can lead to issues, so we want to make sure the boot is not going to be excessively strained. I have included a picture of my un-stretched boot to compare. See how the unstretched boot rubs the axle, and at a lifted angle, could lead to the boot rubs abrading each other.


Congratulations!
Congratulations, you made it to the end of your CV replacement! Hopefully it was not terrible, and you didn't destroy as many differential seals as I did! Let me know if you have any questions, and please post some pics of your CV replacement action! For a few weeks after you install the new CV, make sure to check for leaks where it meets the differential.