Front Axle Nut Torque Spec

[fdbyrne]

I've done a lot of reading on various threads and found nothing definitive. I'm hoping that somebody can set the record straight with factual data and not just an opinion.

I have a 2004 V6 4x4. Some posts say 173 lb ft is the right spec and the only reference in the 2003 FSM that I found seems to verify that. Other people say that the recommended spec is something over 200 lb ft.

First, which is right?

Second, what's the harm in getting it wrong? Will I crush a vital component if I crank it down to 200+? Will I leave too much slop if I only go to 173?

Honestly, it's already done and over with and I went with the lower number based on the FSM that I had access too. I'm just wondering if I need to go in and crank them down a little more.

 

[scw1991]

2003-2009 4Runner Haynes Repair Manual states 217 ft-lbs (page 8-1)

 

[DG&BRM]

I honestly just tightened it as hard as I possibly could with a breaker bar and have had zero issues. Do you think guys doing trail repairs are using a torque wrench? I only use torque wrenches for more critical things like spark plugs and lug nuts.

 

[m85476585]

The factory service manual page I looked at says 217 ft-lb. There is a cotter pin on the nut for additional security.

A torque wrench certainly wouldn't hurt for trail repairs. But if you have some experience you can probably get close enough by feel, and guess at the required torque based on the size of the bolt. The axle nut is kind of critical, and they wouldn't specify such a high torque if it wasn't needed. You could always check the torque when you get home.

Auto parts stores will rent you a torque wrench that goes that high. It doesn't really make sense to own one when the only bolts I can think of of that need it are the axle nuts and the crank pulley. I think the next highest is the two at the bottom of the steering knuckle that need 118 ft-lb. Those are important because if they come out the front wheels will go in different directions.

 

[fdbyrne]

You see, this is what I'm talking about.

The attached is from the 2003 version of the FSM that I downloaded from this forum. The parts blowup clearly lists the torque for the axle nut as 173 ft. lb. in this diagram.

Did Toyota revise that number upwards in later FSM versions for a reason? Is the version that I'm using a misprint? Did the parts themselves change through the 4th generation requiring different torque specs?

Is there going to be significant problems if you torque to 217 but should have stopped at 173? What about the other way around?

 

[strathcona]

I'm wondering about this too as I have a set of nj636's wheel bearing assemblies en route.

This video shows a Toyota Tech replacing the assy and it says for a 2003-2014 4Rnr, and he says in the video the proper torque is 173 ft-lbs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVuM8iVO6u8&feature=youtu.be

 

[Jeremy556]

Bolt and threads that size are not going to care about the difference between 173 and 217 lb ft of torque. Personally, I just let my air impact go a couple seconds after it stops visibly turning, which is precisely 200-500 lb ft.

 

[RVenema]

HELP! Front Axle Spindle Specs

I have a 2005 4Runner limited V6 4WD. I just replaced the front cv axle and damaged the first few threads on the spindle. Just wondering if anyone knows the spindle specs so I can rethread the spindle bolt and not have to buy another CV Axle. Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Drcoffee]

I have a 2005 4Runner limited V6 4WD. I just replaced the front cv axle and damaged the first few threads on the spindle. Just wondering if anyone knows the spindle specs so I can rethread the spindle bolt and not have to buy another CV Axle. Any help is much appreciated!

The nut goes on well beyond the first few theads. Just file down the damaged threads and run the nut down. Dont waste time trying to fix it.

 

[Rishi3]

The factory service manual page I looked at says 217 ft-lb. There is a cotter pin on the nut for additional security.

A torque wrench certainly wouldn't hurt for trail repairs. But if you have some experience you can probably get close enough by feel, and guess at the required torque based on the size of the bolt. The axle nut is kind of critical, and they wouldn't specify such a high torque if it wasn't needed. You could always check the torque when you get home.

Auto parts stores will rent you a torque wrench that goes that high. It doesn't really make sense to own one when the only bolts I can think of of that need it are the axle nuts and the crank pulley. I think the next highest is the two at the bottom of the steering knuckle that need 118 ft-lb. Those are important because if they come out the front wheels will go in different directions.

I believe it is 166 lb ft

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[montijo505]

I believe it is 166 lb ft

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I’ve always done it to 167 ft lbs


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[riverwolf]

As an '03 owner myself, I've also seen the different numbers given for the axle nut torque. I think it may even list multiple values on different pages of the 2003 FSM. Also possibly contributing to the confusion, some of the '03 information (torque, part numbers, etc.), especially from 3rd parties such as Haynes/Chilton/parts catalogs/etc., seemed to get carried over from the 3rd Gens, at least initially.

Personally, having done this repair myself, I'm going to vote for the lower values. After seeing videos of people standing on their breaker bars to generate enough force to remove the axle nut, I ate my spinach, got all psyched, turned green, and then sumo'd up to break mine loose. Nearly threw myself across the garage it came loose so easily and I'm not a big guy...certainly didn't feel like I was deadlifting anywhere near 200#. YMMV.

-Brent

 

[truckmike26]

The 2006 4Runner FSM says both 217 ft.-lbs. and 173 ft.-lbs.on the axle shaft page and wheel bearing page respectively. Further, the 2016 Tacoma FSM says 173 ft.-lbs. as well. Based on info gleaned from Rock Auto, 2003-up 4Runners/GXs and 2005-up Tacomas share CV axles and front wheel bearings. So my money's on 173 ft.-lbs. for the front axle nuts.