[T3] rear axle nut

[Jim Adney]

On 10 Aug 2011 at 13:36, crash 69 wrote:

> My torque wrench only goes to 150 ft lbs.  I know the book says 217 ft lbs
> (I think), but I've been told by VW people around here that tighter is
> better, a little loose is asking for trouble.

I would never trust an impact wrench to give a particular torque.

My breaker bar is 18" long. When I weighed 150 lbs that gave me 225 
ft-lbs if I stood on the end. I weigh more now, so I don't stand all 
the way out on the end.

VW gave that torque for a reason. Stick to it. The "If some is good, 
more is better" philosophy will just lead you into trouble. Be glad 
you haven't stripped the threads on your swing axle. Back off and 
shoot for the right torque.

Note that there are 2 crossed holes in the axle, so you torque to 
217, then advance to the next hole, whichever clears first. That will 
be a max of 30 deg more. This may put you right back to where you are 
now, but better to do it right than be really really sorry later.

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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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