Nodge68
Well-Known Member
The original size was 32mm However lots of recent replacement drive shafts are coming supplied with 36mm nuts. This has been the case on many vehicles, my D3 included. This poses an interesting and annoying problem. The 32mm socket fits through the wheel's central hole, allowing the hub nut to be released while the vehicle is still sat on the ground. The 36mm socket doesn't fit through the central wheel hole, making releasing the hub nut more of a challenge, particularly if it's very tight.
Madmustang
Well-Known Member
Sorry to open an old thread. I find myself with this predicament. Freelander hub nut was 32mm the replacement is 36mm. How do you tighten it up while the car is off the floor?
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Fit the socket to the 36mm hub nut. Then fit the wheel, trapping the socket in the space between the hub and wheel.
Fit a couple of wheel nuts and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the hub nut to the correct torque. Lift vehicle, remove the wheel so you can recover the socket. Refit the wheel and tighten the nuts. Job done.
Bless you kind sir. Got me out of a Jam after got sent a 36mm as part of a wheel bearing kit.Fit the socket to the 36mm hub nut. Then fit the wheel, trapping the socket in the space between the hub and wheel.
Fit a couple of wheel nuts and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the hub nut to the correct torque. Lift vehicle, remove the wheel so you can recover the socket. Refit the wheel and tighten the nuts. Job done.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
No problem with my 32mm socket. I use hex sockets for any nut that needs tightening more than 100Ftlb or so.Anybody else find a 32mm socket is a sloppy fit on your 32mm nuts?
Is it just me?
Alibro
Well-Known Member
I use hex sockets for pretty much everything. It's not that I've ever had a problem with the hub nuts but always thought they were a bit sloppy and that is with two different sockets, one of them a Bahco.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Interesting you mention it. I've never actually thought about the socket fit on hub nuts. So last night I thought I'd try a 32 and 36. The 32 nuts I have measure 31.5mm. The 36 nuts I have measure 35.6mm. So there's definitely some slop in the fit.
Alibro
Well-Known Member
Do you think they are really imperial sizes? What would the nearest Imperial be to 32mm?
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
11/4
Alibro
Well-Known Member
Must have a look later and see if I have one in my toolbox and see how well it fits.
