Today's video is part of our maintenance series and tutorials. In this episode we're going to show you how to properly torque and maintain your lugs on a 7k and 8k axle.
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We're here in the shop with a U.S. Built Trailer. We will be starting today with an 8k Wilbury Axle. This axle may not be the same specs as the ones on your trailer. Your axle may be a Lippert, Rockwell or even a Dexter and the torque specs may be slightly different. To find your specific torque specs check the owners manual for your trailer or the information that came with your axle.
On this 8,000 pound axle, we are going to show you what the process is to check and properly maintain the correct torque setting on your lug nuts. This is very important. If you do not maintain them correctly, the lug nuts could loosen and lead to thread damage, sheared lugs or even worse losing a tire and wheel! So again, this safety check is of the utmost importance.
If you have a new trailer, you will want to check your lug nuts after the first 10, 20 and 50 miles. This makes sure they are properly seated for the long term.
After your initial trip, checking the lug nut torque should be a mandatory part of every pre trip safety check list. Make sure and check them every time before starting out.
So, the tools you will need are simple.
-- A torque wrench
-- A socket, in my case I need a 7/8 socket for this particular axle.
An air impact-gun is not recommended as this can over tighten and stretch the threads on the lugs or even possibly break a stud like this one. No good. Also, a standard lug wrench like one that comes with your truck is not recommended either as you cannot tell what the torque setting is and will usually leave the lug nuts too loose. A proper torque wrench will let you achieve the exact proper setting.
So again a proper torque wrench and a 7/8 socket is all we need. And of course a trailer. Stay tuned and we will tackle TIGHTENING these lug nuts PROPERLY on our axle after a word from our sponsor.
On this axle, the lug nuts are 7/8 in size and the torque range we want on this, which can be found in our owners manual, is between 100-110 lbs foot torque.
Every axle manufacturer make their axles slightly different.If you have never used a torque wrench, there are two sets of measurements on most. Newtons and foot pounds. Our axle calls for foot pounds. So we need to make sure that we are using the side marked foot-pounds
It is important to look at the pattern that your owner's manual shows you. Depending on how many studs there are, it will determine in what order you torque the nuts.
In our case this is our pattern (show on screen) We will go by this. If you don't have a diagram or instructions available, most people with start at the top and move two and then start again until all have been torqued to the right specs.
So, we set the torque wrench to 110 foot pounds and then tighten the first lug till it clicks. The click lets you know you've hit the setting.
Now we move on to the next lug in the pattern. Again tighten till the wrench clicks. Good to go on the second one. And again on each lug till all 8 are done.
Once you go around and get them all tightened you're done. Time to put up the tools and start hauling once again!
With the right tools and knowledge, important maintenance is easy.
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