How to remove and torque the Collar nut from the front axle
 

Hi,

what is the best method to release the collar nut on the front axle... I assume people are using a breaker bar or air tool. can you list exactly what you all have used.

similarly what is the approach to putting it back on. I know it has to be torqued down to about 450 ft pds. some torque wrenches can do it. they are expensive (okay)... I also read about using the air tools.

I do not have air tools, but am looking to buy tools to get jobs done. I am considering buying either the conventional tools or the air tools. so what are you all using exactly. brands, specs, review, etc.

thx, Marc

What year is your X?? The reason I ask, I have an '01, and I was told on this forum to torque my nut to 320+ ft pds. Thought that was very high, so I called the Dealer and they told me 219 ft pds. for my year, that is a huge difference. I would have really screwed up my nut and probably my axle. Just make sure on the torque first. We used air tools to remove the nut.

Todder

I have not tried on the X5, but have on other cars and I have an electric impact wrench and an air impact wrench. You will need an impact wrench to get it off and if you want to be accurate, a torque wrench to tighten it. There are various brands but it depends on your wallet, too. I would just say, 450 ft-lbs, you will not need much else where, so you may be better off renting or borrowing this one time. (I guess most of that is 3/4" drive or bigger that most people don't use often.) Also, realize with the air impact wrench, you will have to have (or buy) a decent compressor, hoses, maybe electrical circuit (if 220v), too. Those little 3gal compressors - not going to work if you want to drive a big gun...

yes, I was wrong. the DIY guide states to tighten it to 332 ft lbs. I will check my bentley guide as well. I have a 2003 X5...

seems like Craftsman torque wrench only goes as high as 250.

I guess I would like to buy one, but not sure best bang for my buck...

thx.

You have to look under the 3/4" drive torque wrenches ~$500-600.

I checked the bently manual and they say to torque the collar nut to 310 ft lbs... the DIY on here says 332. does anyone know the correct measure and what is the official source???

thx, Marc

Marc,
Not to sound like a broken record, but check with a dealer on the torque. I had a dealer and an Indy both tell me 219 on an '01!!

Todder

yes, sorry I forgot to mention your comment. so now I have 3 different measures.

do I talk to parts or service at the dealer.

I called Service.

okay. should this info also be in the TIS computer program. anyone know how to reference the torque values when it gives that esoteric torque code...

thx, Marc