Rear axle nut 81 ft lbs ??????

[Rowdy]

   Is that right 81 ft lbs for the rear axle nut - seems to be extreme ??
My torque wrench only goes to 75 and I can not get it to click at 75 - seems excessive  ???

Normally I would just tighten to what I thought felt right - decided use torque wrench this time - dang that seems way to tight 

[Hoser]

Kinda like the 7ft pds for the headers, if ya do it yer probly gonna brake a couple.  I only use a tork wrench on engine innards and head bolts.  Hoser   

[Challenger]

I'm with Hoser on that one, But then I've been torquing bolts for a living for 36 years and kind of developed a feel for it. But I wouldn't be afraid of 81 ftl bs. I have two different mauals and both say the same.

[Chrisj CMA]

What you need to realize is that the torque setting on the axle nut is just the last piece of a process designed to put your splines in proper alignment.  you got the thrust washer and the spacers, the bearings and brake caliper.......they all have only onle place they can be........then you torque it all down and the gear lash is right at 81 ft lbs.  Its kind of important if you want the thing to last

[Warlock]

What you need to realize is that the torque setting on the axle nut is just the last piece of a process designed to put your splines in proper alignment.  you got the thrust washer and the spacers, the bearings and brake caliper.......they all have only onle place they can be........then you torque it all down and the gear lash is right at 81 ft lbs.  Its kind of important if you want the thing to last

 

[Ricky-D]

What you need to realize is that the torque setting on the axle nut is just the last piece of a process designed to put your splines in proper alignment.  you got the thrust washer and the spacers, the bearings and brake caliper.......they all have only onle place they can be........then you torque it all down and the gear lash is right at 81 ft lbs.  Its kind of important if you want the thing to last

I'm not going to take issue with what you say but only want to point out that the forces developed by tightening the axle will not transfer any kind of force to the (ring and pinion) assembly.

The torque force is transferred through the gear assembly by way of the (COLLAR B RR) (part#42625-MW5-000) directly by way of the case housing to the "head" of the axle bolt.

I'm sure you can see this and expect it is just a simple oversight.

Here's the fiche if you're interested.

http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148613&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=2000&fveh=3474

I agree with the importance of having the axle be maximum tight in any case.

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[upjeeper]

is there a trick to holding the pinion cup from spinning while torquing

[X Ring]

It's never been a problem.  The axle passes through the final drive but it is not mechanically connected.

Marty

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks for the reply, but I should reword my question.

I can't get any more then 60 ft-lbs to the nut without the pinion cup spinning. I've tried a pipe wrench, channel locks, bench vise, etc. Any suggestions how to best hold the pinion cut from spinning while getting it to the appropriate torque spec

This thread is about axle nut torque.  You wont spin a pinion cup by torquing the axle.  If you lookin the Honda book there is a special tool that holds the cup while you torque the pinion joint nut.  I think some get around that by just using an air impact wrench.

[fast black]

I believe if you get the axle nut too tight you may destroy your left rear wheel bearing. 
imho
fast black

[John Schmidt]

C'mon Rowdy, those that know me know I'm not a big bear of a man, but I can pull that much. I put a rag on the right side exhaust and an allen socket in the axle. I let the ratchet wrench press against the top of the exhaust while twisting the left side nut. Usually can pull it with one arm, haven't strained the boys yet. 

[Madmike]

I believe if you get the axle nut too tight you may destroy your left rear wheel bearing. 
imho
fast black

IMHO If the spacer is correct length and bearings are properly seated the axle nut torque should not impose side load on the bearing - unless it is so retardedly tight that you distort the inner race but there is more chance of damaging the bearing with improper install such as driving them in by hammering on the inner races.  IMHO

[MP]

I agree Madmike.  With the spacer in there, the tightness only goes on the two inners, and the spacer.  NO load at all on the bearings.  These are not loaded wheel bearings.

MP