Check Front Axle Nut Torque
Mike RoenDescription
Checking for correct front axle nut torque is a checkpoint that should not be overlooked. It is very unlikely that the axle nut will ever loosen if the axle had previously been installed correctly and the axle nut torqued to spec. However, if it is unknown whether or not the axle nut had been previously assembled by a reliable mechanic, it is even more important to inspect.
The front axle nut torque spec is considerably lower than the rear axle nut. The factory service manual lists the front axle torque spec as 70 to 75 foot pounds. We would always suggest reaching for the higher number on a larger fastener such as this. The front axle nut is metric. Use a twenty four millimeter socket with a reliable torque wrench.
While inspecting the front axle, it is also a good idea to visually inspect your front rim and valve stem condition. Secure the motorcycle and jack up the front wheel so the wheel can be spun. Make sure the wheel spins freely. Try to feel the front wheel bearings. If the wheel feels rough when turning, you may have a bad wheel bearing(s). If this situation exists, remove the wheel to inspect the wheel bearings more closely.
Push and pull from side to side on the front wheel. Make sure there is no excessive wheel end play. If your front fender has a fender tip lamp, inspect the wiring. Verify that the wires have stayed secured in their original factory positions. If the motorcycle is ABS equipped, check for proper routing of the ABS wires. Make sure the wires are correctly orientated in their bracket and that ty-wraps are used to secure the ABS wires to the front brake line. Also, inspect for proper orientation of the ABS sensor.
Back to the Milwaukee Eight Service Checklist.
Okay. Next up, they want you to check the torque on the front axle nut. Probably not something that's gonna happen every day, but in all reality, it's kind of a nice thing to do for pre-ride because, if you have had the tire replaced, or you bought this motorcycle used, you don't have any history on the motorcycle, you don't know who's been touching this thing. Now, this bike's brand new virtually. And, so we're basically just checking what the factory's done. So, manual says 70 to 75 foot pounds. It's nothing like the rear axle nut. 24mm socket. Feels pretty good. So, no problem there. If you got the bike on a roll around jack and the front wheel's off the ground, it's a good time to maybe give the wheel spin, make sure it's free-wheeling, no brakes are hanging up, and kinda give it a wiggle, see if the wheel bearings feel funny or something like that. But, all in all, just part of your pre-ride inspection really. We're gonna move on to the next item.
Your video of torquing front Axel nut is wrong. If the nut has been overtorqued in the beginning and you simply follow your video, of course the torque will show more than 75! Overtorque is as dangerous as under torque. The bolt must first be slightly loosened and then retorqued. Tks Ian
All depends on the model . My softail is 60-65 ft lbs. Get a manual and there all in there