Hub Bearing Assembly Axle Nut

[spitfiredetroit]

Hello All.

I've recently replaced my ball joints and tie rods on my 1998 K1500. I was curious about the axle nut torquing procedure.

From what I read, the axle nut should be torqued to ~177 ft lbs, before the truck is lowered on the ground.

Why?

I always just figured that the axle nut is there to keep the outer CV shaft tight and engaged with the hub.

Does the axle nut torque impact the hub bearings?

Why so tight (if it's just to keep the CV engaged)?

Thanks
Just curious about why such a specific procedure.

 

[packer0440]

I know you’re not supposed to let it on the ground without having the axle shaft in or the bearing could get cockeyed. I suppose extreme over tightening could cause some issues with the bearing but you’d have to really crank to do that.

The actual torque spec seems normal for a locking nut that’s that big

 

[454cid]

I think I've tightened them on the ground. Maybe only the final torque? I don't really remember.

Yes the nut holds the bearings together on our trucks.

 

[GoToGuy]

What does the service manual procedure tell you to do?