Torque-Axel Flange bolts

[dick kennedy]

While crawling around under the GMC routing the AC hoses I noticed that the
bolts connecting the final drive to the axel were loose. Two of them
missing and the others backed out significantly. This should have been
making a lot of noise but I don't recall anything unusual. These were loose
enough the bolt threads are all messed up and I was very near to having an
axel flopping. Add this to the long list of failures that can't ever
happen. I think my GMC is jinxed.

Anyway; these are 3/8" fine thread bolts and the book says 75 foot pounds.
This seems high for a 3/8" bolt. Before I take the chance on breaking my
new bolts can someone advise me if the manual correct or is it a miss print?

Dick Kennedy

 

[dan vanderknaap]

> . These were loose
> enough the bolt threads are all messed up and I was very near to having an
> axel flopping. Add this to the long list of failures that can't ever
> happen. I think my GMC is jinxed.
>
>

Dick,

Sorry I can't help with the torque figures but I think this may be a more common
problem
than you think. While replacing the relay arm last fall I noticed all of mine
were loose
with some ready to fall out ! Hate to think what would happen if that end of the
axel
came off at 70mph.
This is something I think everyone should check.

Dan Vanderknaap
76 Palm Beach

 

[patrick flowers]

Dick,

This is actually not an unusual problem. The bolts need to be torqued
and it's such a pain to maneuver a torque wrench under the coach if it's
not on a lift that some "mechanics"(and I use the term loosely) just
tighten 'em up with a 3/8 ratchet. This, compounded by the
aforementioned "mechanic" not having the manual handy, and you've got
loose drive flange bolts. I thought the spec was 65ftlb, but I don't
have my manuals at work and it's been several months since I did my
front end, so my memory may be faulty. I do recall it was a pain to
torque the bolts laying on my back, but it can be done with
perseverance.

Patrick

>
> While crawling around under the GMC routing the AC hoses I noticed that the
> bolts connecting the final drive to the axel were loose. Two of them
> missing and the others backed out significantly. This should have been
> making a lot of noise but I don't recall anything unusual. These were loose
> enough the bolt threads are all messed up and I was very near to having an
> axel flopping. Add this to the long list of failures that can't ever
> happen. I think my GMC is jinxed.
>
> Anyway; these are 3/8" fine thread bolts and the book says 75 foot pounds.
> This seems high for a 3/8" bolt. Before I take the chance on breaking my
> new bolts can someone advise me if the manual correct or is it a miss print?
>
> Dick Kennedy

- --
Patrick Flowers
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