Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

How tight should the the 6 bolts be that connect the torque tube to the differential housing? Mine apparently weren't safety wired and I suspect are a little loose.

Thanks - Seth

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

I would tighten them to "Just tight" about 35 / 40 lbs with a 3/8 rachet. This is not super tight. I think it's just about right. Henry Ford used a fine thread and a tighter than usual thread fit on all the nuts and bolts. Don't ever "Chase" the threads with a tap or die. Use a wire brush or a three corner file to remove nicks in the threads. A die will take too much off the thread. Henry was being ultra conservative using safety wire. The only place I have seen this is on airplanes. So, Between the tight bolts, the fine thread, the tighter than usual fit, and the safety wire, do you honestly believe the bolts will come loose on today's relatively smooth roads?
Terry

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

Old Henry didn't specify torque wrench settings. Just do them up firmly. Pick your poison, lock washers or wire?. Yes I think wire is the safer option, but is it really required or justified in this situation. I think not.
I have done well over 100,000 kilometres in my A over many different road conditions and the only time I used a torque wrench is on the Head bolts. and so far nothing has fallen off.
As a friend of mine would say, there is no need for a torque wrench, just do up your nuts and bolts up untill you hear a crack then back them off a quarter turn.

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

With this we could open the other can of worms as to how to tie the safety wire. I do mine like they do in Aircraft repair. Others may (will) differ.

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

I would safety wire instead of lock washers as you want the bolt into the threads as far as possible to prevent ant leaks. JMO
Paul in CT

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

And they will leak thru the threads and around the lock washers so that is another reason to use safety wire.

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

I have always wondered how the torque tube safety wire was installed at the factory. Most every rear axle assembly I have taken apart had the safety wire zig-zaging through the bolt holes in various ways that did not look very good. Many had no safety wire at all.

The method I use when installing a torque tube is to install six bolts from a large supply I have that have been bead blasted and wire wheeled. I tighten each bolt down as tight as I can get it using a nominal length box wrench, where there is little chance of twisting the head off. I then examine each bolt to see if it lines up such that the bolt hole is parallel to the circumference of the flange. Those that are not and are only slightly off I tighten some more. Those that cannot be lined up by additional tightening I remove and try another bolt. Often I can swap the position of two bolts to achieve the goal.

This takes more time than most mechanics are willing to spend on such a project, but when I am done all six bolts have the holes lined up parallel to the flange and they are all tight. I then insert the safety wire through each bolt hole and form a perfect circle with the wire with the two ends passing through the top bolt hole in opposite directions. I twist the two ends together and cut it such that about a quarter inch of the twist remains, then I bend it neatly over the top of the flange.

It may not be according to Henry, and the blue ribbon folks may not accept it, but it looks very neat and it has become my signature way of doing it.

This is done before the assembly is painted so that the final result is that the bolt heads and safety wire are painted.

Using lock washers in place of the safety wire may not be a good idea for the same reason lock washers should not be used on the 20 banjo bolts, as it could lead to oil leakage.

Tom Endy

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

I am much less concerned with the method of the wiring than I am with stopping a little leak I have and making certain that nothing falls off the car. I also don't want to overtighten and crack anything.
Thanks All. -Seth

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

Use blue locktight, it won't leak past it.

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

J Franklin,
Every time I say "Loctite," someone yells as if I WELDED something together. Loctite is Model A's best friend to keep stuff from shakin' off! I only wish they made it in clear! Bill W.

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

How come "Blue Loctite" comes in a red tube, and "Red Locktite" comes in a blue tube???????

Re: Torque Tube to Differential 6 Bolts - What Torque?
 

So you don't mix them up! :D:pLOL