The Ford Barn

WHN · 08-13-2017, 11:50 AM

After reading a tread yesterday I took off both rear wheels on our 29 to check nut tightness. Both were loose, retorqued to 100.

My point. Don't assume, as I did, they are OK.

I had a flat left rear two years ago. Took tire off to fix and checked nut at that time. It was OK.

I was fat and happy until yesterday. In 500 miles nut had become finger tight.

If you haven't checked, please take a moment and do it. Not a big job. Axels are big bucks.

Rob Needs · 08-13-2017, 12:22 PM

When I went to use a puller on my rear drums to grease the bearings I found both sides we're finger tight.
I think a mechanic had done the nuts as the front ones.

Patrick L. · 08-13-2017, 12:45 PM

I've had a couple old time Model A 'mechanics' insist those nuts should barely be tight and the key, not the taper, is to take the stress. I have no idea where some folks get their ideas.

Actually now that I think about it, one of the same 'mechanics' also insists that valve seats should only be done in one cut [45º] and not narrowed because the valve needs to be able to 'center' itself upon closing. Kinda brings me back to the last sentence in the last paragraph.

George Miller · 08-13-2017, 01:18 PM

Yes back in the day in my Dads garage, we found loose nuts on rear axle of Plymouths and early Fords all the time. I think the mechanics left them loose, so they would be easy to get the hub off next time. They probably did not know any better. But that will chew up the hub, axle and key way.

H. L. Chauvin · 08-13-2017, 10:41 PM

My 1930 Town Sedan, (bought about (10) years ago), came with finger tight both front and rear axle nuts.

Luckily the former owners were car collectors and only put about 200 miles on it in about 30 years. Former owner told me he did absolutely nothing mechanical to it.

For Life Safety on today's highways, it is never a bad idea to check "everything" both internally & externally after receiving a newly acquired Model A.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-13-2017, 11:04 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Makes me wonder, how many Model As on the road are DANGEROUS?????
I hope AAA doesn't read this (SHHHH!)---The Dog is sworn to SILENCE!
Bill Scared

08-13-2017, 11:50 AM	#1
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,819	Rear axel torque After reading a tread yesterday I took off both rear wheels on our 29 to check nut tightness. Both were loose, retorqued to 100. My point. Don't assume, as I did, they are OK. I had a flat left rear two years ago. Took tire off to fix and checked nut at that time. It was OK. I was fat and happy until yesterday. In 500 miles nut had become finger tight. If you haven't checked, please take a moment and do it. Not a big job. Axels are big bucks. Last edited by WHN; 08-13-2017 at 11:57 AM.

08-13-2017, 12:22 PM	#2
Rob Needs Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 74	Re: Rear axel torque When I went to use a puller on my rear drums to grease the bearings I found both sides we're finger tight. I think a mechanic had done the nuts as the front ones.

08-13-2017, 12:45 PM	#3
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Rear axel torque I've had a couple old time Model A 'mechanics' insist those nuts should barely be tight and the key, not the taper, is to take the stress. I have no idea where some folks get their ideas. Actually now that I think about it, one of the same 'mechanics' also insists that valve seats should only be done in one cut [45º] and not narrowed because the valve needs to be able to 'center' itself upon closing. Kinda brings me back to the last sentence in the last paragraph.

08-13-2017, 01:18 PM	#4
George Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 2,975	Re: Rear axel torque Yes back in the day in my Dads garage, we found loose nuts on rear axle of Plymouths and early Fords all the time. I think the mechanics left them loose, so they would be easy to get the hub off next time. They probably did not know any better. But that will chew up the hub, axle and key way.

08-13-2017, 10:41 PM	#5
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Rear axel torque My 1930 Town Sedan, (bought about (10) years ago), came with finger tight both front and rear axle nuts. Luckily the former owners were car collectors and only put about 200 miles on it in about 30 years. Former owner told me he did absolutely nothing mechanical to it. For Life Safety on today's highways, it is never a bad idea to check "everything" both internally & externally after receiving a newly acquired Model A.

08-13-2017, 11:04 PM	#6
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Rear axel torque Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Makes me wonder, how many Model As on the road are DANGEROUS????? I hope AAA doesn't read this (SHHHH!)---The Dog is sworn to SILENCE! Bill Scared __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"