Rear axle torque tech questions

[fourstar]

Question 1:
The rear axle torque spec on my '04 FLSTCi is 60-65 ft lbs. If I tighten it anywhere in that range, I can't align the castle nut with the cotter pin hole. I set it to 55 ft lbs and can get the pin in. I know not to exceed 65 ft lbs. Are there any problems with leaving it at 55?

Question 2: I have the chrome swing axle covers (part #48112-00) that are secured by the axle adjuster lock nut. There is no way (that I can see) of holding the adjuster bolt in place while tightening the lock nut. The bolt tends to turn (loosen) as the nut is tightened, which I'm sure is going to allow the belt to loosen as I travel. My guess is about 1/2 turn, which is pretty substantial in terms of belt tension. Any idears or techniques or should I not even worry about it?

[steveusmc]

I can answer #1 for sure:

Add a thin washer under the nut and then try the 60 ftlbs. If that doesn't work, remove the thin one and install a full size washer. One way or another that rascal will align for the cotter pin. Do remember another thing though...if you click at 60 ftlbs and then want to try to go to 65 you will need to BREAK torque before trying to go to 65. It takes 66 ftlbs of torque to get a nut moving that's already torqued to 60 ftlbs because of friction.
Si if you just try to increase torque, the wrench will click or the indicator will read that your have already torqued above 65 ftlbs.

Bottom line....add thin or full washers as needed to get it to line up when properly torqued. On the other hand...55 ftlbs is realistically a safe torque. But, all fasteners have a certain torque you must reach before they achieve proper/optimum preload, tension, and clamping action.

Semper Fi,
Steve.....Pensacola
USMC 1972 - 2003

[fourstar]

Thanks, Steve.