Anyone know anything about Stemco Pro-Torq axle nuts?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Ozdriver, Jan 15, 2016.

  1. Ozdriver

    Ozdriver Heavy Load Member

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    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg I've had them on my truck and trailer axles for 4 years. They are one nut with a metal keeper, and so easy to adjust bearing end float without the problems of tightening and adjusting lock nuts.
    However, one bearing I've had to adjust twice in a month because it looks like it is grinding into the Pro Torq nut. Have a look at the pic.
    The bearing isn't spinning on the axle, but there is a copper colored deposit as you can see, and there is a groove worn in the nut. They are grease bearings. Just wondering if the nut is faulty, maybe not hardened correctly.
    Any ideas from anyone that's used these?
     
    ProfessionalNoticer Thanks this.
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  3. Dino1968

    Dino1968 Light Load Member

    Hello, I've used these too, and never had that problem. Are you using a torque wrench to be sure you're following Stemco's specs ? Are you feeling any play after you do the final adjustment ? If it's grinding like that, it says to me that things are moving around. Which indicates looseness. Also I've had spindles get worn enough that you can't get the bearing tight until it's dragging....:{
     
    Ozdriver Thanks this.
  4. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    How are you checking your wheel end play after installation? Also, are you changing the keeper every time you remove it, or are you reusing it?
     
    Ozdriver Thanks this.
  5. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Replace your bearings and install with a new nut as per Stemco steps. Call stemco and ask them for any warranty, they are very forgiving and may send you a new nut.
     
    Ozdriver Thanks this.
  6. Ozdriver

    Ozdriver Heavy Load Member

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    I just inspected the bearing and yes, there would have been some movement on the axle when it was loose. But I still can't work out why it would have come loose after a relatively short time. The bearing is still a tight fit on the axle so I am reusing it. Rollers are perfect. I only want to to a quick brake job before I go away.
    If I adjust to Stemco spec it is still loose. I always tighten to 200 ft lb, then 100 ft lb according to Stemco. But then I tighten until free play just disappears then put the keeper on.
    That's the way I always adjusted axles even before these Stemco nuts.
     
  7. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    200 ft/lbs while rotating, then back off, then back to 100 ft/lbs while rotating, then back off one raised bump, right?
     
  8. Ozdriver

    Ozdriver Heavy Load Member

    767
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    Oct 16, 2015
    Australia
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    That's what it says, but if I do that there is too much free play imo. I like to adjust the nut like I explained above. I always adjust with the wheels on because you can feel the free play more accurately.
    I've got one more axle to go, working Sunday worse luck. There was only that one wheel that had too much play. Also I hate grease hubs, too messy lol. All the others on my gear are oil hubs.
     
  9. Ozdriver

    Ozdriver Heavy Load Member

    767
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    Oct 16, 2015
    Australia
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    You can re use the orange keeper, that's the whole point in buying the Stemco nuts. The bearings are quick and easy to adjust. I go on some rough roads and also dirt, so bearings get a hard time. I always make sure I buy US Timken or German SKF, none of this Chinese crap.
     
  10. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Actually, Stemco does want you to replace the keeper each time. This is more for safety liability to protect their product. Personally, if it is not damaged, and properly installed it should be ok to reuse.
    Anyway, you can always reset your bearing play and simply remeasure with a dial indicator to get around a thou or two end play and go from there.
     
    Ozdriver Thanks this.
  11. Cory wood

    Cory wood Medium Load Member

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    We always without fail use a dial indicator and shoot for a .01 to a .05 tolerance. I may be one zero short but that's what the specs are for eatin and Rockwell rears.
     
    Ozdriver Thanks this.
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