Again: Check your Knuckle-Nuts ;-) (3 Viewers)

[sunrk]

An offset ring spanner might work to fit over the nuts closest to the backplates.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Personally I think the factory studs are marginal in there ability to function flawlessly.

Kind of like our head gaskets. Early on people were quick to insinuate that those having a problem were some how responsible for the problem because they didn’t adhere to a strict maintenance schedule.

No, just like the knuckle studs the HGs were marginally OK.

Yep I replaced (PM'd) my HG at 125K something I have no control over and could leave me stranded. The knuckle studs I do have control and I will not have a problem......maintenance YMMV

 

[GeoRoss]

@FirstToy Yep, that’s the tool I use. Different brand but basically the same. Makes it super easy.
Amazon product ASIN B08KRHJ3LP

I have a set of torque adapters that serve the same purpose.

Torque Adapter

 

[AgentOrange]

An offset ring spanner might work to fit over the nuts closest to the backplates.

You guys have backing plates???

 

[fjbj40]

@Drift Monkey, that $29 tool has zero degree off set while the other has 75 degree. While not absolutely necessary to have the 75 degree offset, it sure makes it easier to use in the tight spaces of the knuckles.

The zero offset wrench works perfectly fine for me. I do have backing plates and it fits.

 

[Broski]

Geez Wally, let’s make a big deal out of what wrench to use.
Many different wrenches will do the job.
A off set 17mm with a long handle definitely works the easiest on the trail.

 

[Drift Monkey]

Geez Wally, let’s make a big deal out of what wrench to use.

This is MUD afterall.

 

[landtank]

Yep I replaced (PM'd) my HG at 125K something I have no control over and could leave me stranded. The knuckle studs I do have control and I will not have a problem......maintenance YMMV

Having to go out and routinely check for loose nuts is exactly what not having control is. If you had control you would set them and forget them as they wouldn’t loosen.

 

[John McVicker]

Having to go out and routinely check for loose nuts is exactly what not having control is. If you had control you would set them and forget them as they wouldn’t loosen.

@landtank I pay attention to your posts as they are very informative…BUT I strongly disagree with the one above.
Having control is EXACTLY what happens when you check these nuts. Having little to no control is what happens when one DOES NOT check for loose nuts/bolts.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Having to go out and routinely check for loose nuts is exactly what not having control is. If you had control you would set them and forget them as they wouldn’t loosen.

You missed YMMV

 

[thatcabledude]

Geez Wally, let’s make a big deal out of what wrench to use.
Many different wrenches will do the job.
A off set 17mm with a long handle definitely works the easiest on the trail.

After borrowing the one you made (to check that mine were tight as usual ) a couple years ago I agree.

 

[robnicko]

Just checked mine after experiencing a bit of wandering when braking (pulling to the left) and found two of the lower knuckle nuts on the LHF knuckle needed about 1/2 a turn to tighten to spec. took it for a test drive and its all good, no more wandering under braking and steering feels a whole lot more precise
checked all the others and they were fine.
Will add to the oil change list now to check more frequently

 

[landtank]

@landtank I pay attention to your posts as they are very informative…BUT I strongly disagree with the one above.
Having control is EXACTLY what happens when you check these nuts. Having little to no control is what happens when one DOES NOT check for loose nuts/bolts.

Out of curiosity, how often do you check your nuts and bolts on the steering box? After all you could literally “ loose control” if they loosened and fell off.

 

[John McVicker]

Good point @landtank regarding the nuts on our steering box. Those I don’t check that frequently…but should.

This is one of the ways I verify my Birfs, drive shafts etc. (Yellow Paint marks). Probably should also do this on my steering box.

 

[SNLC]

Good point @landtank regarding the nuts on our steering box. Those I don’t check that frequently…but should.

This is one of the ways I verify my Birfs, drive shafts etc. (Yellow Paint marks). Probably should also do this on my steering box.

View attachment 3665635

That’s how I do critical hardware on my chassis. Allows to me do quick checks that are just visual.

Cheers

 

[landtank]

Good point @landtank regarding the nuts on our steering box. Those I don’t check that frequently…but should.

This is one of the ways I verify my Birfs, drive shafts etc. (Yellow Paint marks). Probably should also do this on my steering box.

View attachment 3665635

It seems that I've resolved my problem with the knuckle studs loosening and shearing. 4 years and Lots of road time and trail time with no issues. But if it were to return I'd probably do the same as you have.

 

[COS80]

I'm glad I found this thread. All eight of mine were loose. One of them was only finger tight... this one also twisted off the stud instead of achieving torque. If anyone could point me to a good repair thread, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Broski]

I'm glad I found this thread. All eight of mine were loose. One of them was only finger tight... this one also twisted off the stud instead of achieving torque. If anyone could point me to a good repair thread, I'd appreciate it.

It’s pretty straightforward.
It all depends on where it twisted off, post up
A picture of the twisted stud.

 

[COS80]

It’s pretty straightforward.
It all depends on where it twisted off, post up
A picture of the twisted stud.

 

[Broski]

View attachment 3688755

Unfortunately you will need to pull knuckle then you should be able to just unscrew it from the inside.