Preventing Loose Hub Bolts

If you prep the hubs correctly you won't have a problem 5 or 6 bolt.

Tap out the bolt holes just to clean them, spray out with brake cleaner and let dry completely or use compressed air to dry. Get grade 5 or 8 bolts of the right length with a shoulder for the hub section, not all threads. Do not use the paper gasket behind the hub, use a small amount of silicone to seal the hub. Clean the bolts of any oil from shipping. Use removable locktite and coat the threads completely, install all bolts for one side at a time and torque to the high side of the spec. Do not use the tri sided locking washers with the bend over tab (they still allow enough movement to break a hub), I don't even use a flat washer, but you can if you want to. After finishing both sides don't drive the rig for 10 hours, to let the locktite set completely.

Doing this I have never lost a hub. Before this I destroyed about a dozen hubs. I ran hubs on the front and rear axles. I have seen lots of hub damage from loose bolts on lots of rigs. The suggestion about studs is a good way to go also. Be sure to use shouldered studs. Yes the shoulder is important, it takes up more of the loose room in the drilled area of the hub.

If your hubs stay tight on the first trip you have suceeded and should stay indefinitley. I still look at mine every trip just to make sure though.

Author: Perk