AXILOK
Unitized Wheel Bearing Nut System
Installation and Removal Procedures
Axilok Component View
Pre-Installation Procedure
Removal
Procedure
Axilok for D Flat Style Axle
Axilok for Radius Slot Style Axle
Before installing Axilok, check the following:
1. Visually inspect the Axilok to confirm it has two
locking clips, securely fastened to the nut body with
rivets, and that the locking clip tabs protrude from
the adjustment holes. Refer to Figures 1, 2, 8 and 9.
Equipment Required
Retainer
Cage
D Flat
6-point socket, sized according
to the markings stamped on the face of the Axilok. Refer to Figure
1 and Table 1.
Retainer Cage Tab
Axilok Size Marking
Locking clips and tabs should not be bent, cracked
or broken.
Locking Clip
Support Rivet
Locking Clip
Tab
2. Inspect the Axilok retainer cage and the retainer
tab (or "D" flat) for cracks or damage. Compress the
locking clips with a socket and insure the retainer
cage does not come off the nut body.
1. Install correct size 6-point socket completely over the hex of the
Axilok. Be sure that both the locking clips are completely
disengaged from the retainer cage, permitting free rotation. Refer
to Figure 2.
Nut Body
2. Turn counterclockwise to remove Axilok. If Axilok does not
move freely, stop removal. Check that the socket is completely
and fully engaged on the Axilok and that the locking clips are fully
retracted from the retainer cage slots. If Axilok still will not turn
freely, rotate slightly clockwise, to tighten, and then loosen again.
The nut should rotate counterclockwise freely.
3. Next inspect the threads of the Axilok for signs of
wear or damage, wiping off excess oil and debris.
Retainer Cage
4. If Axilok fails any of the checks above, the Axilok
is unfit for use. DO NOT USE. Replace the unfit
Axilok with a new Axilok, and repeat all checks.
Retainer Cage
Adjustment Slot
Socket Size Markings
FIGURE 1. Axilok Styles
CAUTION
WARNING
Do not use Axilok assembly with hubs that have
internal bearing spacer systems except as directed
by the vehicle manufacturer.
Do not use chisel, hammer, or any power tool to remove
the Axilok product.
WARNING
Axilok may not be compatible with all axles
currently in use. Do not use Axilok on an
incompatible axle. Review appropriate
manufacturers bulletins for axles not compatible
with Axilok. Inappropriate use could produce a
wheel off condition, which may result in serious
bodily injury and/or equipment failure.
If Axilok has not been selected as standard
equipment by the Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM), do the following: Review
axle manufacturers bulletins to be sure axle is
compatible with Axilok.
Figure 4. Place Axilok in correct size socket and
check for free rotation.
Figure 6. Torque Axilok to initial torque value while
rotating hub to properly seal bearings.
Figure 5. Start Axilok by hand.
NOTE
OR
If installing Axilok on vehicles purchased from an OEM, with Axilok as original
equipment, follow the OEMs specific installation instructions.
Remove hub to fully expose spindle and its slot or
D flat. Carefully measure the width and depth of
the spindle slot or D flat at the outboard end of
the spindle and at the last full thread of the slot or
D flat. If the measurements are identical, Axilok
may be used. If not, DO NOT use Axilok on this
spindle. Use a conventional wheel nut retaining
system. Refer to Figure 3.
INCORRECT
Broken Locking Tab
Installation Procedure
Equipment Required
Torque wrench
Dial Indicator
Installation Procedure / Installation Procedure
1. Before installation, perform pre-installation checks:
FIGURE 8. Locking Clip Tabs Broken
Be sure the spindle slot is clean and free of burrs and foreign material before installing
Axilok.
Be sure the thread size is the same on both components.
Put a few drops of oil through one of the retainer cage holes. This will ensure frictionfree movement.
INCORRECT
Improperly Positioned Locking Tab
2. Put Axilok in the correct size 6-point socket (refer to Table 1) and verify that the locking
clips are compressed. Refer to Figures 2 and 4. Retainer cage should spin freely.
3. Align Axilok retainer cage tab or D flat with spindle slot or D flat. Be sure to start
and run down the Axilok by hand. Do not use power tools. Rotate the socket clockwise
until contacting bearing. See Figure 5.
FIGURE 9. Locking Clip Tabs Improperly Positioned
4. Using a properly calibrated torque wrench, torque Axilok to the initial torque of 200 ft.
lb. while rotating hub..
Back off 1/2 turn.
Tighten to final torque while rotating hub. Refer to Table 1.
Back off 1/8 turn. This will provide end play.
Refer to Figure 6.
5. Remove socket and verify locking clip tabs
have engaged the adjustment slots in the retainer
cage. Refer to Figures 2, 8 and 9.
FIGURE 2. Checking Position of Locking Clip Tabs
6. Measure end play using a dial indicator. If
correct end play is not achieved, adjust
according to Adjustment Increments shown in
Table 1.
Rotate Axilok clockwise to reduce end play.
(Example: from .004 to .002 end play.)
Rotate Axilok counterclockwise to increase end
play. (Example: from .001 to .003 end play.)
Figure 7. Check for proper end
play with dial indicator.
Initial
Torque
(in lbs/ft)
Initial
Backoff
AX-14-1000
2 1/8
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0032
AX-12-1500D
2 1/8
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0038
AXILOK
7. After end play adjustment, make sure that both locking clip tabs are protruding through
the slots in the retainer cage. Refer to Figures 2, 8 and 9.
Final
Final
Increments
Torque Backoff of Adjustment
(in lbs/ft)
(per slot)
AX-18-1500
2 1/8
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0025
WARNING
AX-18-1500D
2 1/8
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0025
If locking clip tabs do not protrude through the adjustment slots, rotate Axilok slightly
clockwise. Refer to Figures 2, 8 and 9. If locking clip(s) are broken, replace Axilok and
repeat installation procedures.
AX-12-1750D
3 1/4
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0030
AX-16-2500
3 1/4
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0022
AX-12-2625
3 1/4
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0030
AX-16-2625
3 1/4
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0022
AX-12-3250
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0023
AX-12-3480
4 1/8
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0023
AX-12-3500
4 1/8
200
1/2 turn
75
1/8 turn
0.0023
FIGURE 3. Measuring Spindle Slot or D Flat
AXILOK
Do not use Axilok assembly with hubs that have internal bearing spacer systems except
as directed by the vehicle manufacturer.
Socket
Size
6-Point
This same procedure can be used to achieve a controlled pre-load condition. (Example:
from .001 end play to .001 pre-load.)
Removal Procedure
CAUTION
FIGURE 10. Recommended End Play Range
is manufactured by
METFORM, LLC
TABLE 1. Axilok part numbers and installation torque.
MVS MacLean Vehicle Systems 1000 Allanson Road Mundelein, IL 60060 800-323-4536 [Link]
