Thread: Maxi Drive Flange Nut - Need a 52mm Socket

Originally Posted by Dave_S

Hi All,

I'm losing oil from one of my rear hubs. It's a Maxi-drive equipped Salisbury diff. I can't find my socket for the drive flange nut - I'm pretty sure it's a 52mm. I tried using a pipe wrench (the only other thing I have that's big enough) but the nut is seriously tight.

I know it's a long shot, but if anyone has one I can borrow tomorrow (Easter Monday) on Brisbane northside I would be really grateful. I would be happy to leave a deposit. Otherwise, I'll just put the wheel back on and top up the oil until I can get another one.

While I'm here, does anyone have any handy tech tips for setting up hubs/bearings etc specific to the Maxi Drive set up? Is the flange nut supposed to be that tight? And am I right in assuming it's a 52mm socket?

Cheers,
Dave.

Hubs/bearings setup is no different to a standard setup Dave. Most likely the nut has been sealed on with silicone or loctite to stop leaks, they shouldn't be that tight. Can't remember what size it is but probably the same as the bearing lock nuts.

Could it be a left handed thread ?

If all else fails a cold chisel and hammer near a corner of a flat with a good sharp blow will release it

Originally Posted by fitzy

If all else fails a cold chisel and hammer near a corner of a flat with a good sharp blow will release it

The nut sits outside the flange and I'm not keen to damage it. This thing is on so tight that you would have to hit it with considerable force to shift it.

I've got the socket and bar here, but in Logan city if its any help.
If sealant is used on the thread they can be a bugger to get off.
I use sealant on the mating face of the nut and flange.

Stilsons will do it

I got one off with a 2" ring spanner borrowed from the neighbour. It took a wallop with a big soft hammer(maul) to loosen it.
Don.

Originally Posted by jboot51

I've got the socket and bar here, but in Logan city if its any help.
If sealant is used on the thread they can be a bugger to get off.
I use sealant on the mating face of the nut and flange.

Thanks mate. I really appreciate the offer, but it's an hour drive each way, so 4 hours to collect and return it. I might just order a socket. Can you confirm that it's a 52mm socket?