Can anyone verify for me the size socket needed to replace the front hub on my 1998 4x4 Blazer. It is the axle nut and I watched a utube video specifying a 35mm and a link on this forum using a 36mm. I dont have any that size (32mm is the largest I have) so I am just going to purchase the socket and am looking in advance to make sure I buy the right one.
Thanks for any & all help

 

i have had to do this as well. i remember looking in my tool box thinking crap! largest size i have it 32. so i went out and bought the 35 mm socket for the imact gun and it fit nice and snug. good luck

 

Been over this numerous times as a search ("axle+nut+socket+size") would indicate.

The correct size is 36mm. While a 35mm socket may fit in some cases, due to manufacturing tolerances, it may not fit all cases since the proper size is 36mm.

 

Um, thanks for the response I think. So I'll probably have to end up buying both.

 

Why would you need to buy both? I'm not sure how much clearer I can say this. THE CORRECT SIZE IS 36mm!!!

There is ABSOLUTELY no chance of rounding off the nut with a 36mm socket. So why bother with a 35mm just because it sometimes fits snug and sometimes doesn't fit at all?

*EDIT* I just remembered that I had an old axle nut in the garage that I damaged by hitting it with a hammer to get the CV shaft free from the hub. Measured 35.36mm with my digital caliper. I'll be back in a few with the Machinery's Handbook tolerances for this size nut/socket, but I can say for sure that if it were a 35mm nut, it would not be over 35mm flat to flat. That is a certainty.

*EDIT 2* - Machinery's Handbook calls out M24x3 thread having a nut flat-to-flat of max 36mm min 35mm per ANSI/ASME B18.2.4.1M-2002.

 

Thanks, yes, the 36mm is what I am going to buy. Can I remove this nut with a 1/2 drive using a cheater bar/pipe? Will I need to use an impact wrench.

 

You should be able to remove it using a 1/2" breaker bar & pipe, but an air impact will make easier work of it.

 

Just finished repairing my front end and the socket size is 36mm.

 

Thanks again to all who responded. I may see if the local auto-parts store rents an electric impact.

 

the 35 did fit but was snug like u said swart. so i guess 36 is the correct size