Question about reusing locknuts

[fordcragar]

I'm in the middle of a project, removing an engine in a later model car, front wheel drive. Looking in the motor manual, it states that some of the nuts should be replaced; for the lower control arm ball joint and the axle shaft nut, that goes through the spindle. These nuts have a deflection on them, opposed to a nylon insert, could they be reused with Locktite? Or should I try to find new nuts, if even possible? I remember trying to replace similar nuts years ago, only to find that the dealer didn't have them.

 

[MotoDave]

I'd replace them, if possible. If they are fairly accessible you can get away with loctite on the old ones for now, but I'd still replace them when you get a chance.

I've found that fasteners for my WRX have been surprisingly cheap through my dealer. The OEM stuff is always good quality with good corrosion resistant coatings.

 

[fordcragar]

Actually what I'm working on is a 2002 Saab 9-3, finding a dealer might be difficult.

 

[MotoDave]

Ah, I see. I know McMaster sells deformed thread locknuts.

 

[Shopshirt Mofo]

Isn't the Saab 9-3 a re-badged Subaru?

 

[fordcragar]

Isn't the Saab 9-3 a re-badged Subaru?

I no idea, it's not my car, I'm not exactly sure why I'm working on it.

Now I remember, it's my daughters and I'm trying to help her.

 

[MotoDave]

The 9-2 is the Saabaru.

 

[APEowner]

I'd track down new nuts. The deflection style nuts are in fact one time use only. The Loctite products are great but I wouldn't use them in this application. If there's any contamination on the threads you might not get a good bond and the first clue you'll have that there's an issue will be when the ball joint comes unbolted. I've had that experience and while it was exciting and it gave a chance to demonstrate my driving ability and grace under pressure I wouldn't want to repeat it. As MotoDave pointed out there are other sources for these than the dealer.

Actually I might be tempted to loctite the axle nut since it's less of a safety hazard.

 

[fordcragar]

I'd track down new nuts. The deflection style nuts are in fact one time use only. The Loctite products are great but I wouldn't use them in this application. If there's any contamination on the threads you might not get a good bond and the first clue you'll have that there's an issue will be when the ball joint comes unbolted. I've had that experience and while it was exciting and it gave a chance to demonstrate my driving ability and grace under pressure I wouldn't want to repeat it. As MotoDave pointed out there are other sources for these than the dealer.

Actually I might be tempted to loctite the axle nut since it's less of a safety hazard.

I agree with you, I did call a garage that specializes in Saabs; they also have a lot of parts and I have been buying stuff from them, when my local parts store can't get them. They had the axle nut, it is about $12 each. They don't have the lower control arm/ball joint nut and told me they just reuse them.

 

[yhprum]

Do the used nuts have turning resistance that indicates the locking feature still works?

 

[Torque1st]

When I could not obtain new fasteners I have been known to deform the old nuts again after they were cleaned up. Some types can be deformed with a few judicious blows from a hammer and a punch. Others can be squeezed towards the outer end in a vise. It also helps to make sure with some Loctite.

I also squeeze the nylock type when I reuse them, but I don't use Loctite on those.

 

[brwbier]

Just use the loctite, thats what its for.

 

[nissan_crawler]

first off, before the worrying, run them back on again and see if they have any holding power left.

In theory, it's one-time use, but if they still keep tension, I've reused them many times with no issue. YMMV. if you're really worried about it, chuck the loctite on also.