Freightliner Rear Axle Hub Covers

[Craig P.]

The inner dual tire on my rear axle recently developed a flat while stored here at home. I called CoachNet and they sent out Wingfoot, a mobile commercial truck tire service. I have never removed the rear tires, so I was unaware that the "Freightliner" emblem in the center of the rear chrome hub cover, was actually a large retaining nut for the hub cover itself.

The Wingfoot tech attempted to remove the driver’s side retaining nut, but could not get it free. He had no special tool for removing the large nut, only the large pipe wrench which I supplied him with. He ended up virtually destroying the surface of the nut and scratched the heck out of the hub cover. I told him to stop and that I would contact Freightliner for help. It was later after talking with Freightliner customer support, that I learned that the driver’s side hub retaining nut is actually reversed threaded.

I called Wingfoot back and spoke with a manager. The manager was very apologetic and sent another tech out to my home right away. This tech knew about the reversed threading and had the nut off in no time. He pointed out that the previous tech had damaged the hub cover, as the surface of the cover was partially flattened out when it was accidentally over tightened.

After the flat was repaired (ended up being a bad valve stem), I called Freightliner and got a price quote for a replacement retaining nut and hub cover. Armed with those amounts, I called the Wingfoot manager back and asked that the replacement amount be deducted from my flat repair bill. He kindly offered to tear up the entire bill, which was slightly more that the replacement hub cover and retaining nut. I was very happy with that offer.

*IMPORTANT* During this process, I learned that a fellow Rv’er invented a "Hub Nut Tool", for removing the retaining nut. It is made of injected plastic and will not harm the nut. In fact, it even tells you right on the handle, which way to turn it for each wheel. Everyone with this type of rear axle setup should have one of these in their tool box. You never know when you might need it for an emergency flat repair on the side of the road. I was lucky, in that the repair was done in my driveway.

Here is a link for more information on the Hub Nut Tool.

Craig

[Pigman]

For those who have a few scrap pieces of tempered Masonite, you can make a wrench. I glued 2 pieces of 1/8" Masonite together and cut the wrench out with a jig saw. Works great and was an easy morning project. The Masonite will not mar the nut and is plenty strong enough if you cut it out in a box end pattern.

John

[historyljc]

Craig,
Thanks for the info.

[powerboatr]

thanks
i learned a while back the reverse thread issue
i use a FORD wrench to take off mine its a big chrome monkey wrench with smooth flat sides so no scratching of said shiny stainless
i spend to much time making mine purty

[Pusherman]

As Craig P said, the driver's side dual hub is reverse thread. Meaning 'Righty Loosy, Lefty Tighty' on this side only! More than one mechanic has damaged the driver's side hub not knowing this.

[Old Snipe]

A large pair of water pump pliers and a rag to cover the nut works just fine.

Best Regards!

[azloafer]

If I read the info on the wrench correctly, the wrench is only needed on aluminum wheels, not steel wheels. Mine are steel. Joe

[Craig P.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Snipe A large pair of water pump pliers and a rag to cover the nut works just fine.

Whatever works for you. The Hub Nut Tool is a mere $12.50. The hub nut is $36 and the hub cover is $87 to replace. To me it's cheap insurance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer If I read the info on the wrench correctly, the wrench is only needed on aluminum wheels, not steel wheels. Mine are steel.

In that case you probably have SS wheel covers. From what I recall, the wheel covers have no hub nut, is that correct?

Craig

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig P. Whatever works for you. The Hub Nut Tool is a mere $12.50. The hub nut is $36 and the hub cover is $87 to replace. To me it's cheap insurance. In that case you probably have SS wheel covers. From what I recall, the wheel covers have no hub nut, is that correct? Craig

That is correct. Joe