Rear spindle locknut

[tomh]

I have taken the rear wheel off a few times and re used the same nut, my old bikes have all had split pins that you replace. Do i need to replace the nut or does it have many uses left?

[Gwyn]

I have taken the rear wheel off a few times and re used the same nut, my old bikes have all had split pins that you replace. Do i need to replace the nut or does it have many uses left?

I've never replaced one, just keep using it

[tomh]

Im happy with that, just worried about what scrutineering will say about it for my hare and hounds

[Jonorow]

get a MK3 axle, it doesnt have a split pin, just a lock nut. unless mine has been changed for a CR version in which case get one of them. Jon

[tomh]

mine is a lock nut, i was under the ipression that you can only replace lock nuts a certain no of times

[Jonorow]

yes, when your rear wheel keeps coming lose, until then i wouldn't worry. Jon

[Gwyn]

yes, when your rear wheel keeps coming lose, until then i wouldn't worry. Jon

True though

[SkidMark]

Just to add my two pennys worth - probably the best guide to knowing when a lock nut is worn out is when you can screw it on completely by hand (ie thread it on the spindle so that the threads pass all the way through). That is the guide we use in aircraft maintenance anyway, the other school of thought is that it is a cheap part to replace but holding a critical component together so why not just replace it! (I won't say what I would do!). In terms of identifying one it will probably either have a coloured nylon insert, the nut will be slightly oval in shape or (and this one is tricky to describe in words!) half the nut will be kind of 'tangs' that are a slightly smaller diameter than the main nut and grip the thread going through it. I'm on hol's at the moment but will check the nut on mine when I get back.

[Jonorow]

thats a point i was going to make to. the Nylock nuts usualy wear the nylon insert so it doesn't grip anymore, and the 'tang' type can break off. so overall yes if you think it shold be replaced then do it, but dont realy worry about it.
A word on castlated? nuts, if thes are fitted then they MUST have a split pin or it will fail the MOT.
Jon

[tomh]

Does anyone know if the nut is metric or imperial as my imperial 15/16th iirc fits it better than any metric spanner i have?
The nut still grips really well, most nylocs are knackered after a few uses but this one seems good.
I think its castleated, or something like that!

[Jonorow]

22mm metric on the lock nut and 17mm on the axle. Jon

[Gwyn]

22mm metric on the lock nut and 17mm on the axle. Jon

Cheers Jono, any idea what size thread/pitch, as i might treat the bike to new one

[Jonorow]

its something like 16mm fine (1.25) but dont rush off and buy anything yet as i will check later
Jon

[Gwyn]

its something like 16mm fine (1.25) but dont rush off and buy anything yet as i will check later
Jon

Nice one Jon, Cheers 8)

[andypugh]

Do i need to replace the nut or does it have many uses left?

I have never replaced a spindle nut on any of my bikes, and I am still here to tell the tale.

I reckon that if the nut came loose (and lets be honest, why should it?) you would notice the degradation in handling precision long before the wheel actually fell off.
Unlike, for example, a brake caliper bolt, where the first you would know would be when you wanted the brakes...
Note that the brake caliper bolts are never locknutted.