Spindle And Axle Nut Retainer

What is an Axle or Spindle Nut Retainer?

The spindle or axle nut retainer is installed over the spindle nut and uses a cotter pin to assure the nut stays in place. These retainers are often used in situations where wheel bearing preload is necessary for proper operation. Preloading a wheel bearing often includes torquing the nut to a set specification, and even possibly loosening it slightly, before installing the spindle nut retainer and cotter pin. This ensures that the wheel bearings are not too tight, which could cause premature wear and failure, and also prevents the nut from loosening or backing off while driving. Spindle nut retainers can be damaged or suffer wear over time, and are also easy to lose while performing a wheel bearing replacement. If you were to drive without the retainer, the hub could eventually cause the preload of the nut to loosen, which may cause the hub to wobble, the nut to continue to rapidly back off the spindle, or if not addressed promptly, the wheel could even fall off while driving. To help prevent serious wheel end and wheel bearing issues, regular maintenance and service may be required. This includes removing your wheel and hub dust cap and inspecting the inside of the hub. If your car has a spindle nut retainer, make sure it's secure and the nut is appropriately tight when you service your wheel bearings. If you need to replace a damaged spindle nut or retainer, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries new axle and spindle nuts and spindle nut retainers, as well as other hub and wheel bearing parts to help you complete your repair.