Wheel bearing nut punch

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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FileCabinetRacing
Posts: 3
Joined: Jun 22, 2022 12:15 PM
Location: Alexandria, VA

Wheel bearing nut punch

Post by FileCabinetRacing »

I just finished installing a new drivers side front wheel bearing and it looks like I am supposed too punch in the nut where there is an opening but I cannot find any information. Should I punch it in or is it fine with just the torque spec?

Thank you
Blue Shadow
Posts: 10195
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: SE PA

Re: Wheel bearing nut punch

Post by Blue Shadow »

The lip of the nut is designed to be punched in at the location to prevent it from coming loose. Easy to undo that punch to remove the nut when needed so why not have that bit of proper installation going for you?

Welcome to MyE28
Mike W.
Posts: 26872
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Wheel bearing nut punch

Post by Mike W. »

Welcome to the group!

Odds are remote that it would come off without a punch, but I'd do it anyway just as an insurance policy, I mean they did put it there for a reason. One of those "it can't hurt" kind of things.
Blue Shadow
Posts: 10195
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: SE PA

Re: Wheel bearing nut punch

Post by Blue Shadow »

The BMW repair manual specifies the punch. It isn't a complete fill in of the opening, just a punch of a large screwdriver or something to prevent coming loose.

Did you have to tap out the punch of the nut you removed?
FileCabinetRacing
Posts: 3
Joined: Jun 22, 2022 12:15 PM
Location: Alexandria, VA

Re: Wheel bearing nut punch

Post by FileCabinetRacing »

Thank you for the responses and for welcoming me.

The nut I removed had a cutout to match the spindle which it seems someone had attempted to punch in but hadn’t gotten very far.
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