Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Dustin Keller photo
1 Level
1366 Review
49 Karma

Review on ARES 25011 1 2 Inch Drive Socket by Dustin Keller

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great tool - but be careful with impact wrenches on axle nuts (see notes below)

Another great ARES tool. 30mm 12 point fits perfectly with my 2005 Avalon front hubs (replaces entire knuckle assembly on both sides). (The factory axle nuts were 12-point and the new axle nuts were 6-point, and of course the 12-point socket will work with either.) Note that the axle uses a "cage nut" - the axle has a keyway and After that, tightening the flange on the nut forces it into this groove to "lock" the nut and prevent the wheel from falling off the vehicle (replaces castle nut and cotter pin on older vehicles). Technically, you must unscrew the nut before removing it so as not to damage the threads on the axle. Refer to "JTC AUTO TOOLS Toyota Drive Axle Nut Removal and Removal Tool” for illustration. Use extreme caution when using an impact wrench on the axle nuts. If you must use an impact wrench to loosen the nuts, do so with the tire on the ground (remove the Toyota logo wheel center cap from the wheel to gain access); Otherwise, some of the impact force will reach your relatively fragile drivetrain components. When installing new axle nuts, only use hand tools, not an impact wrench. (If you damage the axle threads, you may need to install a new drive axle on that side.) Overtightening the axle nut will damage the new bearings, so use caution. (The correct torque for a 2005 Avalon is 217 lb-ft - my old torque wrench only goes for 150, so I also ordered a larger torque wrench.) And instead of knocking the axle out of the hub, use a puller, if at all possible. .If you damage the axle thread, "GEARWRENCH External Thread Recovery File, Metric, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5 Pitch 3 - 2228D" can help you clean it - 1.5mm (Metric ) Upgrade is what you need for the 2005 Avalon.

Pros
  • Hand tool
Cons
  • Damaged