Axle hex bolt size? Clarification needed...

[NCer]

Hello, all!
Spring is almost here!!!!

I read in a few threads that front Axle hex bolt size is 17mm, but the manual states 18mm... Which is correct?

Whatever the correct one is - is there an american fractional size that corresponds to it?

Thx!

Cheers!

 

[2brnut2b]

17mm it is.
43/64 SAE

 

[Heavy-H]

I use the drain plug Hex key from my VW days....

 

[Ruggybuggy]

I bought this ebay item for $10.

 

[NCer]

Looks nice! What do you use for a rachet / handle?

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Looks nice! What do you use for a rachet / handle?

It has a 3/8 drive so a ratchet or a box end over the oposite side.

 

[DirtFlier]

[I use the drain plug Hex key from my VW days....]

I had one of those buried in my tool box for eons and tried it this morning. Thanks, it works!

 

[ST13Fred]

17mm it is.
43/64 SAE

43/64 would be a 11/16 wrench size.

 

[Fuzzy]

43/64 would be a 11/16 wrench size.

44/64 would be 11/16 size.

 

[2brnut2b]

I bought this on amazon.ca

 

[Ed Up]

Whew, Thanks Fuzzy, thought the little math skills I had, had failed me.

 

[ronsaw]

It has a 3/8 drive so a ratchet or a box end over the oposite side.

Bang.
Just.
Like.
That.

I like it.

 

[DirtFlier]

Although I can use the VW drain plug wrench at home, it's not something I'd like to carry because of its immense weight. When you have hex stock that large in diameter and that long, it's pretty heavy.

Before I was reminded of the VW wrench, I made a lighter axle tool by taking the correct size bolt+nut and welding an old 3/8" socket onto the threaded shank. The nut was added to make a longer hex.