Axle nut socket size

[SOOBOUTLAW]

Anybody know what size socket for the axle nut on a '90 Legacy awd? I gotta go buy one and can't get the nut off without a socket.

[idosubaru]

should be 32 mm. bizarre thing is that i've seen 32 and 36mm axle nuts from Subaru dealers. i've gone in to get just the axle nuts before and had them hand me a 36mm nut pulled right off the axle from vehicles that usually have 32mm nuts in my experience. so it should be a 32mm, but i have seen 36 on a couple of occassions.

[tcspeer]

Gary is right on the 32 mm (at least on the axle nut on my Subaru)however, I like my six point 1-1/4 over my 12 point 32 mm. Which ever you get be sure it is six point.

[SOOBOUTLAW]

Alright, 32mm. Thanks. BTW, 36mm is old school axle nuts.

[idosubaru]

i've sheared 2 1/2" sockets and one 1/2" breaker bar, moving up to 3/4" socket wrench was an excellent decision. makes axle nuts a breeze. use a torch if yours is tight and you don't have a 3/4" set. heat the nut up for one minute and immediately attack it with your socket.

[GeneralDisorder]

My 500 ft/lb rated impact hasn't failed to take one off yet. But you do need a sizeable compressor and tank to run a good sized impact.

 

GD

[porcupine73]

 

The other axle nut part # has a 1 at the end; I think the other is the 'olive' color; this is the gold color. I don't know what the difference is other than color but the service manual calls for one for the front and the other for the rear.