Using impact wrench on variator

[supermel74]

Just a couple quick questions to make sure I don't screw anything up. I only use the impact wrench to remove the nut and then put the nut back on with a ratchet, correct? Also, I recall reading that some variator nuts are screwed on in reverse and you can strip them out if you run the wrench in reverse as you normally would to remove a nut. If this is true, how can I tell before I attempt to remove it?

[redorchestra]

I use the impact to take it off and put it back on.
If you can see some of the thread you wil be able to tell if it is a right or left hand thread.

[90GTVert]

I use an impact for removal and installation as well, but I started using a torque stick that limits torque to 40ft-lbs when I install the nut. If you have a small impact gun it probably won't be an issue or you could lower the air pressure for pneumatic impact guns. I used to just install them with no torque stick or air pressure drop, but over time the threads on the crankshaft were damaged.

Like redorchestra said, look at the threads on the crankshaft and think about it for a second and you can tell if they are left or right. They should be right hand for your scoot.

[Goosey]

Yup, off and on again. You don't want that nut comeing off on the road.

[Fox]

If you have an electric impact that works off a car battery then three or four hits to tighten the nut is plenty. If you run the wrench off the scooter's battery then hit it 5 or 6 times because it won't hit as hard as it will using a car battery.

On all Chinese scooter the nut is righty-tighty

[drawkward]

I use it to take it off and put it back on. However, last week I was doing the clutch shaft nut and I went to tighten it up per usual, and it just stripped the whole inside of the nut out. Won't be doing that again. I also have a pretty heavy duty DeWalt impact wrench we use for our decks. Now I just get the nut on, then use the wrench with one hit to tighten it up.

I'll be looking into getting a torque stick. This is the first I've heard of them.

[90GTVert]

You can get 'em on ebay and harbor freight and all sorts of places. I had a hard time finding one for 40ft/lbs and ended up getting it special order, but now I forget where. They are essential for long life of threads if you do much tuning. Beats trying to use something to hold the crank still while you use a torque wrench.

[supermel74]

Glad I asked. Thanks for all thew tips.

[drawkward]

Jun 28, 2010 11:56:52 GMT -5 90GTVert said:

You can get 'em on ebay and harbor freight and all sorts of places. I had a hard time finding one for 40ft/lbs and ended up getting it special order, but now I forget where. They are essential for long life of threads if you do much tuning. Beats trying to use something to hold the crank still while you use a torque wrench.

I can find 45 ft/lb sticks all over google shopping. I'll probably just go with that. Safer than just hitting it with the impact unprotected.

[shadowman]

I'm liking this talk about these torque sticks.
I wonder how well they'd work with an emergency impact..

[90GTVert]

I suppose it would work with an emergency impact. Basically they just flex to allow a certain amount of force to be applied. I should also note that you can get torque sticks and torque extensions. Torque stocks have a socket built in. A torque extension is like a regular extension that you can use that drive sized sockets on, but it limits torque. They are a little more money sometimes, but one extension can do more jobs. I use my torque extension on the clutch and the variator. If it were a torque stick with the socket built in I'd need 2 just to cover one engine style.

[jimh]

I use a deep socket, breaker bar and a big old screwdriver for my variator... works well for me.