It is recommended by many experts that an air impact wrench not be used to remove or install the drive axle shaft nut because the impacting force can damage the hub bearing. True or False?

Using an air impact wrench on the drive axle shaft nut is deemed inadvisable by many experts primarily due to the risk of damaging the hub bearing from the high-impact forces generated by the tool. The drive axle shaft nut is designed to secure the axle in place, but applying excessive torque through an impact wrench can lead to uneven stress on the bearing components. This uneven stress can cause premature wear, noise, and eventual failure of the hub bearing.

Moreover, the method of force applied by an impact wrench has a different impact characteristic compared to more controlled methods, like a torque wrench, which applies force gradually. The sudden jolts can easily exceed the design limitations of the bearing, leading to potential damage.

Therefore, the recommendation to avoid using an air impact wrench serves as a caution to maintain the integrity and longevity of the vehicle’s hub assembly and associated components.