The 46mm rear axle nut on your Vanagon is torqued to a whopping 360 foot pounds.  Most home mechanics don't have the massive 3/4" impact tools to loosen the nut for repairs.  This axle nut tool is the answer.

These nuts are TIGHT!  Add to that fact that they're often rusted in place and they can be stubborn to remove.  Consider using penetrating oil and heat if you can't get your nut loose.

How to loosen:

Chock the wheels of your Vanagon, put the transmission in gear, and activate the e-brake

Remove the cotter pin from the rear axle nut

Slide the tool onto the nut

Insert a 1/2" breaker bar into the square hole in the axle nut tool positioned to be able to put downward force in a counter-clockwise position

Have a helper push down (so the nut will rotate counter clockwise) on the end of the breaker bar

Whack the edge of the tool with a hand sledge hammer so that the nut will rotate counter clockwise

Installation:

Use the axle tool with a breaker bar and sledge hammer to tighten the nut

If you have a high-torque torque wrench, set the nut to 360-ft pounds.

If you don't have a high-torque torque wrench, get the nut as tight as possible with this axle tool, insert a new cotter pin, and CAREFULLY drive your van to a shop that can torque this nut for you.

Ref ID: 0057490

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