Hub Replacement. Do's and Dont's?

97.5 Regal GS . I am about to replace my hub. Originally my parts guy gave me a Federal Mogul hub. I went back and exchanged for AC Delco. New hub has the 3 bolts that attatch to axle. It seems they have LocTight on them. When i asked him if he had the main nut, he told me it is not needed to replace it new. On this forum i heard many times that it should be replaced. If anyone knows why, id like to know so i can give him some"FYI". I know on older cars i replaced bearings i could use the old nut, but replaced the cotter pin. I took a quick look at this and think there is no cotter pin. What is to prevent this nut from backing out? Also, if i put a new nut should i , or can i, use loctight?

It depends on the vehicle as to what needs to be done when changing these hubs. I always recommend a new axle nut due to the fact that they are usually held in place by a tab that is bent into position. Once you bend the tab back to get the nut off the nut is usually deformed and needs to be replaced. On the front hubs torque is critical and to insure proper torque on the shaft you need a new nut as threads can stretch and cause you to get bad or incorrect torque readings. Since torque is not as critical on the rear you can reuse the nut but if you can't stake it in place there is a possibility that it may come loose. This tab or stake as some call it holds the nut in place. Follow the manufacturers recommendation as to whether to use locktite or not sometimes it is required other times it is not.

Tell the guy that you just feel better putting a new nut on a new bearing and that is all he really needs to know!