Rear axle torque specs...
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Garland TX
Happy Cruising
Harry
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
Correct axle nut torque value is 160 ft-lbs plus locktite. That number evolved to 160 in CY-2007. Here is the document.
FYI. Two years ago I locktited (#242 blue) my axle nuts to the then spec of 118 Ft-lbs. They've not budged since, through 100 more passes at the track and 10K street miles.
If mine loosen again, I plan to replace the nuts and re-locktite them to the new 160 spec.
Ranger
FYI. Two years ago I locktited (#242 blue) my axle nuts to the then spec of 118 Ft-lbs. They've not budged since, through 100 more passes at the track and 10K street miles.
If mine loosen again, I plan to replace the nuts and re-locktite them to the new 160 spec.
Ranger
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I torqued my C5 axle nuts to 118 ft-lbs without loctite and they have not come loose. Some forum members think that retorquing the nuts to 160 ft-lbs may contribute to broken axles.
I had a popping noise on my 2004, so I lubed the inner spline/bearing surface and torqued nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The noise has not come back.
We torqued several C6 Z06 nuts to 160 ft-lbs without lubing the inner spline, and the noise kept coming back. Even with higher torque, the splines can still make a noise if left dry.
I had a popping noise on my 2004, so I lubed the inner spline/bearing surface and torqued nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The noise has not come back.
We torqued several C6 Z06 nuts to 160 ft-lbs without lubing the inner spline, and the noise kept coming back. Even with higher torque, the splines can still make a noise if left dry.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
I torqued my C5 axle nuts to 118 ft-lbs without loctite and they have not come loose. Some forum members think that retorquing the nuts to 160 ft-lbs may contribute to broken axles.
I had a popping noise on my 2004, so I lubed the inner spline/bearing surface and torqued nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The noise has not come back.
We torqued several C6 Z06 nuts to 160 ft-lbs without lubing the inner spline, and the noise kept coming back. Even with higher torque, the splines can still make a noise if left dry.
I had a popping noise on my 2004, so I lubed the inner spline/bearing surface and torqued nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The noise has not come back.
We torqued several C6 Z06 nuts to 160 ft-lbs without lubing the inner spline, and the noise kept coming back. Even with higher torque, the splines can still make a noise if left dry.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
At the time I was just trying to isolate the noise, so I just swabbed the inner bearing surface and spline with Mobil 1 oil on a Q-Tip. The noise never came back. If I were going to do it again, I would probably use a light grease to help hold the oil in place.
A lot of people try to spray penetrating oil from the outside, but the spline is not what is making the noise. It is where the CV joint hub pulls into the back side of the hub bearing. IF you spray lube from the outside, it would have to travel the length of the spline to get where it is needed. I just removed the nut, pushed the axle in about 3/8", and made sure the inside surface was coated with a light coat of oil.
A lot of people try to spray penetrating oil from the outside, but the spline is not what is making the noise. It is where the CV joint hub pulls into the back side of the hub bearing. IF you spray lube from the outside, it would have to travel the length of the spline to get where it is needed. I just removed the nut, pushed the axle in about 3/8", and made sure the inside surface was coated with a light coat of oil.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 3
From: Middle of No where AK
At the time I was just trying to isolate the noise, so I just swabbed the inner bearing surface and spline with Mobil 1 oil on a Q-Tip. The noise never came back. If I were going to do it again, I would probably use a light grease to help hold the oil in place.
A lot of people try to spray penetrating oil from the outside, but the spline is not what is making the noise. It is where the CV joint hub pulls into the back side of the hub bearing. IF you spray lube from the outside, it would have to travel the length of the spline to get where it is needed. I just removed the nut, pushed the axle in about 3/8", and made sure the inside surface was coated with a light coat of oil.
A lot of people try to spray penetrating oil from the outside, but the spline is not what is making the noise. It is where the CV joint hub pulls into the back side of the hub bearing. IF you spray lube from the outside, it would have to travel the length of the spline to get where it is needed. I just removed the nut, pushed the axle in about 3/8", and made sure the inside surface was coated with a light coat of oil.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,666
Likes: 14
From: Mission Viejo CA
You can do a thread search for the TSB update from GM it states 160# with locktight. I wouldn't use locktight but rear axle torque and wheel alignment seem to be all over the map from the factory. My 2008 3lt had 40# RR 80# LR. I torqued both to 160# and painted witness marks on nut and thread, no movement in 2000 miles. Socket is 33 mm deepwall O'Rielly Auto Parts $9.99. My son has a 93 C4 his service manual states 160# we checked his both were at least 160# Why GM would reduce fastening torque then increase it to old specs is a mystery
Happy Cruising
Harry
Happy Cruising
Harry
