axle/ nut issue
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: LA CA
axle/ nut issue
Recently I have noticed a slapping or popping noise between shifts... I pulled my center caps off tonight, and while rocking the wheel back and forth (transmission slack) and holding the end of the axle in one hand, I noticed on the pass side I could move the axle up and down a little. This shouldn't have any slack at all correct??? I think the nut needs torq'd to spec, but can I just tighting it down till its snug for now, until I can get my hands on a wrench that goes to 160pounds?? Also the axle is rusted pretty bad... has anyone stripped one of these???
thanks
thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
If the axle nuts are loose, the nuts should be replaced.
Use loc-tite
Torque to:
Rear Drive Shaft Spindle Nut
160 N·m
118 lb ft
Do not use impact.
Allow the loc-tite to cure for 24 hours before driving.
Use loc-tite
Torque to:
Rear Drive Shaft Spindle Nut
160 N·m
118 lb ft
Do not use impact.
Allow the loc-tite to cure for 24 hours before driving.
Last edited by calemasters; May 12, 2009 at 11:51 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Just retightening the axle nut may not stop the popping sound.
The sound is normally caused by a stick/release action of the inner bearing surface and the CV hub. You need to back the axle nut off, push the axle in a bit, and lube the "inside" portion of the axle spline and the bearing face. Then retorque the nut to 118 ft-lbs.
GM recommends that you replace the nut since they are interference fit, but you can also use loctite.
I retorqued the nut on my C5 without loctite, and have not had a problem with the nut backing off.
The sound is normally caused by a stick/release action of the inner bearing surface and the CV hub. You need to back the axle nut off, push the axle in a bit, and lube the "inside" portion of the axle spline and the bearing face. Then retorque the nut to 118 ft-lbs.
GM recommends that you replace the nut since they are interference fit, but you can also use loctite.
I retorqued the nut on my C5 without loctite, and have not had a problem with the nut backing off.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 8
From: Whitehall PA
Axle nut torque was originally listed at 118 ft.-lbs., but revised in a TSB to 160 ft.-lbs. Assembly procedure at the plant was changed after many reports of loose axle nuts. As previously stated, a loose axle nut must be replaced with a new nut and then torqued to 160 ft.-lbs. with red loctite. I relied on memory for the new torque specification, so check with your dealer first.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Axle nut torque was originally listed at 118 ft.-lbs., but revised in a TSB to 160 ft.-lbs. Assembly procedure at the plant was changed after many reports of loose axle nuts. As previously stated, a loose axle nut must be replaced with a new nut and then torqued to 160 ft.-lbs. with red loctite. I relied on memory for the new torque specification, so check with your dealer first.
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