Alternative Drive Axle Nut Fix
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
. I'm in the 118 is best camp but still have a need to know why mine broke....twice.If the first break was to the OEM axle that came stock on an 05 Z51...that part had a design defect.
The question then is what PN was installed that then broke.
It wasn't until 2007 that the design defect was solved enough to handle hard use (moderate abuse).
If your second axle predated the more robust design....
Ranger
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 808
From: West coast CA
There actually was/is a very good reason for wasting all this time. And, it wasn't because it has been so much fun. 
Among other reasons:
"Follow the Manufacture’s Instructions
To assure the hub assembly is installed correctly, follow the manufacture’s installation procedure. One of the most common mistakes during installation of a new hub assembly is improper torque of the spindle nut. Ignoring these important details will reduce the life of your bearing. Many manufactures have multiple steps to ensure the proper load is on the bearing.
Use a Torque Wrench for the Spindle Nut
It is important to use a certified, calibrated torque wrench. Never use an impact gun to install the spindle nut. The impact gun will damage the axle nut, threads and components. It will also leave your spindle nut under or over torque resulting in hub assembly failure. To ensure proper torque, never use an impact wrench.
Torque Specifications are Important
Ensure that you have the correct torque for the specific vehicle always refer to the included chart or contact the manufacturer. It is important that you properly torque the spindle nut to ensure optimum bearing life from your hub assembly. Under torque of a spindle nut will allow excessive bearing movement causing uneven loading and excessive wear. Over torque of the spindle nut will cause the bearing to overheat, one of the most common causes for bearing failure."
Among other reasons:"Follow the Manufacture’s Instructions
To assure the hub assembly is installed correctly, follow the manufacture’s installation procedure. One of the most common mistakes during installation of a new hub assembly is improper torque of the spindle nut. Ignoring these important details will reduce the life of your bearing. Many manufactures have multiple steps to ensure the proper load is on the bearing.
Use a Torque Wrench for the Spindle Nut
It is important to use a certified, calibrated torque wrench. Never use an impact gun to install the spindle nut. The impact gun will damage the axle nut, threads and components. It will also leave your spindle nut under or over torque resulting in hub assembly failure. To ensure proper torque, never use an impact wrench.
Torque Specifications are Important
Ensure that you have the correct torque for the specific vehicle always refer to the included chart or contact the manufacturer. It is important that you properly torque the spindle nut to ensure optimum bearing life from your hub assembly. Under torque of a spindle nut will allow excessive bearing movement causing uneven loading and excessive wear. Over torque of the spindle nut will cause the bearing to overheat, one of the most common causes for bearing failure."
It's job is to keep the splined shaft from banging back and forth.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Post the part number of the ones that broke.
If the first break was to the OEM axle that came stock on an 05 Z51...that part had a design defect.
The question then is what PN was installed that then broke.
It wasn't until 2007 that the design defect was solved enough to handle hard use (moderate abuse).
If your second axle predated the more robust design....
Ranger
If the first break was to the OEM axle that came stock on an 05 Z51...that part had a design defect.
The question then is what PN was installed that then broke.
It wasn't until 2007 that the design defect was solved enough to handle hard use (moderate abuse).
If your second axle predated the more robust design....
Ranger
