C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Questions about axles

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 10:26 PM
  #1  
hubes's Avatar
hubes
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 99
From: Nova Scotia
Default Questions about axles

I've been doing a lot of reading about axles, and I have a few questions I haven't found answers to, it seems most of the info is about Z06 axles. Did the axles change in the base cars in 2009? At what point should the axles be upgraded? I'm planning on doing gears this winter and wondering if I should upgrade the axles while I'm at it. Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 10:49 PM
  #2  
rpmextra's Avatar
rpmextra
Drifting
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Default

axles changed in 09 along with the hubs and ebcm. I'd rather snap an axle then a diff. don't know what you have in terms of power but if you stay away from wheel hop and dumping the clutch you should be good

Last edited by rpmextra; Sep 16, 2017 at 10:50 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 11:43 PM
  #3  
hubes's Avatar
hubes
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 99
From: Nova Scotia
Default

Do you know what changed about the axles and hubs? Are the 09+ axles as strong as the C5 axles that seem to be all the rage?

Last edited by hubes; Sep 16, 2017 at 11:44 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 11:46 PM
  #4  
rpmextra's Avatar
rpmextra
Drifting
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Default

Originally Posted by hubes
Do you know what changed about the axles and hubs?
the EBCM was replaced with a new model and with it the speed sensors in the hubs are different along with the axles. the Zr1 has one axle bigger than the other also.
the 09Z axles are very tough, but the 06-08 Z axles can hold up big power too.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 11:52 PM
  #5  
irok's Avatar
irok
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by hubes
Do you know what changed about the axles and hubs? Are the 09+ axles as strong as the C5 axles that seem to be all the rage?
the C5 axles are a 5 bearing axle versus 3 bearing in the C6
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2017 | 11:55 PM
  #6  
rpmextra's Avatar
rpmextra
Drifting
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Default

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c6-c6-z06.html
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2017 | 08:09 AM
  #7  
hubes's Avatar
hubes
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 99
From: Nova Scotia
Default

Originally Posted by rpmextra
the EBCM was replaced with a new model and with it the speed sensors in the hubs are different along with the axles. the Zr1 has one axle bigger than the other also.
the 09Z axles are very tough, but the 06-08 Z axles can hold up big power too.
But what about the base axles?
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2017 | 08:32 AM
  #8  
rpmextra's Avatar
rpmextra
Drifting
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Default

Originally Posted by hubes
But what about the base axles?
Check ​​the link I shared. It's all talk about axles. Why are you so concerned about axles? What kinda power you pushing?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Sep 17, 2017 | 09:05 AM
  #9  
hubes's Avatar
hubes
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 99
From: Nova Scotia
Default

I read that link before, and it's part of what has me worried, but doesn't really answer my question. Right now the car is stock, but with just the gears the torque at the axles will be about what a stock Z06 would have at the axles, and I've heard of them breaking their axles with the weaker style. So I'm worried that with the base axles when I start adding a bit of power I might be in trouble, and I'd rather it not break and cause collateral damage. And I figure when the diff is out would be an ideal time to change them.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2017 | 09:20 AM
  #10  
rpmextra's Avatar
rpmextra
Drifting
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Default

Dumping the clutch with a drag radial and good prep, or wheel hop will snap axles. I have an 09Z and maybe 250 passes and haven't had an issue. Both my friends Alex and Joey have 06 and 07 Z's and snapped 2 each. But they also snapped their BIG z06 diffs too so maybe they are a bit too agressive to start. Haven't seen collateral damage. I've even swapped axles at the track and had them right back out. If you go overkill, you are likely gonna snap your diff instead of an axle. Usually the axel snapped right at the starting line and you go nowhere. I see them like a fuse. Rather pop a fuse and replace it then have to replace the entire circuit.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2017 | 10:02 PM
  #11  
xBoostx's Avatar
xBoostx
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 261
From: Miami Florida
Default

I wouldn't worry about the axles they are plenty sturdy.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2017 | 09:13 PM
  #12  
TRINIC5's Avatar
TRINIC5
Drifting
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 16
From: Amityville New York
Default

Originally Posted by hubes
I read that link before, and it's part of what has me worried, but doesn't really answer my question. Right now the car is stock, but with just the gears the torque at the axles will be about what a stock Z06 would have at the axles, and I've heard of them breaking their axles with the weaker style. So I'm worried that with the base axles when I start adding a bit of power I might be in trouble, and I'd rather it not break and cause collateral damage. And I figure when the diff is out would be an ideal time to change them.
The Axles from the 08, which is what I have are weak, I broke my axles twice, the C5 axles are stronger than most, but the most important things are the output shafts in the rear, most people change the long output shaft to the hardened shaft, I changed both because they snap very easy, RPM or G-Force sells them and its very easy to change by any knowledgeable person. The rear will have to come out to change the shafts
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2017 | 07:56 AM
  #13  
double06's Avatar
double06
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,692
Likes: 484
From: Potomac MD
Default

The 2009 and later axles have a 33 spline count (and is larger in diameter) on the end by the brake/hub so a C5 axle will not work as they are only 30 spline. The C6 2006-2008 axles are 30 spline on the brake end also. So if you have an 2009 and later you got to stick with the axles that are on car and can not do any C5 stuff.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2017 | 12:55 AM
  #14  
rpmextra's Avatar
rpmextra
Drifting
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Default

Originally Posted by double06
The 2009 and later axles have a 33 spline count (and is larger in diameter) on the end by the brake/hub so a C5 axle will not work as they are only 30 spline. The C6 2006-2008 axles are 30 spline on the brake end also. So if you have an 2009 and later you got to stick with the axles that are on car and can not do any C5 stuff.
For a visual here's my 09Z axle vs my buddy Joey's 06Z axle. Clearly beefed up

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Questions about axles





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:49 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE