DYI Axle Nut replacement
 

There have been several threads on the axle nut issue with the C6, here's my experiance complete with where to buy the nuts at a reasonable price.

Axle Nut TSB:

Bulletin No.: 07-04-95-001A

Date: May 29, 2008

Subject:
Tapping or Scraping Noise From Rear Wheel Area (Replace Wheel Drive Shaft Nut)

Models:
2005-2009 Cadillac XLR
2005-2009 Chevrolet Corvette

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2009 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-04-95-001 (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a tapping or a scraping noise coming from the rear wheel area.

Cause

This condition may be due to the torque on the wheel drive shaft nut relaxing over time.

Correction

Replace the left and the right wheel drive shaft nut following the procedure below.

1. Remove the center cap from the rim.

2. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut.

3. Apply LOCTITE(TM) 272 or equivalent to the threads of the axle shaft.

4. Install the nut (P/N 10257766) and tighten to the new specification.

Tighten

Tighten the nut to 215 N.m (160 lb ft).

5. Install the center cap to the rim.

Important: The vehicle should not be driven for 24 hours following the repair in order to allow the thread lock to cure.

Parts:

1/2" 34mm socket $10.39 ships free ( http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4934-2-...1276520&sr=8-1 )

2 GM#1025-7766 axle nuts $2.89 each +shipping ( http://www.oehq.com/oeparts_GMP10257...-NUT-FWD/S.htm )

LocTite RED 271 $9.95 +shipping ( http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PARTPG=INLMK32 )

http://premium1.uploadit.org/blownC5//axle-nut-1.jpg



Tools:

1/2" Torque Wrench
1/2" Breaker Bar
1/2" Ratchet
1/2" Extension
33mm, 1 5/16", or 34mm socket (whatever works for you). I will say that the 34mm socket will work with the 1 5/16" and 33mm nut, but a 33mm socket probably won't work on a 1 5/16" or 34mm nut.

http://premium1.uploadit.org/blownC5//axle-nut-2.jpg



In Process:

http://premium1.uploadit.org/blownC5//axle-nut-3.jpg

I guess that didn't work on my car. The dealer is replacing both axle shafts and both rear wheel bearings due to wear making them loose thus causing lots of clicking in the rear.

Bill

Good info...thanks.....FYI some need a 33mm socket....don't know why the difference......:flag:

Are the axle nuts the same for all model years?
Parts lookup using the 1025-7766 comes up for a 2004-2005.

My 08 uses the same 33mm socket I used on my C5.

Bill

I believe the original nuts were 33mm but GM upgraded them to a 34mm.

On my '07, I tried both the 34mm and 33mm sockets (from Checker). The 34mm socket seemed a little on the loose side but totally usable. The 33mm socket seemed a little on the tight side but I preferred the tighter fit and bought the 33mm.
Gary

Was this on your original nuts or new GM replacement nuts?

Many have used different sized sockets to fit the axel nut including the 33mm, 1 5/16", as well as 34mm. I'm not saying that the 34mm is the only option, only that this is the one that worked for me. Your milage may vary.....

I used a 35mm socket. Kinda baggy, but torques without slipping.

What is new about the nuts? Why not use the old ones w/ loctite? Has anyone used the ZR1 axle nuts/ I hear they are different and use a nord lock washer underneath.

The TSB calls for the nuts to be replaced and they have a new part number. I can't say what is different and there are those that have used the old nuts and just tightened to the new spec.

and some have double nutted the axle, which should prevent them loosening at the cost of a few ounces of unsprung weight.

What is the official torque spec on the axle nuts?
 

For new axle nuts... I have seen numbers ranging from 100 to 180 Ft-Ibs of torque. Mitchell's ProDemand says 118 Ft-Ibs. Is this okay?

What about just wanting to tighten the existing/old nuts?

Thanks!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...8961e98839.png

that'd be me :)

The updated torque from GM is 160 lb-ft.

I just tightened the old nuts to 160, but over several years found they would loosen up some about every 6 months, so did the 160 lb-ft with new nuts and lockltight myself at home. They have not loosened up again.

Dave

This is one of my spring jobs. Got a 33mm socket and had to touch the inside flats with a Dremel and grinding stone. Fits the new nuts perfectly snug now.

If 1 nut is good...2 is better