Axle spline/nut lubrication...Tips?

[Bills03Coupe]

I'm getting a slight clicking sound when starting out in 1st gear. I suspect it's the rear axle splines needing lubrication. For those of you who have done this, any tips on what lubricant to use? Can the axle nuts be re-used? Any advice you could offer on the axle nut removal/spline lubrication process, would be greatly appreciated!

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by Bills03Coupe

I'm getting a slight clicking sound when starting out in 1st gear. I suspect it's the rear axle splines needing lubrication. For those of you who have done this, any tips on what lubricant to use? Can the axle nuts be re-used? Any advice you could offer on the axle nut removal/spline lubrication process, would be greatly appreciated!

I remove the nut, tap lightly on the axle, spray penetrating lube on the axle, tap again to try and move the spray lube down the axle splines if at all possible, brake clean the area and install the old axle nut and torque to 120# if I remember correctly. Personally, I double check the axle nut torque after every drive until I can trust that it won't change. Good luck with it.

[NORTY]

Originally Posted by LLC5

I remove the nut, tap lightly on the axle, spray penetrating lube on the axle, tap again to try and move the spray lube down the axle splines if at all possible, brake clean the area and install the old axle nut and torque to 120# if I remember correctly. Personally, I double check the axle nut torque after every drive until I can trust that it won't change. Good luck with it.

I had no idea the C5 had the same problem as the C6! Would a nylock nut work here? Or locktite?

LLC5~ What do you suppose is the real causation of this nut loosening? I'm thinking axle expansion/contraction caused by brake rotor heat has a part in this.

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by NORTY

I had no idea the C5 had the same problem as the C6! Would a nylock nut work here? Or locktite?

LLC5~ What do you suppose is the real causation of this nut loosening? I'm thinking axle expansion/contraction caused by brake rotor heat has a part in this.

C5 axle nuts are not known for coming loose particularly, but they can make a small rotational clicking noise at slow speeds. Lubing the splines and torque to 120# can sometimes fix the clicking.

As far as coming loose, I would imagine most it has to do with not being torqued properly to start with, although I have to admit that the vehicles I work on (Honda's) do have their axle nut staked in place so the nut cannot rotate, and that would fix the issue of a properly torqued nut coming loose.

[NORTY]

Originally Posted by LLC5

C5 axle nuts are not known for coming loose particularly, but they can make a small rotational clicking noise at slow speeds. Lubing the splines and torque to 120# can sometimes fix the clicking.

As far as coming loose, I would imagine most it has to do with not being torqued properly to start with, although I have to admit that the vehicles I work on (Honda's) do have their axle nut staked in place so the nut cannot rotate, and that would fix the issue of a properly torqued nut coming loose.

Thanks for the comments, LLC5.
The C6 cars have a problem with the axle nuts loosening (yes, I realize this is a C5 section.) Anyway, the nut has been torqued to 118ft.lbs. (per initial fact spec.) Now, GM has introduced a new nut and an increased torque value. They're still coming loose, (oddly, mostly on the passengerside.)
What I've noticed is the nut will only turn about 5-10 degrees from 0 torque to full torque. This "lack of crush" seems to be a contributing factor. You could call it "lack of thread stretch" too.

It is a good idea to lubricate the threads so as to get a accurate torque value. The best would be some lube that goes on wet, then dries and locks the nut on the shaft. I use a specific grease with these properties.

[Fixvet]

Originally Posted by NORTY

Thanks for the comments, LLC5.
The C6 cars have a problem with the axle nuts loosening (yes, I realize this is a C5 section.) Anyway, the nut has been torqued to 118ft.lbs. (per initial fact spec.) Now, GM has introduced a new nut and an increased torque value. They're still coming loose, (oddly, mostly on the passengerside.)
What I've noticed is the nut will only turn about 5-10 degrees from 0 torque to full torque. This "lack of crush" seems to be a contributing factor. You could call it "lack of thread stretch" too.

It is a good idea to lubricate the threads so as to get a accurate torque value. The best would be some lube that goes on wet, then dries and locks the nut on the shaft. I use a specific grease with these properties.

Hey bro, thanks for the incite on this. Long time no see, eh? ha
D

[NORTY]

Originally Posted by Fixvet

Hey bro, thanks for the incite on this. Long time no see, eh? ha
D

Dennis, git yer ass out here! We've got some more roads for you to try! These roads are so good, that it might be worth dealing with the goofy politicians for them!

[dgrant3830]

When I needed to lube my spline shafts, I used a motorcycle chain lube and its worked out very nicely. Did it once years ago and hasn't been needed since.

[Fixvet]

Guys....what size socket does that nut need??
I should check mine too I guess, although I've never heard any odd noises.

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by Fixvet

Guys....what size socket does that nut need??
I should check mine too I guess, although I've never heard any odd noises.

I have a 34mm deep impact socket that I use.