Axle nut keeps coming loose

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Old 02-16-2018, 07:38 PM
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Axle nut keeps coming loose

I recently replaced my rear wheel bearing on my 2004 g35 coupe. The issue is the axle nut keeps coming loose. I retighten 4 times already no luck. Any help?
 
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Old 02-16-2018, 07:43 PM
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Did you add locktite? Did you torque it to manufacturer specs?
 
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Old 02-16-2018, 11:48 PM
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Sounds like two issues, firstly not torqueing to the manufacturer required 152-202 ft/lbs, secondly not adding the cotter pin...
 
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Old 02-17-2018, 12:00 AM
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Yeah, that was my next question.
Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
Sounds like two issues, firstly not torqueing to the manufacturer required 152-202 ft/lbs, secondly not adding the cotter pin...
 
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Old 02-17-2018, 11:50 AM
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I wouldn't loctite the thing either, that will just make it a total pain to get off the next time.
 
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Old 02-18-2018, 03:40 AM
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Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
I wouldn't loctite the thing either, that will just make it a total pain to get off the next time.
Well I took everything apart and cleaned it all up. Added some blue loctite, and torqued it to specs. So far so good.
 
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Old 02-18-2018, 12:24 PM
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What about the cotter pin? The reason for the variable torque is you start at 150 ft/lbs then rotate it to the NEXT opening for the cotter pin. That nut will probably be a nightmare to take off next time from that loctite.

EDIT: Sometimes they use a SINGLE USE nut that will have this "sleeve" on the trailing end that is slightly smaller diameter and will squeeze over the shaft as you tighten the nut. OEM shafts and most aftermarket ones use a cotter pin for nut retention though.
 

Last edited by cleric670; 02-18-2018 at 12:30 PM.
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
What about the cotter pin? The reason for the variable torque is you start at 150 ft/lbs then rotate it to the NEXT opening for the cotter pin. That nut will probably be a nightmare to take off next time from that loctite.

EDIT: Sometimes they use a SINGLE USE nut that will have this "sleeve" on the trailing end that is slightly smaller diameter and will squeeze over the shaft as you tighten the nut. OEM shafts and most aftermarket ones use a cotter pin for nut retention though.
Well I thought my issue was over, but after driving today I heard a noise jacked it up and it was becoming loose again. I tried everything, but putting a new nut on. Could've I gotten a bad wheel bearing?
 
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:12 AM
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Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
Sounds like two issues, firstly not torqueing to the manufacturer required 152-202 ft/lbs, secondly not adding the cotter pin...
The cotter pin doesn't go against the nut. the hole is far away from it.
 
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:35 AM
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How many lbs are you torqueing it to? Is your torque wrench failing and not accurately putting 150# on the nut?

Did you use a cotter pin to retain the nut?

If it doesn't have a cotter pin are you using a NEW sleeved nut every time you take it off?

I suspect either you are trying to guess the torque instead of measuring it with a wrench, I also suspect you're not using the cotter pin. Never in my.life have I seen a properly installed drive axle come loose, especially multiple times.

It might be time to take it in to a mechanic since this is pretty serious and can lead to further damage of the vehicle.
 
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:40 AM
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Order new nuts, you might have bad ones?

https://www.z1motorsports.com/rear-hub-and-rotor/nissan/oem-rear-axle-nut-350z-g35-p-9196.html

Also, there is a TSB that supersedes the FSM and axle nut torque is now 175 ft/lbs.
 
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:46 AM
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Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
Order new nuts, you might have bad ones?

https://www.z1motorsports.com/rear-hub-and-rotor/nissan/oem-rear-axle-nut-350z-g35-p-9196.html

Also, there is a TSB that supersedes the FSM and axle nut torque is now 175 ft/lbs.
Yes I have a proper torque ratchet, yes in using a cotter pin. I have a new nut that I haventh tried installing because I didn't know that could actually help. I did the other side too, and the nut never came loose which is why I'm so confused.
 
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:48 AM
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Is the old nut that giving you problems a flanged nut like the one shown in the picture?

You should also pull the axle back toward the differential and make sure there isn't any debris on the back of the hub.
 
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Old 02-19-2018, 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by cleric670@gmail
Is the old nut that giving you problems a flanged nut like the one shown in the picture?

You should also pull the axle back toward the differential and make sure there isn't any debris on the back of the hub.
Yeah. It's the same type of nut. I already pulled everything and cleaned it last time before retighten the nut, and it still came loose.
 
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Old 02-22-2018, 04:24 PM
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+1 all day, you just need a new one. I always use a brand new one after having to do any kind of axle work; and they're only a couple bucks so it's easy on the bank.
 


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