Drivetrain - Rear Axle Clicking Noise On Take Off/Acceleration
Classification: RA04-003DReference: ITB04-051D
Date: March 8, 2012
2004-2010 QX56;
CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR AXLES DURING TAKE-OFF / ACCELERATION
This bulletin has been amended. ACTION, PARTS INFORMATION, and the SERVICE PROCEDURE have been amended (regarding adjusting caps and nuts torque). Please discard all previous versions.
APPLIED VEHICLE: All 2004-2010 QX56 (JA60)
IF YOU CONFIRM:
An applied vehicle has a "clicking" noise coming from the rear axles during take-off / acceleration.
ACTION:
1. Back off the rear axle lock nuts and then slide the axles inward (to expose the back side of the hubs).
2. Apply a minimum 1.0g of Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) to the back of the Axle Hub bearing surfaces (only where it contacts the rear axles).
^ First clean the surfaces of any existing grease or contamination.
^ Use only Molykote M77 grease. Do not use any other grease.
3. Re-secure the axle lock nuts using a new lower torque specification:
^ 180 - 185 Nm (18 - 19 kg-m, 133 - 136 ft.lb)
4. Install new adjusting caps over the nuts.
5. Install new cotter pins.
See SERVICE PROCEDURE for details.
IMPORTANT:
The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing the repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Properly set the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove and discard one rear axle lock nut cotter pin.
3. Back off but do not remove the axle nut to the end of the axle.
4. Un-seat the axle from the hub by tapping the end with a soft hammer i.e. dead blow or brass type.
^ The use of a soft hammer will help prevent damage to the axle's threads.
5. Slide the axle inward to expose the back side of the hub.
6. Using a clean dry shop rag clean any existing grease dirt or foreign material from both axle shaft-to-bearing mating surfaces.
7. Apply a minimum of 1.0g of Molykote M77 Grease (P/N 44003-7S000) in an even coating to the bearing surface where it contacts the rear axle (see Figure 1).
^ Molykote M77 is the only grease to be used for this repair. Do not use any other grease.
^ Make certain there is NO GREASE on the threads of the axle or lock nut before reassembly.
NOTE:
Figure 1 shows the hub removed. This is done for easier viewing only. It is not necessary to remove the hub.
8. Slide the axle outward, and then re-secure the lock nuts to the following new lower torque specification:
^ 180 - 185 Nm (18 - 19 kg-m, 133 - 136 ft-lb)
^ Make certain there is NO GREASE on the threads of the axle or lock nut before reassembly.
9. Install a new adjusting cap (P/N 40263-1CA0A) over the lock nut. See Figure 2.
10. Install a new cotter pin (P/N 40073-0L700).
11. Perform steps 1-10 on the other axle.
NOTE:
Adjusting caps and cotter pins MUST be installed over the torqued lock nuts (see Figure 2).
12. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the incident is resolved.