Drivetrain - Rear Axle Clicking Noises
Classification: RA07-004BReference: ITB08-018B
Date: January 13, 2009
CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR AXLES
This bulletin contains amended Claims Information. Discard all earlier versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2008 - 2009 G37 Coupe (CV36)
2009 FX35/FX50 (S51)
2008 - 2009 EX35 (J50)
2007 - 2009 M35/M45 (Y50)
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2007 - 2009 G35 Sedan (V36)
IF YOU CONFIRM:
A "clicking" noise is coming from the left and/or right rear axle (driveshaft) when accelerating from a stop.
NOTE:
If any other types of noise are observed or heard under other conditions this bulletin does not apply. Consult your ASIST service information for any other issue.
ACTION:
Remove both left and right driveshafts, clean the flange surface of the outer joints on the driveshafts and apply a specific amount of Molykote M77 grease. Refer to the Service Procedure in this bulletin for details.
NOTE:
This is the only approved service procedure to repair this incident.
IMPORTANT:
The purpose of "ACTIONS" (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 this repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Remove one of the rear axles (driveshafts).
^ Refer to section RAX in the Service Manual for the driveshaft removal information.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure to mark the driveshaft and hub as shown in Figure 1 before removing the driveshaft.
^ Put a mark on the end of the driveshaft and a matching mark on the hub as shown in Figure 1.
NOTE:
These marks will be used when reinstalling the driveshaft.
2. Collect 1.2 - 4.0g of Molykote M77 grease.
^ This is the amount for one axle.
^ The approximate amount is illustrated in Figure 2.
^ Molykote M77 grease is listed in the Parts Information.
3. Clean the flange surface of the outer joint of the driveshaft.
4. Apply exactly 1.2 - 4.0g of Molykote M77 grease to the entire flat surface of the outer joint on the driveshaft.
IMPORTANT:
The amount of grease used is critical for success of the repair. Do not use too much or too little.
^ Cover the width shown in "A" above.
^ Cover the entire circumference of that width.
^ Cover it evenly.
5. Re-install the driveshaft in reverse order of removal, making sure to:
a. Install the driveshaft 180° from the position it was removed.
^ Use the marks you made in step 1.
b. Replace the used center locknut with a new one.
c. Tighten the center locknut to 180 - 185 N-m (18.4 - 18.8 kg-m, 133 - 136 ft-lb) with a torque wrench.
IMPORTANT:
^ DO NOT use a power tool (impact wrench) to tighten the center locknut.
^ If the center locknut is tightened more than 185 N-m (18.8 kg-m, 136 ft-lb), the clicking noise could occur.
^ If the center locknut is tightened less than 180 N-m (18.4 kg-m, 133 ft-lb), looseness could occur.
^ If the center locknut is reused, the clicking noise could occur.
d. Install new side flange bolts.
^ Tighten them to 73 Nm (7.5 kg-m, 54 ft-lb).
^ Side flange bolts are listed in the Parts Information.
6. Perform steps 1-5 on the other driveshaft.
7. Test drive the vehicle and confirm the clicking noise is gone.