Drivetrain - Front Axle Click Noise On Acceleration
Classification: FA09-002AReference: NTB10-005A
Date: May 26, 2010
VERSA; CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLES
This bulletin has been amended. The CLAIMS INFORMATION has been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard all previous copies.
APPLIED VEHICLES: 2007-2010 Versa (C11X, SC11X)
IF YOU CONFIRM:
A "clicking" noise is coming from the left and/or right front 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. 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. Remove one of the front axles (driveshafts).
^ IMPORTANT:
Make sure to mark the driveshaft and hub as shown in Figure 1 before removing the driveshaft.
^ Refer to section FAX in the Service Manual for the driveshaft removal information.
3. Clean the flange surface of the outer joint of the driveshaft and hub bearing surface.
4. Apply 1g of Molykote M77 grease to the entire flat surface of the outer joint on the driveshaft and hub bearing surface.
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 Nm (18.4 kg-m, 133 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 180 Nm (18.4 kg-m, 136 ft-lb), the clicking noise could occur.
^ If the center locknut is tightened less than 180 Nm (18.4 kg-m, 133 ft-lb), looseness could occur.
^ If the center locknut is reused, the clicking noise could occur.
6. Perform steps 1-5 on the other driveshaft.
7. Test drive the vehicle and confirm the clicking noise is gone.
Disclaimer