Half Shaft (Drive Axle) Nut Appears To Be Loose

This bulletin is being issued to inform dealer technicians about the half shaft nut used in the Corvette and XLR.

When working with the tires off, a technician may notice that the nut attaching the half shaft (drive axle) to the wheel appears to be loose.

Notice: The nut is shaped so as to flatten with torque and time. When the nut is installed in production, the torque is 160N·m. Over time and miles, the nut is designed to relax to approximately 100N·m.

Check the torque of the nut by applying a torque wrench and rotating the nut in the tightening direction (clockwise). If the nut does not move (tighten) at 100 lbN·m, the nut is torqued to specification and no further action is required.

If the nut rotates prior to 100N·m, the nut should be replaced. When replacing the half shaft nut, follow the service procedure outlined in Corporate Bulletin Number 07-04-95-001A.

Important: DO NOT use an impact wrench to tighten the half shaft nut. Excessive and repeated tightening can cause damage to the half shaft.