Service VME - Drive Axle Nut Part Number and Torque Spec

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

This message concerns 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero and Pontiac Grand Am service part number and torque for the drive axle nut. When servicing the drive axle nut on the above referenced vehicles, use part number 10289657 and torque to 235  N·m(173 lb ft). part number 10289657 is a torque prevailing nut and is silver colored. The old style nut is black and has a sheet metal cage around the nut. Using part number 10289657 will provide more consistent clamp load on the wheel bearing and should help prolong bearing life. Whenever the axle nut is removed, a new nut should be installed.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.