Technical Service Bulletin # 04-113F Date: 120816
Drivetrain - Rear Drive Axle Clicking Noise On Acceleration
Classification: RA04-002F
Reference: NTB04-113F
Date: August 16, 2012
2004-2010 ARMADA; CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR AXLES DURING TAKE-OFF / ACCELERATION
This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made on all pages. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLE: 2004 - 2010 Armada (TA60)
APPLIED VINs 2004 - 2009 vehicles - all VINs
2010 2WD built before - 5N1(*)A0N(**)AN 623062
2010 4WD built before - 5N1(*)A0N(**)AN 623637
APPLIED DATE: Built before July 30, 2010
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IF YOU CONFIRM:
An applied vehicle has a "clicking" noise coming from the rear axles during take-off / acceleration.
ACTIONS:
1. Clean the back of the rear axle hub bearing and apply a minimum 1.0g of Molykote M77 grease to the surfaces (only where it contacts the rear
axles).
2. Re-secure the axle lock nuts using a new lower torque specification:
180 - 185 N-m (18 - 19 kg-m, 133 - 136 ft-lb)
3. Install adjusting caps with new cotter pins over the axle lock nuts.
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 the repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE:
^ Photos in this procedure are of the left rear axle. The right rear axle is a mirror image.
^ Make sure to perform this procedure on both rear axles.
1. Lift the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. If needed, clean dirt and debris from the back side of the rear hub assemblies.
NOTE:
Rear axles will be pulled a few inches out of the hubs. Cleaning the back side of the hub assemblies will prevent dirt and debris for
entering the axle bearing area.
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4. Remove the rear axle cotter pin.
5. Loosen / back-off the axle lock nut.
^ Do not remove the nut.
^ Back off the nut so it is flush with the end of the axle.
6. Tap / slide the axle a few inches inward, out of the hub.
^ Use a soft hammer, such as a dead-blow or brass type.
^ Using a soft hammer will help prevent damage to the axle threads.
Nissan Armada 2wd v8 5.6L Parts Service 74
7. On the back side of the hub, use a clean dry cloth to clean any existing grease, dirt, or foreign material from between the axle and bearing.
NOTE:
Completely removing the axle lock nut will allow the axle to slide further out of the hub and provide more working room between the axle
and the bearing.
8. Apply a minimum of 1.0g of Molykote M77 Grease in an even coating to the bearing surface where it contacts the rear axle (see Figures 5 and
6).
^ Use only Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000). Do not use any other grease.
NOTE:
^ Figure 6 shows the hub removed.
^ This is done to provide a better view of the area where grease is to be applied.
^ It is not necessary to remove the hub for grease application.
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9. Slide the axle back into place (outward).
NOTE:
Make sure there is NO GREASE on the threads of the axle or lock nut.
10. Tighten / torque the axle lock nut to:
180 - 185 N-m (18-19 kg-m, 133 - 136 ft-lb)
NOTE:
^ The above torque specification is new. It is lower than the torque specification listed in the Service Manual.
^ The new torque specification must be used in conjunction with the adjusting cap (see Figure 9).
11. Install an adjusting cap over the axle lock nut.
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12. Install a new cotter pin.
13. Make sure to perform this procedure for both rear axles.
14. Reinstall the rear wheels:
^ Tighten wheel nuts in three stages using a "star" pattern.
^ Final torque 133 Nm (14 kg-m, 98 ft-lb).
15. Test drive to confirm the click noise is fixed.
