kennyy

hey guys I've searched on this forum, searched on other (non 350z) forums and was wondering...is it okay to use thread lock for my rear axle nut? the big 32mm nut, i keep thinking my axle is gone but yesterday i changed it for a new one and today it was clicking, and realized the nut came loose again..i torque it down to 175lb which i believe is recommended torque specs?

so my general question is, if i do use thread lock, do i use the blue loctite or red?

I know the blue is medium strength but the instructions say its ideal for nuts/bolts up to 20mm big, the axle nut is 2" aka 50mm.

But i know the red is pretty much a permanent lock and I'm worried that if i ever need to replace my axle, or wheel bearing i won't be able to take it off.

I bought a new nut in case its the threads got loose on the old one, but my ocd is kicking in and want to use thread lock just to be on the safe side.

any help would be great, thanks!

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Check the FSM, but I believe there's a cotter pin that's inserted after the axle nut is torqued in (177 ft/lb, I think). No locktite should be used, as a simple mechanical system like a cotter pin will ensure it won't come loose.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Our cotter ket is just a stopper, it does not keep the nut tight. It will let it loosen a good 2 turns before engagement.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

I stand corrected- the cotter pin on the rear hub is there as a fail safe only. I'd suggest cleaning the threads and using blue loctite for an adequate hold after torquing the wheel nut.

cashmoney03

Mine is doing the same thing. Gonna red locktite it this weekend. I've removed red before and I'll do it again. Tired of this damn axle clicking.

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

The cotter pin is there to prevent the nut from turning -- as long as it's a castle nut. If it's not a castle nut, then that's likely your problem.

If Nissan didn't install a castle nut there...

cashmoney03

Mine is a castle nut and the cotter pin is several turns away from locking in the nut as terrasmack said.

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

That sounds like there's bushings ("washers") missing -- the castle nut is designed to have the cotter pin run through the slots.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

What it looks like on every Z I have worked on.

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

That's *not* a castle nut...

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

I know , and Nissan should have put a castle nut on it IMO

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Diameter and thread pitch? Thickness to be able to replace with a castle nut?