2021-2023 Nissan Axle Clicking Noise TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Nissan vehicles may experience a distinct "clicking noise from front or rear axle during take-off/acceleration". This noise can originate from either the left or right front/rear CV-type axles.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The "clicking noise from front or rear axle during take-off/acceleration" is the primary symptom indicating this issue. The noise is specifically heard when the vehicle begins to move or during acceleration, suggesting a problem with the axle-to-hub interface.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Nissan axle clicking noise, technicians will perform the following steps:

1. The wheel bearing Cotter Pin and Lock Nut are removed from the affected axle (front or rear, depending on the vehicle model).
2. The axle is then pushed back slightly to create space for grease application.
3. A moderate coat of Molykote® M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) is applied to the entire wheel hub bearing surface.
4. The wheel bearing Lock Nut and Cotter Pin are re-installed. Specific torque specifications must be followed, which vary by model.
   • For 2007-2019 Versa Sedan, Versa Hatchback, and Versa Note models, the center Lock Nut must be tightened to 133 ft-lb (180 N•m).
   • For 2013 LEAF vehicles, the center Lock Nut must be tightened to 89 ft-lb (121 N•m) after installing a washer.
5. Finally, the vehicle is test driven to confirm that the Nissan axle clicking noise has been resolved.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will use the following:

• Molykote® M77 grease: Part Number 44003-7S000.
• Nut-Lock, Wheel Bearing: A model-specific part, which should be referenced in the Electronic Parts Catalog.
• Cotter Pin: Part Number 40073-0L700. This is a single-use part and must be replaced.
• Washer: Part Number 40037-1CA0A, required for 370Z, LEAF, NV200, and 2013-2019 Sentra vehicles.
• Torque wrench: Essential for correctly tightening the center Lock Nut to prevent recurrence of the Nissan axle clicking noise.

Important Warnings

Nissan has issued several critical warnings regarding this repair:

• "Do not remove the axle from the hub or transmission for this bulletin." The repair is designed to be performed with the axle in place.
• "Some of the APPLIED VEHICLES require the axle nut to be removed with a Cape Chisel, to prevent axle thread damage. Refer to NTB21-013 for specific details."
• "For LEAF vehicles, refer to NTB19-105 to check the lug nut torque before performing this bulletin."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage, replace the Cotter Pin after every use. If not done, a drive axle may become loose."
• "If the center Lock Nut is tightened more than 180 N•m (18.4 kg-m, 133 ft-lb), the clicking noise could occur." (for Versa models)
• "If the center Lock Nut is tightened less than 180 N•m (18.4 kg-m, 133 ft-lb), looseness could occur." (for Versa models)
• "If the center Lock Nut is reused, the clicking noise could occur." (for Versa and LEAF models)
• "P/N 44003-7S000 (Molykote® M77 Grease) is considered a shop supply. Do not include it on your warranty claim."

Bulletin History

This Service Bulletin, NTB12-0551, has undergone multiple revisions since its original publication. It was first released on June 27, 2012, as NTB12-055. The latest revision, NTB12-055I, was published on September 27, 2022, and included revisions to the applied vehicles and claims information. Previous amendments also updated claims information, applied vehicle lists, and parts information, with a notice added to step 1 in the June 9, 2021 revision (NTB12-055H).

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10222714