2005 Nissan Altima passenger side axle

2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
95,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LMONTAGANO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello, i watched your very informative video of how to replace the axle on the passenger side. however to prepare for the job i was wonder what size the axle nut is as well as the lower ball joint. If i could have the socket size needed for these two places that would be great thanks. here is the link to the video for reference to my specific repair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOVpWpXsJfk
Jul 20, 2014 at 3:13 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
There's a lot of different sizes on different car models. We don't memorize them. We just grab sockets until we find the right one. If you have to borrow tools from an auto parts store that rents or borrows tools, they'll usually give you a full set of sockets, or there is usually a new nut with the new axle. They can open the box to see which socket fits.

A common socket for the axle nut is 36mm, but 32 and 36 are common too. Depending on the design of the ball joint, 19 and 24mm are common sizes for the tapered stud. If you have a pinch bolt, 15mm is common for the bolt head, and 17 or 19mm for the nut.

Don't forget to borrow a torque wrench too. The tightness of the axle nut is critical, and it is absolutely necessary to have that nut tight before you place any of the vehicle's weight on that wheel, otherwise the wheel bearing will become noisy.
Jul 20, 2014 at 7:48 PM
Avatar
LMONTAGANO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thanks so much for the information. What is the torque spec for the axle nut?
Jul 21, 2014 at 9:32 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
That also varies among car models. There should be a sheet with the new axle shaft that lists the torque specs, otherwise the auto parts store may have it listed in one of their books. As a general rule, the lowest I've ever seem is 180 foot pounds which is fairly common. The highest I've ever run into is 240 foot pounds on some GM cars.
Jul 22, 2014 at 12:09 AM