What Size Axle Nut Is On A 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Having the right size socket when dealing with these big Chevrolet Silverado 1500 axle nuts sizes is almost always hard because you never have the right socket. Buying one also hurts because it costs so much and you only need it probably for this one job. Nevertheless, we go and buy as there is no other option.

The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 axle nut size is 36mm (1-7/16″). However, if the axle has been replaced with an aftermarket product, the nut can be 35mm. Sometimes the 2 sizes of socket interchange because they are only 1mm difference and on that large scale the bigger socket can still work.

Because the aftermarket nut sizes can vary, it is best to have both, 35mm and 36mm sockets available when working on your truck’s axles. If you don’t have both, go out and buy both, then return the one you don’t end up using. That is what I do sometimes when it comes to this kind of situation.

How To Remove The CV Axle Nut on a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

To remove the CV axle nut on a 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500, weather it would be to replace the CV axle or to work on the suspensions components, it is important to do it safely. Here are some steps to doing it safely at home in a garage or on a driveway.

1. Part the truck on level surface. Make sure that the garage floor, or the driveway is level. You don’t want the truck to start rolling while you have it lifted.
2. Install some wheel chucks behind the rear tires. These can be some rubber or plastic wheel chucks or even a couple of pieces of 2×4. The idea is to lodge them under the tire to prevent the truck from rolling or just moving in general.
3. If you have an impact tool to remove the axle nut, then skip this step, but if you don’t, sometimes it is easiest to loosen the nut while the truck is still on the ground. If you can get to it through the center of the wheel and it is not capped, then loosen  it. Don’t loosen it too much so the wheel doesn’t become unstable.
4. Lift the side of the truck that you are working on and install a jack stand. It is not safe to work on a car or truck while it is only help up by a jack, always install a jack stand. I also always leave the jack under pressure a little to double secure the lift. Two is better than one. If you don’t have a jack stand around, sticking the wheel under the frame of the truck can also be a way to secure the lift.
5. Remove the wheel.
6. Some trucks will have a cap over the axle nut. If it does, use a flat screwdriver and a hammer to pry the edges of the cap slowly and lightly not to damage the cap.
7. Once the cap is off, your truck might have a sheet metal crown nut cover over the nut, kept in place with a keeper pin. If it does, remove the pin and then remove the cover.
8. Use a 36mm socket and a impact tool to remove the nut. If you don’t have an impact tool, you can use a 1/2″ breaker bar to loosen the nut. Sometimes when there is not enough leverage, I use a long pipe over the breaker bar to extend the leverage.
9. Not that your axle nut is off, you can continue your project.

What Are The Symptoms Of A 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 CV Axle Going Out?

A constant velocity axle, also called a CV axle or a half shaft, transfers power from the Silverado’s transmission and differential to the wheels and moves the vehicle. Regular wear and tear can take a toll and, in time, damages the CV axle. When this happens, the power from the engine will no longer be transferred to the wheels, and the truck will not be able to move.

The CV axle does not suddenly fail, it gets worn down, and there are symptoms that show the damage to the axle. The following are the most common symptoms that the CV axle is about to give out.

1. Vibration while driving. The axle will not turn smoothly, causing vibrations while the vehicle is moving.
2. Grease on the inside or edge of tires. The axle is greased to ensure efficient operation. When the gaskets or boot is damaged, the grease leaks out onto the inside or the edge of the tire.
3. A knocking sound. Any knocking sound made by the truck can be a sign of trouble. The CV axle makes a knocking sound when it is damaged or about to have significant damage.
4. Clicking noises when turning. The CV axle creates a distinctive clicking sound during turns. During a turn, the two CV axles turn at different speeds.

What Happens When 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 CV Axle Goes Bad?

When the CV axle on a Silverado 1500 goes bad, the whole driving experience is affected. The vehicle will no longer be able to move on its power.

Before the total failure, the vehicle will experience the following:

• Clicking or popping sounds. You can hear clicking or popping sounds whenever you turn the steering wheel or accelerate.
• Grinding noises. The damaged CV axle will rotate unevenly, causing even more damage. The CV axle will grind further against the assembly and other metals. It will be heard during turns and while accelerating.
• Shaking or wobbling. Along with the popping and clicking sounds, the vehicle will also experience some shaking and wobbling during acceleration and turning.
• Vibrations. The truck will vibrate when the CV axle is damaged. The broken axle will not be able to rotate correctly, causing uneven movement and transfer of power.
• Difficulty in turning. Due to the uneven power transfer, turning the vehicle will be difficult.

When the CV axle goes bad, it is best to bring the vehicle to a mechanic for diagnostics and to give the problem. The CV axle may need to be replaced if it has already gone bad.

Can I Drive My 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 With A Bad CV Axle?

When the Chevy Silverado 1500 CV axle goes bad, you shouldn’t drive it until the problem is fixed. Driving the vehicle with symptoms of a bad CV axle can cause more damage to the truck. If it falls while you drive it, the truck may lose power and control and cause an accident.

Having said that, if the symptoms just started and you hear a slight clicking when turning, you don’t have to stop the truck instantly. It is safe for you to drive home. After you get home you should contact your mechanic and get it repaired before taking the truck out on the road.

What Does A Failing CV Axle Sound Like?

A failing CV axle sounds like a rough shaft turning against its housing. It produces a mechanical sound that is grating and will attract a lot of attention from the driver, passengers and anyone within hearing distance.

The most distinctive sound is a popping or clicking sound that usually occurs when the vehicle takes a turn. The sound is also pronounced when accelerating or when the shaft rotates faster. It sounds like a worn half-shaft or CV joint moving inside and abrading another metal.

Another typical sound of a failing CV shaft is an ominous vibration or rumbling. The vibration occurs because there is an imbalance in rotation between the opposing CV axles. The driver will be able to feel the vibration through the steering wheel. The vibration is also felt throughout the vehicle. It gets worse when traveling at high speeds.

Sometimes, when decelerating or accelerating, a grinding or knocking sound is produced by the damaged CV axle. Again, the sound is generated by the worn shaft or damaged bearings inside the joint.
Suppose these sounds occur while driving, turning the vehicle, accelerating, and decelerating. In that case, you should have a mechanic check the truck to determine the source of the sound and have the problem fixed before it worsens.

Can You Replace One CV Axle At A Time?

Yes, you can replace one CV axle at a time. The two opposing CVs operate independently of one another, and there is no reason to suspect that the cause of failure in one can also damage the opposing CV axle. It is not necessary to replace both CV axle joints simultaneously. However, while the mechanic is determining any damage to the CV, he can also take the time to inspect its opposing member, just in case.