Having the right size socket when dealing with these big Chevrolet Silverado 2500 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.
From 1999 to 2007, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 axle nut size is 36mm (1-7/16″). From 2008 onwards, the size is 34mm (1-5/16″). However, if the axle has been replaced with an aftermarket product on years after 2007, the nut can be 34mm, 35mm or 36mm.
Because the aftermarket nut sizes can vary, it is best to have all three, 34mm, 35mm and 36mm sockets available when working on your truck’s axles. If you don’t have them, go out and buy them, then return the ones you don’t end up using. That is what I do sometimes when it comes to this kind of situation.
The CV Axle Nut Sizes For All Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Years
There was only one change in the size of the CV axle nut. In the 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 model the CV axle nut size was changed to 34mm and it has stayed this size up to now. Some people use a 35mm socket to get it off but they say that this rounds off the corners of the nut, so better to use the 34mm.
Some aftermarket CV axles comes with a nut that is 34mm and some 36mm, so if yours has been changed out at some point in the truck’s life, it may have the 36mm nut.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 CV Axle Nut Sizes
| Chevy Silverado Year | SAE Socket Size | Metric Socket Size | Aftermarket Nut Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2000 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2001 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2002 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2003 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2004 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2005 | 1-7/16" | 36mm | 36mm/35mm |
| 2006 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2007 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2008 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2009 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2010 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2011 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2012 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2013 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2014 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2015 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2016 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2017 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2018 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2019 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2020 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2021 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2022 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2023 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
| 2024 | 1-5/16" | 34mm | 34mm/35mm/36mm |
What Are The Symptoms Of A Chevy Silverado 2500 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.
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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.
- Vibration while driving. The axle will not turn smoothly, causing vibrations while the vehicle is moving.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Chevy Silverado 2500 CV Axle Goes Bad?
When the CV axle on a Silverado 2500 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 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 With A Bad CV Axle?
When the Chevy Silverado 2500 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.
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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.
Valik loves tinkering in the garage and is currently restoring a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 truck. He also writes about the progress on this blog. When not in the garage, Valik is also a web developer and a blogger. I know, strange, a hand in two completely different worlds. And that is the way he likes to keep it.
