lexus333

my brother overtightened the passenger-side axle nut on an es300 3.0 and a couple of seconds later we heard a popping noise. Started the car up and the tranny wouldn't shift and was making a loud vibrating noise. Any guesses as to what it might be? And is this something we could fix with the tranny still in the vehicle? P.S. The axle was still all the way in the tranny after this happened, so we ruled it out.

BDSL

That nut can take more than 200 ft lbs. It takes a lot to overtighten that nut.

GEORGE_JET

If the axle is busted, I would strongly recommend not putting it into gear. That vibration and noise is probably something else getting busted up. It is a fairly straight forward job to change a axle in these cars, you can purchase a rebuilt axle at most auto parts stores, (of course they will not accept the old axle for a core, considering that it is damaged). I believe the actual torque value is 217 ft lbs

lexus333

Thanks alot for the reply. I'm going to put a new axle in tonight and see what happens. I'll let you know if it works.

BDSL

Check your CV joint.

3000

Autozone does accept the old axle for a core. Even if it's damaged. They rebuild them. And it even has a warranty. I had mine replaced, (the 93 ES). Then I sold that 93, bought a 92, and the 92 needed axles, I went down to autozone and got my free axles with exchange of the old ones (I just told them it was the ones on the 93 and they just look up your phone for record).

swifty562

yeah i got some autozone axle.... can't beat life time warranty... =P

anywho... there's a possibility that the axle wasn't put on correctly... if you put it in drive and it doesn't move.. its not completely in.

and if it is completely in and it makes sounds at certain speed... your axle is just crapped out.