# Rear pinion nut came off, causes?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-pinion-nut-came-off-causes/139819>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [May 5, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-pinion-nut-came-off-causes/139819 "2019-05-05T17:02:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Samanthangel81\_151625](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Samanthangel81\_151625](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Samanthangel81_151625)\
**Post date:** [May 5, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-pinion-nut-came-off-causes/139819/1 "2019-05-05T17:02:34Z")

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My rear pinion nut came loose and the drive shaft fell out of my 02 Dodge Ram 1500 while I was driving. Luckily I heard the whining and pulled over before the shaft dropped, so no damages any where. The yolk is still attached to the U joints which are in great shape. I have not had my truck worked on by anyone. I can replace the shaft and nut and take it to my mechanic to get the proper torc. Question is, is therr something wrong in my rear differential that wpuld cause this? Thanks in advance for your time.[20190428\_193517|690x387](https://community.cartalk.com/404)

 ![20190428_193931](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/7/783f8efe230534d484349fba2d8f2e15d6f07200.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [May 5, 2019, 5:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-pinion-nut-came-off-causes/139819/2 "2019-05-05T17:24:56Z")

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I know your RAM is a 2002. But guess what.

> **[Chrysler recalls 280,000 trucks in for axle failures](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2014/12/19/chrysler-recalls-trucks-axle-failures/20629323/)**
>
> The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the pinion nut can loosen

Tester

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**Author:** ![Samanthangel81\_151625](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Samanthangel81\_151625](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Samanthangel81_151625)\
**Post date:** [May 5, 2019, 6:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-pinion-nut-came-off-causes/139819/3 "2019-05-05T18:09:36Z")

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Well that could potentially be good news that my differential isn’t at fault and may not need to be replaced… potentially. Thank you @Tester

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**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2019, 3:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-pinion-nut-came-off-causes/139819/4 "2019-05-06T15:03:16Z")

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If your truck is included in the recall, repairs should be free.