When tightening the drive axle nut on a front-wheel drive vehicle, which statement is true?

When tightening the drive axle nut on a front-wheel drive vehicle, it is important for the vehicle to be at normal ride height. This ensures that the suspension components are in their proper positions and under normal operating conditions. When the vehicle is at normal ride height, the suspension is loaded as it would be during regular driving, which allows for accurate tightening of the axle nut. Tightening under these conditions helps to prevent potential damage to the bearings and ensures that they are properly seated.

Maintenance processes that do not adhere to this principle, such as lifting the vehicle on a hoist or tightening the nut in an unloaded condition, could lead to improper torque specifications being applied, affecting the performance and longevity of the drive axle. Therefore, maintaining the vehicle at normal ride height during this procedure is crucial for achieving the correct axle nut torque and ensuring optimal vehicle operation.