I am now on my second halfshaft seal, after having botched the first one. Have been at it an hour and a half now and still can't get it to insert flush. The new seal is slightly different from the old one. It is the same size but has a metal outer sleeve. I know the seal is hard to insert because it is designed to have a snug fit but this is getting ridiculous! I even bought a seal driver from Harbor freight but had no long with it. When I place the seal over the hole, as soon as I exert any force one side wants to go in leaving the opposite side sticking out. I have tried tapping with the seal driver tool and also with a large axle nut socket but it doesn't want to insert flush. If i start tapping the side that's poking out, it starts to cut into the case metal.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

First, i hope that you bought your seal from a Nissan dealer. If not, go and get one.

Second, use a hammer and give some little shot all around the seal just to enter it straight.

Third, use something flat ( a piece of wood or metal) and put it over the seal and knock with a hammer in the center of it to enter the seal completly.

Good luck

 

Thanks. I did get the seals from the dealer. These metal-rimmed seals seem to have a tougher time getting started flush. I tap one side and the opposite side pops out. I tried fitting the old gasket and it seems to insert flush a lot easier--it's more of a plastic material.

After another hour, I finally got the 2nd seal in flush. Not sure if it's good since it was ever so slightly deformed after about 40+ attempts. Filled the tranny with oil and it leaks. It was leaking before very slightly so it may be the same issue (differential bearings) or a bad seal install. I think I may buy another couple of seals tomorrow and reinstall. AFter the trouble I had today, I'm not looking forward to that. I may just let it drip oil and drive it to the dealer ie. surrender!

 

Are you sure the axles in all the way?