since there is so much confusion about the right axle r&r for some of us, here are some words of inspiration.

-loosen right axle nut. you might have to take the wheel off to get to it depending on the type of rims you have. what i had to do is take the rim off, pop out the center plastic cover for the axle, remove axle nut cotter pin, put the rim back on and hand tighten the lug nuts, drop the car and then use a breaker bar to loosen the axle nut with the car in gear on the ground.
-jack the car, secure it on stands on both front sides of the vehicle.
-remove both front wheels (left for easier access to the tranny drain hole)and the forward lower (small) plastic inner wheel well covers on both sides (only a few 10mm bolts on each cover)
-drain the tranny gear fluid (i prefer the gear position sensor, it is easily accessible but it is easy to break as you can see)




make sure you do not lose this part!! it may sometimes come out with the fluid. this is what makes the sensor work. after draining all the fluid, re-install the gear position sensor back in the opening, but make sure it's orientation is proper relative the the little switch inside the opening. if you did break the lip of the sensor like i did, you can put a large washer in that place to hold it in one position.

if you chose to use the drain plug, i think this is where it is.



don't quote me on that though.

-now you should remove two bolts attaching the right caliper to the steering knuckle and suspend the caliper with a wire from the suspension spring so that the brake hose doesnt get damaged.
-pop out the tie-rod end cotter pin and remove the nut. if the tie-rod end does not come out of the steering knuckle, use a picklefork or just bang it out with a hammer like i did. i am not sure if you have to disconnect the tie-rod from the steering knuckle, but it made the job easier for me.
-disconnect the ABS speed sensor from the steering knuckle. if you can't get it out, leave it in - you will break it and they are $100 a pop! try disconnecting the speed sensor wire from the strut - that will give you more slack to get the axle out.
-remove strut to steering knuckle bolts
-remove axle nut
-push the control arm down and pull the steering knuckle out (toward you) while holding the axle with right hand and pushing it inward away from the steering knuckle. if it is frozen, bang on the end of the axle with a hammer to loosen it. try some PB blaster if it's really bad.

and voila!

 

-now you have to remove three axle bearing bolts. these are a pain to get to, but laying right under the axle with a 12mm combination wrench worked for me. the bolts pull out toward the engine, away from the camera in the pic.

-now simply remove the axle by pulling it straight out.

make sure you clean all the necessary surfaces before installing a new axle. for gen 4 maxima right axle is the same whether you have limited slip or not. also, be sure to compare the new axle to the old one and make sure everything is the same. i had to salvage my old axle bearing cover (looks like an oversized washer on the engine side of the axle bearing) and the axle to tranny metal seal cover (on the inside end shaft of the axle). lubricate axle surfaces that have contact with other metals (hub end, tranny end).

installation is the reverse:
-install the axle and axle bearing bolts (3)
-insert the axle into the steering knuckle hub
-install knuckle to strut bolts
-install abs speed sensor and bolt
-install tie-rod end and nut and cotter pin
-install caliper and bolts
-install axle nut and cotter pin. then tighten to spec (you will have to re-install the wheel, drop the car and stand/jump on the breaker bar to meet the spec)

Sorry for the blurry pics. i had my hands greasy and full. Hope this helps

 

Very nice write up !!! thanks a lot !!! , i will be replacing my axles here pretty soon and rest of the comunity should benefit too.

BTW , is this one of the axles from Raxle.com , I have installed one on my wife's car and it looked just like the one your pic .

and do you recommend to push the driver side axle through the transsmision by using big screwdriver? in order to remove it?

Nick.

 

nah, i've never done that...just take it all apart and grab the axle by the very end and just yaank yank yank pull hard and it'll just pop out. it might take awhile if your axles have never been out before, but...

 

the axle in the pictures is a brand new axle from a local auto parts store - Medallion. as far as the drivers side axle goes, i have not gotten that far yet in research nor experience. i believe you can 'tap' it out, but i am not sure how yet because i haven't tried it. maybe someone else can enlighten us.

no problem writing this up man. always trying to help fellow maxima enthusiasts.

 

you're right, there is a retainer ring on the end of the driver's side axle (in the tranny). if you pull it or tap it out it should pop out. you always have to replace that ring clip i believe with the axle. make sure you get one when the axle comes. also, left axle is different on open differentials and limited slip. make sure you have the right one.

 

One more piece of advice. Axle nuts can be tightened so hard even a braker bar will not help. When replacing axles, I've broken 2 braker bars and my uncle broke two if his own. WHat I ended up doing I put everything back together, drove to the shop and paid guy 20 bucks to brake those nuts with the impact gun. THen tightened it slightly with braker bar, deove home and proceeded with work.

Vlad, let me know when you will be doing the other axle, I had to replace those twice so I can be useful . I just hope I am not sick for too long.

 

i put the right side together, now i am just waiting for the redline MT90. as of right now i dont think i need to do the left side, the boots are all still in pretty good shape and there is no noise coming from the axle. and i did fix the gear position sensor. i might take a look at the rear suspension and brakes, make sure everything is in order.

get better soon.. i hate winter colds.

 

surprised this didnt make it into FAQ's section.