I could use some help on taking care of a transmission leak that seems to have popped up. Its on the 5spd on my 95 max, where the left axle (drivers side) goes into the tranmission. Two or three inches of the axle is wet with fluid and the surrounding area is too. After about 2-3 days of sitting in one place, the ground is wet too, about the size of a half dollar. Its not a terrible leak, but if it can be fixed that would be a lot better. Anyone have any tips?

 

Um replace the seal?

 

Grab that axle and give it a firm shake. If there is play, your problem will not be solved by replacing just the seal. (search for "differential carrier bearing")

Dave

 

replace seal it is the ONLY possible problem if the gear oil is leaking out thats the only place. period. from a dealer in ma it will cost about 6 bucks.

 

Thank you I'm not driving the car now, its off the road for the winter, and I planned on changing the gear oil too. I just bought this car a week ago, and I can tell the previous owner wasnt a car enthusiast so I have to make some changes to things and get it running more smoothly. Thats the only major problem, but it can use a tuneup as well.

 

A new seal is the only possible problem and solution? I think that's a little short-sighted.

Excess play due to worn carrier bearings will allow the axle to move beyond the range of motion of the seal and leak even if the seal is perfectly good. Worn carrier bearings are an all-too-common problem on the 5 speeds. If this possibility could in no way apply, I'd like you to explain how.

Dave

 

dGEESAMAN is totally correct. I think it's more likely to be the differential carrier bearings than the seal given how pervasive the problem is. Like he says, check for play in the axle end and you will have your answer.

 

Play in the differential carier bearing? Is that one of the joints in the axle? If so then will that make a noise while driving? I'm getting a hum and some clunking when I turn right (except when I tap brakes or gas). I checked the axle yesterday and I can hol the end closest to transmission and twist the outer end (other side of joint) slightly. There is more play than there should be. Is this what you mean by play in differential carier bearing? I'm replacing the axle yto solve the problem.

 

See: http://forums.maxima.org/search.php?searchid=332486

The carrier bearings are just inside the differential housing, and each one holds the inside of the axle. So a bad carreir bearing will allow side/side movement of the axle right near the housing.

If you were twisting it, you might be noticing the gear backlash in the diff, which is normal.

Dave

 

I have the identical car and I, too, have a leaky left tranny seal. My car is a Canadian model with LSD and I am confident that all that needs to be replaced is the tranny seal. The vehicle has less than 61,500 mostly highway miles on it and is making no strange noises and shifts perfectly. There is no play in anything.

 

its the seal justin....autoplace stocks them

 

I have some time tomorrow, I'll check if there is play and stop there and pick up a seal too. Thanks Chris.