Guys I replaced an axle seal about a month ago. I however still have a small leak. I need to replace the axles. Both sides are busted. I have one question though... Should I be able to slide the axle in and out any at all? I dont think I have it far enough in. I can move it like a 1/8" in and out and it has play up and down. I know that if it is in correctly and I have play then the bearings are out of it, but if its not all the way in then it will have play also. Am I not correct on this?

I am debating on whether I want to spend a little money and fix this issue or just sell the car as is and get an 02/03 6 speed. I love the 4th gens and I looked forever for a black leather 5 speed. Besides a few dings in the car the car is in great shape. If I can fix this issue then I may just keep it. If this is going to be a costly repair then I may sell and then finance a 5.5 gen. Thing is if I do that then I will have 0 mod money. If I keep the 4th and fix it I will have a little extra funds to start to do some modding.

 

Auto or manual tranny?

You shouldn't have any play.

 

The drivers side should be able to move very little like you said. I forgot the reason, but thats what I remember.

 

manual tranny

 

The axle is not clicked in all the way. Take it out and apply cold vaseline to the circlip at the end and position the circlip as close to the center as possible. Slide in the axle stub gently until it stops. Now draw it out a couple inches and push back in HARD. It should stay locked in.

Now that it's in, check for play up/down. It you can move the differential inside the trans case you need your diff bearings replaced, aka a transmission rebuild. Take that job seriously, because if you do it early you only need a few bearings. Most people don't know it or don't care and they frag the whole transmission.

Dave

 

If you end up looking for an A33B 6 speed, I know a good condition one for cheap - http://forums.maxima.org/maximas-sal...-maryland.html

Just not quite local to you.

 

The description kinda scares me even though it is a great price. It sounds like someones project gone really bad. I see that you are obviously friends with the guy. I am somewhat interested but I would have to take that car to my mechanic to look at first.

 

There's a slight amount of play, I'd say a few mms for my driver side axle in terms of in and out. I was told by a local firestone manager who's worked on cars for decades that this is normal. I dont have any play up and down and my car rides fine.

 

maybe you have the wrong axle then

 

 

There should be a touch of play in/out. Maybe a mm or two.

It's good you're not seeing play up/down, because that's a sure sign of bad diff bearings.

I would get new axle seals, make sure you have the right ones (pass vs. driver side) and replace the leaker when you change axles. When the seal is out, use a clean prybar inside the diff to double-check if you can move the diff inside the trans housing. If no play, replace the seal carefully and don't scratch the lip when you reinstall the axle.

The axle is locked in when you pull on it and it stays in place.

Dave

 

Thanks for all the help. I will have to double check the up and down play. knowing my luck it is a bad trans. Do I just replace the whole thing new especially if I plan on keeping the car. If the car had lower miles I would def keep it. Besides this leak and possibly a bad tranny, I absolutely love the car and its styling.

 

You could have the trans rebuilt, or just get another one. If you get another one, at the very least get it checked out for the same problem.