my maxima is leaking gear oil and I can't seem to find the issue. It's not the drain plug or the fill plug. Were the hell is it leaking from? I don't want to replace the tranny unless I have to.

 

Look at the axle seals. Make sure the differential (it's the size of a cantaloupe and it sits directly in between the axles) cannot wiggle within the transmission. You can tell this by moving it around by moving the axle stubs - if the differential inside the transmission is moving with it, it's definitely in need of a rebuild and the cause of the oil seal leakage.

Another sign that your transmission needs a rebuild is if the drained gear oil (not the leaking oil - the oil coming out when you drain it) contains tiny silver metal flakes. The color of the oil should range from honey to jet black but it should not contain flakes.

Another place to look for leaks is any of the bolts on the outside of the transmission and the black plastic position sensor. The sensor can crack or the o-ring will leak if someone makes the mistake of using it for a drain plug.

Dave

 

I know it was BLACK, and I don't recall seeing any metal flakes (luckily). If your laying underneath the front of the car with your feet out from under the front bumper it seems to be coming from towards the top of the tranny and running down. I looked and looked and can't seem to find the source. But I know if I don't soon then either I will go poor from buying oil or ruin the tranny.

 

I would wash it off thoroughly, let it dry, and then drive until you see the leak begin.

 

are you positive that its gear oil and not regular oil. the rear main seal are notorious for going out causing a oil leak in between your block and your tranny. if its leaking by the crankshaft postioning sensor its more than likely your rear main seal and not your tranny.

If you can i would try to post a picture of your leakage to help better determine where its coming from

 

The VQ is 'notorious' for not leaking at the RMS. The half moon oil pan seal may weep, but the RMS rarely does.

 

ya I know its not oil especially since my oil doesn't go low and the gear oil does. Plus they smell different.

 

well from what your saying it sounds like axle seal, hopefully its not the one on the passenger side.

 

yeah there are like 6 places, not to mention anywhere along the seal that the transmission case comes together all the way around it that it could be leaking. wipe it down, clean it off, then spray some brake cleaner on it and check it every time you drive. Then even take a pic for us.

 

I wouldn't think it would be a axle seal as that would be at the bottom of the tranny not coming from the top. I'm going to check it out this weekend and see what I can find out.

 

The only places it can leak from the top are the VSS and the vent tube, though the fluid level shouldn't be near high enough to leak from either.

 

I just had a rebuilt 5MT put in my 1997 GXE. I got 156k miles out of the original unit and the clutch was still strong. I started getting a gear whine at 100k miles and it gradually got louder as time went on. The IPS bearing was getting a little noisy as well. My axle seal began leaking a year ago and that's why I decided to have it taken apart. However, I waited too long. My mechanic couldn't remove the noisy axle, so he ordered a rebuilt tranny and probably trashed mine. Just as well...

The tranny, clutch assy, and 2 rebuilt axles set me back $2500. That included labor. I also got a new rear engine seal. The original one had been leaking a bit for years.

With new shocks and struts all around, rebuilt starter, rebuilt alternator, new exhaust, 2 new oxy sensors, 2 rebuilt rear calipers, new front brake pads, and a couple front end parts, I've damn near rebuilt the whole car. Not much else can go wrong with it. I had rebuilt axles put in at 110k miles, but decided to replace the remaining good axle with the tranny job. The only thing that went before 100k miles was a rear caliper at 85k miles. The other caliper went at 115k miles. The rear shocks went at 135k miles and the front struts went at 145k miles. I just had the 2 oxy sensors and front end work done.

I still enjoy driving this car after 12 years. The engine, interior, and body are still in great shape and that's why I decided it was worth the investment. No worries about rapid depreciation, sales tax, excise taxes, and high insurance costs. I want to get 2 more winters out of it and then sell it in good condition when I retire and move to Florida. I should still be able to get a couple grand for it.