So parts websites suck. I can't for the life of me find an appropriate axle for my car. I have: non-locking diff., no ABS, and a manual transmission. You would think knowing that would be all I would need to find the right axle. You'd be wrong.

So basically, I need to know which axles I can use on my car. I need a passenger's side axle specifically, but all of the ones I see listed make it look like a bunch of different axles are interchangeable...then the next listing makes it look like nothing is interchangeable. For example, go to Rockauto.com and find a '98 Maxima SE and look for the CV half shaft. Which of these axles do I need? I was under the impression there was a specific axle for pretty much every combination of diff./ABS/transmission.

 

I just replaced both of mine, advance auto about 69 bucks, describe what you have and they should even have it in stock. The brand was GSP. And its not a reman.

 

That's my last resort since I can get it cheaper online if I throw it in with the rest of my order. I'd like to know for future reference anyway.

 

For the passanger side axle, you can use the automatic or 5 speed one. Its the same exact part. I'm using the same old automatic one right now since I swapped mine. I'd be surprised if they list the auto and manual open diff passenger axle with seperate part #s.

 

Don't quote me on this because there is a posibility I could be very wrong, but isn't the only difference between an ABS axle and a non-ABS just the magnetic ring with the teeth for the ABS sensor? In theory wouldn't an ABS axle work just fine other than the fact that you have that extra ring there that you don't need?

 

Went to Advance today, pretty much confirms what's been said. For pass. side, auto/manual is the same, I think the one I got said both ABS and non-ABS, and of course open diff. matters.

 

and, you might want to replace any leaky axle seals while you have it apart. take a look at it and make sure all the seals are dry.

 

any reason you don't want to go with raxles?

 

100% correct. You can even remove that ring on most axles.


Yup, might as well. Axles arent too hard of a job. But Since you'll be a couple steps away, you might as well do it. The seals are around 10 bucks or less from advance auto.

I think i'll go this route next.

 

I don't know if any of you saw my other thread, but I'm actually replacing a LOT right now. The car slid into a curb at ~10 MPH a couple weeks ago in the snow and the front pass. side wheel took the whole impact. I'm replacing the axle, control arm, wheel bearing, hub, and the seals. I'm assuming the seals you guys are referring to are the ones where the axle meets the transmission?

 

Wow. I didnt know u hit a curb. Well yea, thats the seal we're talking about. I'm glad I live in south florida.

 

The car is still perfectly driveable thanks to some camber bolts, but it needs all those things replaced to get the camber back to where it should be. I'm getting the car ready for a trip to VA next month.

 

yes you are right as was said above. i just replaced both my axles and i don't have ABS. however both axles came with the magnetic ring. they fit perfectly so i didn't need to take the ring out.

 

The passengers axle is the same on all transmission models , open or locking and auto or manual. ABS axles fit just fine. Im using the stock 98 axle with a 2001 AE VLSD.

The drivers side is another story. It differs between all models of transmissions. Thats the one to double check. Nothing is worse than jamming in the wrong axle. Again ABS axles fits non ABS cars.

 

Sorry to post in this thread, but since I can't create my own, and I'm finding what seems to be differing opinions using the search I hope you guys don't mind. My 95 GXE gives some clunking when I put torque on the motor: usually when accelerating or braking at low speeds. I recently replaced the LCA bushing on my passenger side, and this helped some but the sound/feel is still there. Is it more likely to be a CV issue or the drivers side LCA bushing?

 

From what I understand, the most common source of "clunking" in the front end is sway bar end links. Really you should just check out all your bushings in the front suspension and see if any are cracked or really worn.

 

yup

 

you can use any axle as long as it is for a manual transmission (this I know for a fact through my own verification), and apparently even an automatic transmission (I don't have any direct experience with auto passenger side axles but Jsutter said that they are the same and I trust him)

VLSD and open diff passenger side axles are the same

abs axles can be use in a non-abs car just fine, the ABS ring just sits there and does nothing, no need to remove it or anything.

 

^^So based on that, and with my findings, I believe its safe to say that all 95-01 passenger axles will work/interchange. Unless you have an abs car of course, which means you need an abs axle.

 

I have seen people seem to like to get axles from raxles. Are they that much better than what I can get from the parts store? I just got a quote for both and they are $120 and $150 from them compared to the $60-$70 I see at advance.