I'm in the middle of a axle replacement, and I'm doing the drivers side axle, which is supposed to be the simpler of the two!

I have an open diff 97 manual transmission maxima.

So I managed to pull the old axle out after much effort. Then I pulled out the old axle seal, which also was way snug and also a pain to remove. I had bought a new one as recommended. The part # that the dealership gave me 38342-81X00 (replaces 38342-0). So basically the old seal was flush with the face of the transmission case.

I managed to put the new seal in, except after pressing it in, the whole darn seal looks like its in too far in , and its inside the transmission case and spinning around. Its NOT flush with the surface of the case. Am I missing any parts? Is it possibly that i pushed the seal in too far. If that's the case, why the hell do they make so it is possible to push the seal in that far? you figure there would be something behind to stop it, once its seated to the right depth.

So I figured what the hell. I put on the new axle, and put some gear oil in the case just to test it. As I figured, there's something wrong with the seal, and its all leaking all over the place out of the seal area. So now I have it taken apart again, puzzled as to what to do.

Any one know what I'm doing wrong here??? Help is much appreciated. Its still sitting in my apt parking lot as we speak. Thanks!!

Here's some pics; not the best, but hopefully you get the idea.

 

Driver's side is more simpler for me to do. Try taking some pics, dude.

 

If you drove it in too far, you'll have to pull it out and start over. You should probably get a new seal. Driving it in should be hard to do, so check after every tap to see how much farther you have to go. It's also easy to get it cocked, so watch for that too.

 

So you think I drove it in too far? Thats what I'm leaning towards so far, but does this make any sense? How does the seal stay in place then? what stops it from getting unseated and working its way inside the transmission during say driving? Is it really only held on by friction between the outer perimeter of the seal and the transmission case?

 

1. yes
2. yes

Pull old new seal out and replace with another new seal. Install flush using a large socket turned around backwards on an extension, Socket must be large enough to contact the case when flush.

 

A section of 2" PVC pipe with a cap on the end works well as a seal driver for the axle seals.

 

Hmmm..never thought of this but it is in every man's toolbox so no need to rent any tools.

 

you pushed it too far. the flat surface of the seal is supposed to be flush with the outside surface of the case. you are not missing any parts, you just messed up.

that seal is most likely reusable. as long as you don't tear it up when pulling it back out. put some RTV aroud he perimeter of the seal where it mates to the aluminum and you will be just fine.

 

Thanks guys for all the help! I don't think I'll be able to salvage that seal though. It's all the way in there, and I don't have anything that can pull on at least 3 sides of the seal to get it out intact. It'll probably be mangled by the time I manage to remove it. I'll get a new one just in case.

 

Quick question, will it be determintal for tranny or axle to have a passenger seal in the driver side? Seal is not leaking and appears to be fine.

 

Are you asking if the passenger seal will work on the driver's side? check the FSM and see if they are the same part #'s. Chances are if they are different, they could be a slight difference in size. I've heard a story from Nelledge that even if the size of the seal is off by the smallest increment...your gnna have problems.

 

The seals or different sizes.Get Moog aftermarket seals they work better on used axels.Better LIPS!!!

 

Pull the new seal out and compare it with the old one you have. If they are same sie, you may have driven the seal too deep.