Hello.
How hard is it to replace the axle seals? I'm being told its a PITA to install the new seals...
Thanks.

 

I didn't replace them

If it's leaking then I guess you have to, but if you're just replacing axles, then I wouldn't bother.

 

Relative to what?

 

Replacing the power steering pump, or alternator ect.
Il have most things torn down, im being told that inserting them into the trans can be tricky.

 

They were a pita to replace on a 4th gen, and I have no reason to believe they'd be any less so on a 5th. I had new seals on hand when I replaced my 02 axles last Fall, but the old seals weren't leaking so I was careful not to damage them when removing/inserting the axles. The passenger side seal is hard to get at, the driver side is easy to access, but unless you have the correct size seal driver it's hard to seat the damn things squarely. To be fair I didn't use a seal driver when I changed them on the 99- maybe I'd think it was a laugh with the right tool.

 

Ive had leaky axle seals for about a year now, but the fluid loss is minimal.

I take it you have to remove the axle in order to replace the seal?

 

Yeah, Ive already removed them, just wondering if installing them back would be a pain under the car. I'm doing timing tensioners on my 04 max and got another 6 speed because of bearing whine. Now, i wont get the seals til Monday from the dealer, but i want to put the engine and trans back now.

 

I know it sucks to wait, but I would. You'll kick yourself if you slap it all back together and it leaks 3 months from now when you're going through some dramatic life-change or crisis. Things happen to go that way.

They are a little tedious. One thing to note when you go to install them... Be patient. It's not that hard to ruin one in a quick fit of frustration. Fortunately, I have three local dealers and they stock them.

 

Well the engine and trans are in the engine bay, just resembling the stuff now.

 

Did you edit the thread title :|

 

Is the axle seal supposed to seal tightly around the axle shaft? A mechanic keeps telling me it should but the hole in the seal is not even close to the axle diameter.

 

Nice necropost.

The seal will not be 100% tight around the axle, but you should not see any leaks.

 

The seals should touch the axle. Think about it - if there is a gap, how can it seal?

The left and right seals are not the same. The left side (driver) has a 1.535 inch opening, while the right side (passenger) has a 1.299 inch opening.

So if you put a left side seal on the right side, you will have a gap and an oil leak.

left side - Nissan part # 38342-81X00
right side - Nissan part # 38342-81X01

Check prices, amazingly Nissan has the lowest price.

 

Axle is after market, seal is from nissan and is for the driver's side. The axle is obviously for the driver's side (length). Seal hole is significantly larger than the axle shaft.

 

Get some calipers and measure the axle shaft that goes into the differential and see what you have. I've never heard anyone say they got a mis-sized axle, so I would have to say that you did not get the correct seal.