uptownsamcv

I have Duralast Gold CV axles on my 02 6 speed and I'm starting to wonder if maybe they don't fit the OEM Nissan axle seal perfect. I just put in a spec V H-LSD with new bearings/race and I'm seeing a really slow gear oil leak on the driver side. I'm thinking about exchanging them for 04 axles that have a different part number in their system since I remember seeing in a post that 6th gen axles fit 5th gens. any thoughts?

2k2albatross

If that is the right axle you might need a new axle seal.

uptownsamcv

both axle seals are brand new from the Nissan dealership.

User1

I'm sure you are aware that both seals are not the same, so beyond that, I would just replace the seal.

2k2albatross

I have swapped many axles over the years but attempted to swap the Axle Seal on my 02 Maxima 6spd only once and it was a fail. I do not believe the seal was flush after the install or maybe I ruined it in the process. After I was done with the install the car drove fine but as you mentioned I noticed a couple of drops of Redline gear oil every time I parked. I ended up going to the stealership and they replaced the seal for me. Ever since then I have replaced the driver side axle about twice and both times I just left the axle seal alone. If you can confirm you have the right part number, the seal is a possibility. If you have lost confidence in that axle the labor is the same to get at the seal so go ahead and swap it out while you are in there.

Good luck resolving the issue.

Here is the part that I used from Rock Auto (8/2020) for my last install of a driver side axle. My car is a manual.
APWI NI8261A CV Axle

uptownsamcv

the seal is the right seal, I just think the axle doesn't match the OEM one perfectly so some oil is getting by the seal.