I need some help from you guys. I am in the US Air Force in Germany. My 97 Maxima's 5 speed started leaking fluid from what appeared to be the axle seal. I ordered a new axle seal, and when installing it I noticed the bearing the axle inserts into (inside the transaxle) is loose. This is why the seal was leaking, because the bearing is not allowing the axle to sit centered in the seal. My car has about 94,000 miles on it.

So, a few questions.

Have many of you five speeders experienced this failure?

Do the bearings typically bad, or is it the housing that supports the bearing that goes bad?

How good of luck have people had rebuilding it? I found a specialty transmision shop that says they may be able to repair?

Worst case scenario...anyone have any idea what a remanufactured or new transaxle costs? Any good suggestions on vendors?

I was planning on getting a new car when I come back to the US later this summer....looks like I'll have to spend some money on the Maxima beforehand though. It's been pretty much trouble free since 97, so I can't complain too much.

Okay, since my Maxima is down I'll have to take my 87 Buick Grand National out of the garage for a while...0-60 in under five...lots of fun...

I really appreciate anyone's help.

Thanks,

ROb

 

A used tranny will run $600+.

I am sure you are referring to the input shaft bearing which is a common problem on Maximas.

 

there is some good info about this in the 4th gen FAQ here:
http://www.forums.maxima.org/showpos...8&postcount=11

 

It's a very common problem with these cars to have the differential bearings go bad which is what you are describing.

You can buy a brand new transmission from nissan for $1500 iirc. You can purchase a working used one off www.car-part.com for around $600-$800, or you can have your current one rebuilt. Rebuild will likely run you in the same ballpark as a used transmission.