It all started last year when I did drivers axle because of CV boot failure. Car started leaking transaxle fluid awhile back and started having a strange wining sound that has gotten progressively worse over the last 8 months or so, did both axles and the drivers seal to see if it was just a seal problem. Mechanic said the diff bearing is going out and my research seems to indicate that I need to try to find another tranny to do a swap but there is no guarantee that would fix the bearing issue since the new (used) tranny could have or about to have the same issues.

Searching for used 5 speeds has not come up with many options hoping someone can shed some light on my troubles. I have just been driving the car trying to baby it for months.

98 SE 5 speed 113500 miles

 

I would ask about the feasibility of having the bad bearing replaced on the transmission you have.
Your transmission has low miles. Replacement trans would probably have more miles.

You need to remove and replace the trans yourself, or pay a shop. Might as well repair rather than replace. Your labor woukd be the same either way.

 

My 97SE had the carrier bearing start going out causing the seals to leak. Mine had around the same mileage as yours (happened around the 120k miles area).

 

Be sure the bearing noise just isn't the carrier bearing that comes with the passenger side axle. Also it is easy to overfill the trans with lube and it WILL leak out though the axle seals even if new. If the car is raised slightly in the front when filling with lube it's easy to over fill.

 

Might be better off going 6spd. Takes some work but worth it IMHO.

 

i got a few 5 speeds available, and a 6sp hlsd available.

 

If you follow the FSM, replacing a diff bearing really isn't that bad. The hardest part is getting the inner races off the diff.

 

What would I need to do a rebuild? Input shaft bearing x2? what other bearings/ seals besides the axle seals? might as well do a clutch at the same time I guess.. I hope it is worth putting the work into.

 

I would remove the transmission, then take it to a transmission shop. They have the required tools and experience. They might not charge as much as you think, and the car will be back on the road.

The "while you are in there anyway rules apply".

Since removing the trans a job you only want to once, replacing worn clutch parts makes sense.

​​​​Of course replacing the rear main seal is a given if the flywheel is removed.

Once all work has been done, you will have a new clutch and a repaired transmission.

You need to determine if the engine and body condition justify the effort.

 

The only extra tools I remember needing are a good set of punches to remove the pins in the various shafts, a cup style press and a gear puller.

I carefully dremeled the inner races on the diff till I could crack them and then pressed the new ones on.

You'll need to put it all together and measure the diff preload. The FSM lists shim sizes for the clearance measurement.

Input shaft seal, axle seals, gear selector switch o-ring, VSS o-ring, yoke seal (from linkage).

VLSD rebuild but helpful:
https://maxima.org/forums/all-motor/...t-numbers.html

 

I'd search for other trans 5 or 6 spd....and call it the day.

 

According to that wright up all bearings and seals with shipping would total about $287 from nissanpartsdeal.com seems like depending on how many hours it would take at a shop may be worth the investment. I can get my dealership I work at to quote me labor prob $80 and hour.

Thanks for the help guys

 

$1100 labor so around $1520 including parts. Sound reasonable?

 

How much of thar labor charge is for removing or installing the transmission, and how much for the actual repair?

Are you willing and able to remove and reinstall the transmission.?

The charge seems to be similar to what a clutch job would cost.

By the way, while they are in there anyway, might as well have the clutch changed and the rms replaced.

You might want to think about your options. If you can do the work all by your self or with a little help, the cost will be low and justified.
If you need to put about 2000 dollars into the trans and possibly clutch, you might want to consider that the repair approaches the cars value.
If your plan is to drive a nice low milage car for 5 years, the repair might be worth what a mechanic would charge.