02 Pathfinder - Front Axle Tube Slipping UPDATE

[PivoArch]

I found gear oil leaking form the housing at the axle tube, and the joint moves visibly when you push up on the housing. I suspect the seal has gone bad. What are the recommended fixes for this problem.

[PivoArch]

Took the Pathfinder to a Mechanic friend who does a good amount of off-roading. He suggested no to worry about the mis-aligned tube due to the fact that whatever damage is done to the diff is already done. Basically it is not going to get any worse and even if it does then the worse case is needing to re-weld the tube and fix the gears in the diff. Which is what would need to be done now, so no point in fixing it until it is actually broke. However, he did notice the bushings in the mount that support the diff are shot and recommended replacing those. I found the parts here http://www.courtesyparts.com/pathfinder ... _4798.html. My next question is anyone know of a trusted website to get them from or have any experience replacing them? Thanks in advance for any help.

[oasisx]

I have a similar issue. after changing my exhaust, i noticed a tiny accumulation of fluid on what appears to be the part in the vicinity of the bolt labeled:54710D in the picture @ http://www.courtesyparts.com/pathfinder ... _4798.html. im guessing its a bad seal as well? approximately how much would it cost to have something like this repaired?

[fleurys]

I have a similar issue. after changing my exhaust, i noticed a tiny accumulation of fluid on what appears to be the part in the vicinity of the bolt labeled:54710D in the picture @ http://www.courtesyparts.com/pathfinder ... _4798.html. im guessing its a bad seal as well? approximately how much would it cost to have something like this repaired?

Your link does not work but... If your leak is on the short side of the differential, then it can be done relatively easily without removing the diff. Your mechanic will need to remove the half-shaft, then the stub and will have access to the diff seal. I have done it on mine within 2 hours from start to finish. make sure to use nissan seals!!! I wanted to save money when I did my diff and ended up having to redo the seal because the timken one was leaking...

On the hand, if the seal that is leaking is on the long side of the diff, then you're in for an expensive job. Your mechanic will have to remove the diff from the truck and open it. Then he will need to remove the carrier (the diff itself) in order to have access to the seal... I would estimate a good 3-4 hours... + consumables..

[oasisx]

ouch, mine is one the long side. how much is expensive?

also, how vital is it that the leak be fixed? is it something that needs tending to asap? or can it be put off a month or 2?

[fleurys]

ouch, mine is one the long side. how much is expensive?

also, how vital is it that the leak be fixed? is it something that needs tending to asap? or can it be put off a month or 2?

It's not something urgent as long as you keep the right amount of oil in your diff. I would say check it every weekend or 2 depending on the amount that gets leaked. To check it, unscrew the fill screw on the diff on a level ground, and put your finger in. The oil should be up to the fill screw...

expensive : 3 or 4 hours of whatever your mechanic is charging you... + consumable.

S.

[PivoArch]

Fleurys is correct with checking the diff fluid level every weekend or so. I started out checking mine every weekend then once it was fine started checking once every 2 weeks or so. In my case the fluid is no dripping out just seeping so it is not a very bad leak definate need to replace the seal. My plan is to get the tube realigned and welded so I don't have this problem again. But my problem is on the half shaft side of the diff.

[oasisx]

okay, mines more of a seep than a leak as well. i'll do what you guys said and check it every so often. thanks for the input, its much appreciated.