94 Maxima right CVaxle...FINAL removal??

[canucklehead]

I did a search and read some on this topic already. great info, because bascially limited me to remove the 2 strut nuts instead of separating ball joint, tie rod, and removing brakes!!

BUT...how do i pull out this axle from the AUTOMATIC transmission (no diff lock)? It looks like it may bolt onto something at the inner joint. or maybe it should just pull out from there and it's being stubborn??

any help appreciated. Previous threads on other Nissans would suggest this should just pull out. I'm thinking of my VW Jetta that has the inner joint bolted onto a stub axle with 6- 12 point serrated bolts= PITA!

[allensteiner]

i believe that it should just pull out. not sure about 3rd gen so check the fsm. you'll need a pickle fork or something else to pop it out, just yanking on it won't work - unless it's pretty loose.

[canucklehead]

AAARRGGGHH!! still don't have it out. At the end of the inner joint (by the edge of the oil pan, immediately below the cross member) it seems like the CV shaft connects to a staight shaft. At this junction, I notice 3 M8 bolts (12mm head). Not sure if I need to undo these, or if they're for removing the straight shaft from the transmission?? Sure would be hard to get any kind of socket or wrench on them.

I did try yanking/jerking it out, also tried a pry bar and bent the little flange where the inner CV body meets the straight shaft. anyone actually removed the entire CV shaft?

[allensteiner]

check the fsm before you go busting more parts

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1994

good luck

[mtcookson]

You do need to remove those 3 bolts for it to come out. After you do, it should come right out with light pressure from a pry bar. If the CV's are relatively intact you should be able to give it a tug to get it out.

[canucklehead]

hey allwnsteiner, is that the COMPLETE FSM?? I assume "FSM" means field service manual? If so, WOW & THANKS!! I see there are numerous different pdfs to download, so i'll download them all if they're all for my year! Where was this when I started??

[canucklehead]

GOT IT OUT! Wow, does my cv shaft ever seem different. It is 38.5" long. The spot where I thought the inner shaft ended actually bolts onto a ring, and there's still a lot of shaft left to go into the transmission. the ring must be part of the frame. The ring just seems suspended. Anyways, from the ring-mating surface to the REAL end of the shaft (where it goes into the transmission) is 13" long, and straight.

SO YES, YOU MUST REMOVE THE 3 BOLTS if you have a CV axle like mine. and then it slides out like nothing. I don't even think there is a circlip in there since it seems to be bolted to the frame/ring. Oh, and BTW, those 3 bolts are a major PITA to get at and there is a frame cross member right in the way, plus an exhaust pipe. Might even be easier to remove that cross member. I bet it will be a real treat to try to line it all up and bolt it back together.

WHAT A MESS!! I didn't realize the auto transmission fluid was going to cover my garage floor the moment this thing popped out. My seal seems perfect, no cuts or burrs. I think I will leave it alone.

my parts guys were supposed to order a shaft today but they forgot, so hopefully i get one tomorrow. OR...maybe I'll re-boot the outer since that seems to be the only problem. the joint seems okay.

[canucklehead]

One other item....according to my alignment guy (who is a good friend and I trust), on any cars using this type of mcpherson strut suspension: when you unbolt the strut you instantly need to do a front end alignment. I know I already had a badly worn inside edge on my left front tire, and it pulls left hard, even with my new tire. I'm getting an alignment tomorrow. sure hope there's nothing else in need of repair.

I got my old axle a new outside boot for $25 today. that included the labor. It was still quite greasy inside and the joint was okay, so i think i caught it in time. I could have got a Fenco reman for $89, or a nuvotech NEW axle for $120. According to CV guy, there is no replacement for OEM. Nissan quoted me $550 when I called them on Saturday.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Yeah, with the Maxima's strut setup, the strut serves as one of the links, so any time you mess with it you'll need to get an alignment.

[lightsout]

i haven't read the thread, but i just lost the right axle on my 00. I bought my axle shaft assembly from http://www.Drivewire.com and it came in the mail the next day! They are SUPER CHEAP, and GREAT QUALITY! I liked how the product that came in the mail is of such great quality that i purhcased the left axle also, b/c it's only about $70 more for the entire axle instead of just the boot. I also, purchased a Cabin air filter and Eibach alignment kit!! just check it out because it's easy to navigate.

[allensteiner]

i haven't read the thread, but i just lost the right axle on my 00. I bought my axle shaft assembly from http://www.Drivewire.com and it came in the mail the next day! They are SUPER CHEAP, and GREAT QUALITY! I liked how the product that came in the mail is of such great quality that i purhcased the left axle also, b/c it's only about $70 more for the entire axle instead of just the boot. I also, purchased a Cabin air filter and Eibach alignment kit!! just check it out because it's easy to navigate.

nice find. don't mean to hi-jack but...are you getting rid ouf your max? why?