'97 Pathfinder CV axle snap rings

[A1218]

I'm going to be installing some mile marker hubs, hoping to gain some extra mpgs.

However, for the cv axles, are you supposed to install two snap rings or one? I have two on as there is an inner groove on the axle shaft under the hub cap that is closer to the bearing lock nut. Then there is also an outer groove on the shaft where the snap ring would sit against the hub cover.

Just wondering if the snap ring should be on the inner groove as I don't want to run into any issues when the mile marker hubs are on in terms of affecting functionality.

[Niti QX4]

On mine there is only the outer snap ring. 1999

[mdmellott]

I'm going to be installing some mile marker hubs, hoping to gain some extra mpgs.
However, for the cv axles, are you supposed to install two snap rings or one?

I only see one, just like my '02. I installed Warn locking hubs. I almost failed to reinstall the snap ring. When I had it all put together I found the snap ring laying an the ground. Oops! Having your axle pull out of the hub while driving would make for a very bad day. Where exactly is that second one? I only have one and it's not shown on the diagram below for your '97.
download/file.php?mode=view&id=3618

[A1218]

Yeah I didn’t see it in the diagrams also.

I uploaded a link to a pic with an arrow showing the spot where the second snap ring is on. This isn’t a pic of my vehicle personally.

But basically about an inch further behind the first snap ring and directly in front of the round lock nut for the wheel bearing if that makes sense. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be there. My dad changed the cv axles a long time ago and I did them again about two years ago after it was making some noise. When I went in there the second snap ring was there and he said he put them in as the axle had a second groove for one. I guess he thought one was supposed to be there too.

I haven’t had problems with it there but I saw a YouTube video where an individual had a manual hub damage due to the snap ring being installed on that same position where I also have one.

I guess I can simply remove it since it’s not in the diagrams. Even in the manual for replacement of the axle it doesn’t mention a second snap ring.

https://imgur.com/a/YCNQw3T


By the way, how are the manual hubs? Notice any improvements in steering or fuel economy?

[mdmellott]

Curious puzzle. Looks like a snap ring groove but it's not used on our Pathfinders. The axle and the part of the CV joint it is fixed onto is called the outer joint assembly, Nissan part number 39211-58G00. Without digging any further than finding where else it is used, I'm guessing that snap ring groove may be used when applied to some other model. Nissan Parts Deal shows where it is used but I don't have the energy to look them all up to see which model it might get used with.
download/file.php?mode=view&id=3619

The Warn hubs I installed are an amazing improvement to my steering control response and they gave me a solid 2mpg fuel economy improvement as well.

[mdmellott]

... a solid 2mpg fuel economy improvement as well,

which I lost when I installed a Weston bull bar in front and a tubular steel bumper guard and Curt towing bar in back.

[A1218]

Yeah, seeing that they don’t belong there I’ll be taking them off.

And that’s great! Nothing too extreme but any mileage improvement helps now.

[A1218]

Here a link to Mile marker Hubs I installed with the hub caps modified to fit over them.

I didn’t remove the original stems to use the cap screws that came with the mile markers as the hub fit perfectly over the studs to reuse the nuts.

https://imgur.com/a/QIA5BE7

[mdmellott]

Nice finished look with the cutout you made to the caps. I passed on using the included mounting studs with my Warn hubs as well. Questionable grade of steel used and I knew the originals are rock solid.

Yikes! ... Regarding the size of that counterweight on your left wheel. You've been getting in some off-roading scraps to the wheels I see. As long as they balance, it's all good.

[A1218]

Thanks! Took some time with a drill and dremel, but got it done. Look for a Nissan badge to stick on now.

Yeah I’ve heard of rusting or screws coming loose if no loctite is used with the hardware that comes with the hubs. Never had a single issue with the OEM Nissan hardware. The only thing is I’ll have to use a spanner whenever I have to take those 6 nuts out as a socket cannot fit over them due to the design of the mile marker hubs.

I honestly have not gone on a real off-roading trip. Some rough driving on upaved roads on trips going up North into Canada from NYC or down south but that’s it.

I know these are very capable vehicles though.