CV axle replacement or CV boot only replacement for DIY project?

[signals]

Which of the two installation is less effortl and less complicated DIY project? What are the special tools that I must have? Can I do either axle or boot change with the car raised on ramp? I'm confronted with leaky boots on both driver's & passenger sides and a sort of grinding/ rattling sound from the driver side when I turn sharp left or right at slow speeds. It's about 97 maxima with 130K miles. Bought it used. Service stations ask for labor only about $100 /axle . They do not undertake replacing only the boots. The Nissan service manual presupposes an experienced mechanic! Is there some write up that describes with pictures the step by step procedures for axle or boot replacement? I thank you for your expertise and advice.

[MaximA32]

Are they asking $100 to include parts and labor? If so, I would have them do it because that's a really good deal.

As far as changing just the boot, it's a pain in the arse. If you have limited tools, it would be better you didn't tackle this project.

For the question about the ramps: No. You cannot do that job with the car on ramps as you have to remove the wheel in order to gain access to the half shaft.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I recommend this (I have a 95 maxima)

1) Dont rebuild your own or put on a new rubber boot. There are toomany small things that can go wrong cause you cant see insidethat rubber boot. I think you can rebuild the inner joint but not theouter joint.

I dont know if its better to use OEM from Nissan or Auto Zone, Oreillysetc for the shaft.

2) Put in new transmission seals where the shaft of the CVjoint goes. OEM seals are $9.00 each at Nissan.

3) There should be a new clip to put in the CV axle for the drivers side. I think when you get a new one you should get this new clip. I think thepassenger side uses bolts to hold it in the transmission.

4) It would be best to have a friend to help hold the shaft in placefor you so you can get your brakes together

My friend with a 96 let another friend of mine rebuild-he's a realgood mechanic but the 96 still broke down at Jack in the Box, theshaft slipped out of the transmission

[signals]

Thanks a lot to NSRA2 and NutriaforBreakfast. The drive axle vendors like O'Reily, Advance Auto etc give different part #s for with slip differential and w/o slip differential. How to make out if my 97 maxima GLE has this differential or not? Also, should I get front alignment done after replacing the driver side and/ or passenger side CV axles? One of the service garages recommended alignment to be done/checked after CV axle change. He quoted $263 for labor only for both axles replacement and alignment.Considering that I have 130K miles is it OK to have re-manufactured CV axles that cost around $60-70 a piece (passenger side slightly more expensive than driver's side)? Thanks a lot for your input.

[MaximA32]

There are different part numbers for the VLSD and non-VLSD axles. I want to say that the GLE has VLSD. The GLE is the "luxury" model of the Maxima line so, as I said, I'm pretty sure they do.

As far the rebuilt axles, we use the rebuilds all the time and have no issues.

[signals]

What is the acronym VLSD stand for? Is there a test or visual method to identify presence or absence of VLSD? I notice different phrases i.e. "limited slip" etc. Do they refer to the same faeture? thanks

[Dracolove]

VLSD= Viscous Limited Slip Differential

More than likly you dont have one I have a 95 GLE and i dont have one and i dont think an LSD came standard until 99 but not quite sure. you could call nissan and ask

Honestly its not that hard IF you have access to a Lift otherwise id have someone else do it.
Modified by Dracolove at 8:43 PM 3/1/2008

[NutriaforBreakfast]

As noted before, I would change out both drive axles

You are going to have to jack up the vehicle and put it onjack stands.

I just remember needing a socket sets with extensions, wrenches,punches, breaker bar, wire, and a friend to hold the axle and brake calipers.

Buy the Haynes Manual for your car for directions. The floor shopmanual is available on this website too

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1995/st.pdfWork back from this

[98GXE425]

[MaximA32]

Whoever told you that'd it would cost upwards of $1k is lying to you. There is NO WAY it would ever cost that much. Even if they charge an hour labor per side at labor being $98/hr and another $300 for both axles that's still only $500. I'd love to see an estimate of anywhere close to $1k for both of them including labor and taxes.

[MaximA32]

VLSD= Viscous Limited Slip Differential

More than likly you dont have one I have a 95 GLE and i dont have one and i dont think an LSD came standard until 99 but not quite sure.

I've got a 98 and I've got VLSD.

[Dracolove]

I've got a 98 and I've got VLSD.

Ok but dont you have an SE?

[MaximA32]

Yes. You didn't specify which trim level you were talking about. It was a pretty broad statement on your part.

[Dracolove]

Yes. You didn't specify which trim level you were talking about. It was a pretty broad statement on your part.

i thought you knew i was talking about GLE models from the fact that i mentioned that i had one and we were talking about his GLE also

[Sentientbydesign]

Can somebody do a write-up on 4th gen transaxles? I'm sick of everybody trying to figure this out.

First of all, this topic has been covered at least 3 times in the past 6 months.

Secondly, go to http://www.motorvate.ca and the guy has a complete write-up with pictures.

Third, do the replacement yourself with remanufactured CarDone's they come with a 1-year warranty and I only paid $55 for mine.

Forth, an alignment is absolutely necessary. I'd just spring for a lifetime alignment if you plan on keeping the car for a while (mine has 276k miles on it and is still kicking).

[MaximA32]

I have a wonderful idea. Don't come in and be grumpy. I also have another great idea, you seem so keen on having someone do a write up on it, I think YOU should do it.

[Sentientbydesign]

I have a wonderful idea. Don't come in and be grumpy. I also have another great idea, you seem so keen on having someone do a write up on it, I think YOU should do it.

I'm just passing on the same treatment that I received when I asked redundant questions when I was a newb.

This topic has been covered ad nauseum.

Oh and I just did a write-up on fuel economy, but I'll start another one to make you happy. How does that sound?

[MaximA32]

Sounds like a plan sir. You have a link for the other write up?

[Sentientbydesign]

Here's the link zerothread?id=319146

It needs at least one good edit. I left out a few things including what rxm6 mentioned as well as alignments.