RF Axle seal leak - ongoing...

[Dan_s_young]

Bit of history to start, my rogue has been making a clicking/clunking rotational noise. The noise is most apparent at low speeds - like walking speed and very light acceleration, also very apparent when going up a hill at slow speeds. I decided to take a stab at it and replaced the RF CV shaft.

Unfortunately after that my RF axle seal is leaking (like a drop or two overnight) and the noise still occurs. So I pulled the axle out, and replaced the axle seal. Same problem still occurred. Then I thought maybe the issue was the axle I used (NAPA) so I installed another axle. Still the same problem. Then I have replaced the axle seal again. Still same problem. Then I tried replacing the seal again with a bead of RTV on the shaft to try and help prevent the issue and it still occurs.

Any suggestions or similar experience? I am a licensed technician but this has me a bit stumped?

[casperfun]

As far as I can remember, people were having problems with non-OEM parts.

In particular with the cv axle parts.

They were below specifications and this was enough to give people problems during installs.

Even though parts look similar, it didn’t matter and it wouldn’t fit or failed to be a successful install.

[datechboss101]

I had that issue all of last year with my 99 Accord. Dealer and mech warrantied all of the work every visit. Both were using the NAPA part since OEM part costs a lung and leg. Each visit, a decent amount of transmission fluid leaked, and one point, one of the seals made it the transmission go bone dry which triggered the CEL.

Do yourself a favor and save your rear end by ordering an OE part off of Rockauto or shopping around the parts department of like at least 10 different Nissan dealers in your state to give you the best price. NEVER USE NAPA FOR CV AXLES OR YOU WILL END UP WITH A DRY TRANSMISSION!!!!!

[Rogue Jarhead]

OEM is best, also be aware that some new seals are Teflon, you must be very careful not to nick them during installation and the axle during installation needs to be clean and dry. I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the contact surface and make sure fluid is not dribbling out of the transmission over the edge of the seal. Clean and dry is the key , after installation it needs to set for four hours without moving so the seal will fully seat.

The difference in the seals is the old rubber style has a spring around the lip of the seal the Teflon does not.

[casperfun]

When my seals leaked.

Each time I asked & practically begged the Nissan Service advisors for new oem cv axles since they were going in there to fix the leak.

I just wanted to be pro active and get new ones in there while at it.

And it seemed kinda same price anyways.

Instead, with displeasure I just let them repair the boot each time.

Anyways, haven’t had a problem for a couple years.

All seems good.

But I did, and still wished they were new.

Don’t think much of them anymore.

Business as usual. Smooth ride.

[Dan_s_young]

I just wanted to follow up. I got another OE shaft from a wrecker ($88 CAD), and guess what - problem solved. The sealing surface on the OE shaft measured 0.5mm smaller than the Napa shaft - apparently that was enough to cause it to constantly leak.

I had previously tried a combination of OE axle seals and aftermarket nothing made a difference. I was very very careful not to damage the seals. I let our Napa rep know about the issue, he didn’t seem to care LOL...

So just a heads up, steer clear of Napa CV shafts for your rogue.