Transaxle seals Maxima

[Richard D]

1994 Maxima GXE - Problem installing transaxle seals.
I am installing new CV joints and axles on my 94 Maxima GXE with the VG30E engine. I thought I should relace the transaxle seals as long as I was that far into the project. The drivers side seal housing has a shoulder so the seal could bottom out on the shoulder and only go in so far. However the passenger side could be driven in until it touches the bearing race. I used SKF seals from Napa which have deeper sides than the Nissan seals (at least on the passenger side... maybe 11 millimeters instead of maybe 8).

I was told at the dealer that everyone drops down the exhaust Y tube to install the seal, but I didn't. I drove the seal in with a large socket that fit it, and used an extension to reach out almost to the wheel well where I could tap on it.

I have driven in the passenger side seal about two millimeters past being flush with the housing. Does anyone think that will be a problem. The rubber lip won't be quite as far into the shield on the axle (which is supposed to overlap with the seal) but it does still fit inside part way.

Should I get a fresh seal and start over? Or will this be OK?

Thanks,
Richard in South Carolina

[Q451990]

The service manual for the 1994 Maxima (I think they're the same) shows a special drift for driving in that seal. The drift has a lip to prevent driving it in too far. So yes, I think I'd try again and have someone eyeball it to make sure you drive it to just flush with the housing if the drift isn't available... Might be worth checking to see if it's available as a loaner tool at the parts stores.

If you would like to see the service manual, it's at www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

Heath

[Richard D]

Thanks, Heath.
I guess it would be cautious to replace the seal and get it right. I have the Factory Manual and saw the tool, but I can't find a loaner tool. However I can make a seal driver out of plywood that will protect the extended rubber lip on the seal and also overlap the transaxle housing so the seal can't go in too far. Probably just a 30 minute wood working project.
I noticed that you are also in Columbia.... do you know Kevin at the parts counter on Beltline?
I looked for a button like they have on Techguysupport to mark this "solved" but could not find it
Do the threads just stay open forever?

I am going to post a question about lubricating the new axles where the splines go into the wheel hubs. Do you have a suggestion on that?

Thanks,
Richard in Columbia

[Q451990]

The threads stay open here - kind of weird when someone bumps something that's several years old, but it seems to work.

Kevin sounds familiar... maybe he worked the Infiniti counter in St. Andrews for a while? I get it in there occasionally, but order most of my stuff from Infiniti of Scottsdale. If you have a socket that will fit the inner opening of the seal, you might be able to attach it to a larger piece of wood with a screw and washer from the inside of the socket. I can picture it but can't explain it that well.

I don't know on the spline lube... If the service manual doesn't specify anything, I'm a big fan of the "Super Lube" brand of synthetic grease. You can get it at Harbor Freight, and maybe other places too.

Good luck!

Heath

[Richard D]

Heath,

Thanks for the pointers. I have ordered a good bit from Castrucci Auto Mall of Dayton. But Kevin here really knows his stuff when I need help, and is willing to re-stock what I don't use.

BTW with your experience, would you kindly take a look at my post about the steering rack and see if you have any ideas ( it is titled Steering Rack Oil seals on Maxima).

Thanks,
Richard