Axle seal leak

dave1812 · 02-06-2006, 10:02 AM

Hi - In November, I brought my 96 Maxima to a highly recommended local mechanic because my front suspension was making noises and it had a small oil leak. The oil was from the passenger side axle seal. The CV joints were cracked open.

The mechanic suggested we replace both axle seals and both CV axles, so I did.

The suspension noise went away, but there was still an oil leak. This time from the driver's side axle seal which did not leak before the repair.

In the past three months, we have replaced the driver's side seal six times and tried three more CV axles (all at no charge). There is still a small leak. We've tried parts from several suppliers including Nissan. The mechanic is out of ideas -- he has even "talked to his buddy at Nissan." He has offered me my money back for all driver's side repairs.

It is only a tiny leak now which I could live with, but I think this should be easy to fix. Any ideas?

dave

*Vlasic* · 02-06-2006, 10:11 AM

Are you talking about the cv boots on the axle, or the axle seals on the transmission?

rome06 · 02-06-2006, 10:19 AM

its probably the rubber seal that goes into the tranny on the drivers side axle.....mine was leaking too and it was a easy fix

s0ber · 02-06-2006, 10:51 AM

differential carrier bearings in the transmission assuming its a 5spd..

dave1812 · 02-06-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlasic

Are you talking about the cv boots on the axle, or the axle seals on the transmission?

It is the axle seals on the transmission.

*Vlasic* · 02-06-2006, 12:22 PM

If it was leaking from the transmission then I dont know why you replaced the cv joints. If you replaced the axle seals and its still leaking, then you probably have a bad diff bearing like what s0ber said. Do you have a 5 speed? Get under the car and grab the axle right where it enters the transmission and try and move it up and down. If it moves then your diff bearing is bad. There should be no play in the axle where it meets the tranny.

dave1812 · 02-06-2006, 12:52 PM

Thanks.

It is a 5 speed. The axle is rock solid - it doesn't move at all where it meets the transmission. The leak is clearly coming from the axle seal despite numereous attempts at replacing it. I can clean it all off and watch it leak.

Maybe I will have another mechanic look at it.