Genuine Nissan 350Z Differential Seal

Nissan 350Z Differential Seal Parts Questions & Answers

• Seal-Oil,Drive Pinion
  38189-P0117
  Q: How do you replace the pinion oil seal in the rear differential of Nissan 350Z?

  A: To replace the pinion oil seal in the rear differential of 2005 and earlier models, first lift the vehicle up, then securely put it on jackstands. After draining the differential, you'll need a flange holding tool or a chain wrench for these models to stop the companion flange from turning as you loosen its self-locking pinion nut. Take off the pinion nut, insert a new one, and make alignment marks on both the flange and the differential pinion shaft. Take out the flange, using a two-jaw puller if necessary, without prying or hammering. Pry out old seal and discard it; tap clean gear oil into new seal lips while gently tapping it down in place. Make certain that it is driven squarely into housing and seated fully therein. Reinstall the pinion flange and apply RTV sealant to spline ends at center of flange for oil sealing purposes. Install new pinion nut and finally tighten it to specified torque. Attach driveshaft to pinion flange; fill diff with fluid recommended by manufacturer. For 2006 and later models: First remove rear drive axles from differential flanges marking them for reassembly realignment later Disconnect ABS rear wheel speed sensors and suspend drive axles with wire Use slide hammer with angle attachment to remove side flanges Mark driveshaft and companion flange for realignment Remove driveshaft Using an inch-pound torque wrench record torque required to turn pinion nut through several revolutions which indicates pinion bearing preload Prevent companion flange from moving by using a chain wrench or a holding tool during loosening of self-locking pinion nut Find new nut, mark relationship of companion flange to drive pinion shaft, then take out companion flange with adequate puller Pry out old seal; lubricate lips of new seal with clean gear oil before tapping squarely into place Inspect splines on the drive pinion shaft, clean and put on companion flange with marks Gently tap it until you can start the new pinion nut on the pinion shaft Use a tool to hold the companion flange while tightening the pinion nut, checking the rotational torque measurements with the inch-pound torque wrench until reaching the preload torque. Start reinstallation of side flanges, beginning with right-side flange first and using drift to drive it in until seated Reinstall driveaxles, fill diff with specified fluid. The procedure outlined above is similar to that followed during replacement of pinion oil seal in front differential as is practiced for 2005 and earlier rear differential pinion oil seal replacement.