Question 1

What is the description and functionality of the rear axle assembly and related components in the Nissan Pathfinder?

Accepted Answer

The rear axle assembly is a hypoid, semi-floating type which allows the outer rear wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner tire when the vehicle goes around a corner. On 4WD models, a fully independent front axle assembly is used with a differential and a pair of drive axles, each with an inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joint. An optional locking limited-slip rear axle is also available which allows for normal operation until one wheel loses traction. A limited-slip unit is similar in design to a conventional differential, except for the addition of a pair of multi-disc clutch packs which slow the rotation of the differential case when one wheel is on a firm surface and the other is on a slippery one. Often, a suspected "axle" problem lies elsewhere, so it is important to do a thorough check of other possible causes before assuming the axle is the problem. Overhauling the differential isn't cost effective for a do-it-yourselfer, so any further work should be left to a qualified repair shop.

Question 2

How to remove and reinstall the front drive axle in a 4WD Nissan Pathfinder's front suspension system?

Accepted Answer

Loosen wheel lug nuts, raise vehicle, and support on jackstands. Remove wheel, free-running hub, and snap-ring from axle shaft splines. Remove skid plate, if equipped. Have assistant apply brake as you loosen axle shaft-to-axle shaft flange bolts. Separate axle shaft from flange. Place floor jack under lower control arm and raise slightly. Separate tie-rod end from steering knuckle. Remove cotter pin and loosen nut from upper control arm ball joint. Break knuckle loose from ball joint. Remove nut and separate upper control arm from knuckle. Pull out on knuckle and push axle shaft through. Inspect needle bearing in knuckle and replace if necessary. Install thrust washer on axle shaft. Lubricate needle bearing and axle shaft splines. Connect inner end of axle shaft to axleshaft flange. Connect tie-rod end to steering knuckle. Install snap-ring in inner groove on axle shaft. Measure end play of axle shaft in hub. Install free-running hub assembly. Install wheel and lug nuts. Lower vehicle and tighten lug nuts.

Question 3

How to remove and reinstall the rear axle assembly in a Nissan Pathfinder?

Accepted Answer

Loosen rear wheel lug nuts, raise vehicle and support on jack stands. Block front wheels. Remove rear wheels, disconnect driveshaft, shock absorbers, vent hose, brake line fittings, ABS wheel speed sensor, brake drums and shoes (2WD Frontier only). Disconnect parking brake cables. Unbolt spring U-bolts, spring plates, stabilizer bar brackets (Pathfinder/Xterra only). Remove coil springs, suspension arms and Pan hard rod. Lower jack and remove rear axle assembly. Reverse installation, tighten U-joint strap bolts and suspension fasteners, bleed brakes.

Question 4

How do you remove and reinstall the front axle assembly and related components in a Nissan Pathfinder's suspension system?

Accepted Answer

Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then detach the vent hose from the differential housing. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the differential companion flange, then unbolt the driveshaft from the flange and support it with a piece of wire from the under body. Unbolt the inner ends of the drive axles and support them with pieces of wire from the under body. For Frontier and Xterra models, support the engine from above with an engine hoist or an engine support fixture, unbolt the engine mounts and raise the engine for clearance. Support the front axle assembly with a floor jack placed under the differential, then unbolt the differential and axle tube mounts from the front suspension cross member and remove the bolt from each end of the differential mounting member. For Pathfinder models, support the front axle assembly with a floor jack placed under the differential, then remove the mounting bolts from the support brackets at either end of the axle/differential assembly and slowly lower the assembly and remove it from under the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure, tightening the mounting fasteners securely, the driveshaft and drive axle fasteners to the torque and checking the differential lubricant level and adding some, if necessary, to bring it to the appropriate level.

Question 5

How to replace and reinstall the rear axle shafts, Wheel Bearing, Wheel Seal in a Nissan Pathfinder?

Accepted Answer

Loosen wheel lug nuts, raise vehicle and support on jackstands. Remove wheel, brake drum and shoes, disconnect parking brake cable and hydraulic line fitting. Unbolt axle retaining plate, pull axle from housing. Take assembly to machine shop for bearing and seal replacement. Pry out oil seal, drive in new one. Apply grease to bearing. Install shims, guide axleshaft into housing. Install retaining plate nuts, check end play. Reverse removal, check lubricant level, bleed brakes, install wheel and lug nuts. Lower vehicle, tighten lug nuts.

Question 6

What is the function and structure of the drive axles and CV joints in the front differential/axle system of a Nissan Pathfinder?

Accepted Answer

Power is transmitted from the differential to the front wheels through axle shafts with inner CV joints and outer "ball-and-cage" type CV joints. Inspect boots periodically for damage and leaking lubricant. Symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include clicking noise in turns, clunk when accelerating and vibration at highway speeds. Play in the CV joints and axle shafts can be checked by rotating them in both directions.

Genuine Nissan Pathfinder Axle Shaft

48 Axle Shafts found

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,RH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,LH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,LH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assembly-Front Drive,R

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assembly-Side,Differential

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Rear Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Rear Axle

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Rear Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,RH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assembly-Front Drive R

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,LH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assembly-FRT Drive RH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,RH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Ft Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Rear Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,LH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive,RH

Nissan Pathfinder Shaft Assy-Front Drive

Nissan Pathfinder Axle Shaft

Nissan Pathfinder Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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