Nissan 38164-VE060 Shaft Rear Axle

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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.

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.

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.

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.

To remove the drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts, first remove the skid plate if equipped. Then, have an assistant apply the brake while you loosen the bolts. This prevents the drive axle from turning while you work.

If the bearing or bearing grease seal needs replacement, take the assembly to an automotive machine shop. They will remove the old bearing and seal and install new ones.

Common symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include a clicking noise that occurs during turns, a clunking sound when accelerating after coasting, and vibration at highway speeds.

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 to remove it from under the vehicle.

Overhauling the differential is not typically a cost-effective endeavor for a do-it-yourselfer. Instead, any further work involving the differential should be entrusted to a qualified repair shop with the appropriate expertise and equipment.

After adjusting the snap-ring, install the free-running hub assembly, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Ensure the vehicle is safely lowered and the lug nuts are adequately tightened.

It's important to inspect the boots on the drive axles periodically for any damage or signs of leaking lubricant. If either boot on a drive axle is damaged, that drive axle needs to be removed in order to replace the boot.

Prior to guiding the axleshaft back into the axle housing, apply a thin coat of grease to the outer surface of the bearing. If you're working on a four-cylinder, 2WD Frontier, or Xterra model, make sure to install any shims that were present during removal.

Prior to guiding the axleshaft back into the axle housing, apply a thin coat of grease to the outer surface of the bearing. If you're working on a four-cylinder, 2WD Frontier, or Xterra model, make sure to install any shims that were present during removal.

For Frontier and Xterra models, support the engine from above with an engine hoist or an engine support fixture. Then, unbolt the engine mounts and raise the engine for clearance.

Proceed to detach the vent hose from the differential housing.

To check for play in the CV joints and drive axle shafts, you can grasp each axle and rotate it in both directions while holding the CV joint housings. This can help identify any excessive movement or play in the joints.

Overhauling the differential is not typically a cost-effective endeavor for a do-it-yourselfer. Instead, any further work involving the differential should be entrusted to a qualified repair shop with the appropriate expertise and equipment.

To start removing the front drive axle, first loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and securely support it on jackstands. Then, remove the wheel and the free-running hub.