Rear Axle Seal Replacement OptionWhich One?

EastTNTitanTower · 10-10-2010, 03:51 PM

Both rear axle seals have started leaking at 70,000 miles. I tow a travel trailer so the T gets some heavy use.

Other posts have indicated that the Nissan dealers are changing the whole axle shaft with bearing and seal already assembled.

The people who have had this done do not have the problem return, but it costs a lot more.

Should I have the dealer do the more expensive repair or just have a local shop replace the seals and chance how long it will be before the problem returns?

I appreciate any advice.

splifrover · 10-10-2010, 03:55 PM

I was quote $1000 from dealer to replace mine. I will probably do it myself or buy a new currie rear.

titanss · 10-10-2010, 05:16 PM

You can change out the new axles out in the drive way in about 2 hours and not loose a drop of gear oil.

EastTNTitanTower · 10-11-2010, 01:25 PM

Thank you for your replies.

The local shop I usually deal with said they cannot do the job.
The local Nissan dealer quoted me $750 to do both and I have an appointment for this Wednesday.

Will let you know how it goes.

jimmy120 · 10-11-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastTNTitanTower

Thank you for your replies.

The local shop I usually deal with said they cannot do the job.
The local Nissan dealer quoted me $750 to do both and I have an appointment for this Wednesday.

Will let you know how it goes.

They are going to replace the seals and not the whole axle? I thought the dealers were no longer replacing the seals and were only replacing the whole axle? How much did they quote you for a new axle? Is there a guarantee/warranty with the seal replacement?

Finn's Brood · 10-11-2010, 06:13 PM

Whole axle replacement is news to me. I brought min in at 90,000 + miles cuz it was making a clicking sound which turned out to be u-joints but also noticed the rear axle seal was leaking. They fixed both under warranty, (bought it with 85k, got a 2yr 30k warranty) but only replaced the seals. Was that a recall?

EastTNTitanTower · 10-13-2010, 08:55 AM

The service manager said he had never heard of changing the whole axle shaft assembly.

They changed the seals, bearings, and spacers on both sides. I saw the mechanic grinding the old one off and it took almost 4 hours. Total price $758.87.
It has a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty.
He said he has only had one rear axle seal come back after they installed a new one and it was over 30,000 miles later.

I ordered a new axle vent valve and will change it out when it comes in ($16). Simply a preventative decision.

They said my truck needs a condenser fan as part of a new recall. The parts should be in next week and it will be free to me (like the fuel sending unit recall).

If the seal doesn't leak again I will be happy.

The service department has always treated me well. My only other problem has been the tire pressure light comes on when it gets below 20 degrees in the winter.

**nascarjody** · 10-13-2010, 11:46 AM

If they havent seen the bulliten to replace the axle shaft instead of the bearing & seal then I am not sure I would want them doing the job. This bulliten has been out since feb 2010.

EastTNTitanTower · 10-13-2010, 02:29 PM

nascarjody

Do you know the date or number of the bulletin?
If so maybe I can show it to them when I go back for the warranty work.

jimmy120 · 10-13-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastTNTitanTower

nascarjody

Do you know the date or number of the bulletin?
If so maybe I can show it to them when I go back for the warranty work.

I stand corrected

. I have read post on TT where some dealers were replacing the entire axle because of the leak. I found the TSB (published 02/2010), which specifically states "Do not replace the entire rear axle assembly for this incident, if it should occur. See this bulletin for further detail."

I have attached the TSB for your viewing pleasure.

EastTNTitanTower · 10-14-2010, 02:20 PM

Thank you for the service bulletin.
I will take it to the dealer then he does the recall next week.

bestatchess · 12-13-2010, 09:51 AM

Does anybody know exactly what, if any, difference there is between the new shaft/seal assembly and the old shaft & seal for the 2004-2007 trucks?

I found that I can get Timken Set 10 bearings from Rock Auto for like $24 which includes the bearing, race, retainer ring. The cheapest I found for the seal is $22. So you are looking at around $50 per side for the parts and somebody with a press to press them on. Anybody find a cheaper place to buy the seal?

The only potential issue is if the axle shaft is scored where the seal rides, but then maybe you can get a Speedi-Sleeve to sleeve that so you don't have to buy a new shaft.