Genuine 1998 Nissan Pathfinder Axle Shaft

1998 Nissan Pathfinder Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and reinstall the front axle shaft in a 4WD 1998 Nissan Pathfinder's front suspension system?

  A: The wheel lug nuts need loosening before you lift the front of the vehicle to set it on proper jack stands and then remove the wheel. The project begins by removing the hub cap followed by moving it away from its position with a chisel when required. A replacement hub cap should be considered at this time. First remove the Axle Shaft snap-ring followed by unscrewing nuts before taking off the drive flange from the hub. At this point remove the available skid plate from your vehicle. An assistant should brake the vehicle while helping to loosen drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts but prevent drive axle rotation before separating the drive axle from the axle shaft flange. Use three nut removal to disconnect the ball joint from the control arm followed by pulling out the knuckle while inserting the drive axle through it. Check the needle bearing of the knuckle before deciding whether to replace it with fresh bearings installed according to direction. Install the thrust washer on the drive axle with its chamfer located at the center. Multi-purpose grease should be used to lubricate both the needle bearing inside the steering knuckle and the drive axle splines. Use the right tools to position the drive axle correctly by joining its inner end to the axleshaft flange then bolt it with the required torque specification. Use new nuts to connect the ball joint to the control arm before torquing them to their specified measurements. If the drive flange O-rings display deterioration the technician will replace them before installing the drive flange and tightening the nuts. When adding the snap-ring to the drive axle groove you should use a dial indicator to measure its hub end play. Find the correct snap-ring thickness when the end play results are outside the specified range. To finish this procedure mount the hub cap, wheel and secure it with lug nuts. This step must be performed after lowering the vehicle. Ensure the lug nuts achieve the correct torque specification.