Nissan 38162-02P00 Rear Axle Shaft

Raise the vehicle and secure it on jackstands, placing them under the suspension arms to compress the suspension. Remove the bolts securing the axle shaft to the companion flange, using a back up wrench to hold the bolts. With a jack under the spring seat stay, remove the spring seat stay bolts and lower the jack, taking care to use a screwdriver to pry the parking brake cable over the spring seat stay. Carefully pry the axle shaft towards the differential carrier to create enough clearance for removal from the wheel side flange, then gently force it down from the wheel flange while keeping the slide joint housing grease cap in place to prevent grease spillage. Remove the axle shaft from the differential carrier by placing a small pry bar between the axle shaft and carrier and giving it a quick rap with a hammer. Install the axle shaft by inserting the splined shaft into the differential carrier and work the wheel side of the axle shaft into its companion flange. Place a jack under the spring seat stay and raise it to install the retaining bolts, prying the brake cable over the end of the spring seat stay when jacking it up. Install and tighten the axle shaft to wheel companion flange bolts, then remove the jack from under the spring seat stay. Finally, remove the safety jackstands and lower the vehicle.

The differential transmits the power to the rear wheels by way of two axle shafts that rotate by means of two universal joints. There are two kinds of constant velocity (CV) joints used, depending if the subject vehicle is a Turbo model or not. Turbo models' st owning is done with Double offset-Birfield type that comes with caged ball bearings between inner race and the cage covered by a slide joint housing with a plug accompanied by a rubber boot. Non-Turbo models use what is referred to as the "Tripod-Tripod" type of bearing; this includes needle bearings enclosed within a spider assembly that is splined on the shaft and is housed in a slide joint. This bearing is locked with the spring and end cap mask, while the end of the shaft is covered with rubber boot containing lubricants.

Secure the shaft in a vise between two wooden blocks, install the spider assembly while matching the alignment marks, and drive it onto the shaft using a suitable tool.

After assembling the driveaxle, ensure it moves smoothly throughout its range without binding before reinstalling it.