### Halfshaft

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### 1993-94 Sentra

NOTE: On some models, installation of the halfshafts will require a special tool for the spline alignment of the halfshaft end and the transaxle case. Do not perform this procedure without access to this tool. The KentMoore tool Number is J-34296 and J-34297

1. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jackstands, then remove the wheel and the tire assembly.
2. Remove the caliper assembly.
3. Remove the cotter pin from the drive axle.
4. Using a bar to hold the wheel from turning, loosen the hub nut.
5. Using the removal tool HT72520000 or equivalent, remove the tie rod ball joint from the steering knuckle.
6. Remove the control arm-to-steering knuckle, ball joint mounting nuts and separate the ball joint from the control arm.
7. Drain the lubricant from the transaxle.
8. Pull the hub/steering knuckle assembly away from the vehicle, to disconnect the driveshaft from the transaxle.

   NOTE: When removing the driveshaft from the transaxle, do not pull on the driveshaft. The driveshaft will separate at the sliding joint (damaging the boot). Use a small pry bar to remove it from the transaxle. Be sure to replace the oil seal in the transaxle. After removing the driveshaft from the transaxle, be sure to install a holding tool to hold the side gear in place while the axle is removed.

9. Support the engine properly and remove support bracket if so equipped.
10. Use a wheel puller tool to press the driveshaft from the hub/steering knuckle assembly.

    To install:

11. Use a new circlip on the driveshaft and install a new oil seal to the transaxle.
12. Install the driveshaft assembly and connect the lower control arm-to-ball joint.

    NOTE: When installing the driveshaft into the transaxle, use oil seal protector tool KV38106700 or equivalent to protect the oil seal from damage; after installation, remove the tool.

13. Torque the control arm-to-ball joint to 40-47 ft. lbs. (54-64 Nm), the lower ball joint stud nut to 25-36 ft. lbs. (34-49 Nm).
14. Install the tie rod to the steering knuckle and torque the tie rod stud nut to 22-36 ft. lbs. (30-49 Nm).
15. Install then hub nut and tighten to 87-145 ft. lbs. (114-197 Nm).
16. Install new cotter pin in drive axle and mount the caliper assembly.
17. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
18. Road test for proper operation.

##### 1995-97 Sentra and 200SX

NOTE: The halfshafts will require a special tool for the spline alignment of the halfshaft end into the transaxle case. Do not perform this procedure without access to this tool. The KentMoore tool Number is J-34296 and J-34297

1. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jackstands, then remove the wheel and the tire assembly.
2. Using a bar to hold the wheel from turning, loosen and remove the hub nut.
3. Remove the clip and separate the brake hose from the strut.
4. Remove the caliper assembly and support it with a wire. Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose.
5. Remove the bolts that secure the strut to the steering knuckle.

   NOTE: Cover the halfshaft boots with shop towels to protect them during removal of the shaft.

6. Separate the halfshaft from the knuckle by lightly tapping it with a hammer. If it is hard to remove, use a puller.
7. Remove the halfshaft from the transaxle as follows:
   1. Models without support bearing -- Pry the halfshaft from the transaxle.
   2. Models with support bearing -- Remove the support bearing bolts and pull the halfshaft from transaxle.

      NOTE: When removing the halfshaft from the transaxle, do not pull on the halfshaft. The halfshaft will separate at the sliding joint (damaging the boot). Use a small pry bar to remove it from the transaxle. Be sure to replace the oil seal in the transaxle.

8. Remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.

   To install:

9. Use a new circlip on the halfshaft and install a new oil seal to the transaxle.

   NOTE: When installing the halfshaft into the transaxle, use oil seal protector tool KV38106700 (J34296) for the left side or tool KV38106800 (J34297) for the right side to protect the oil seal from damage; after installation of the shaft remove the tool.

10. Install the halfshaft assembly into the transaxle.

    Fig. 1: Halfshaft installation tools -- 1995-97 Sentra and 200SX

    NOTE: After installation of the halfshaft, try to pull the flange out by hand. If it pulls out, the circular clip is not locked into the transaxle.

11. If removed, install the support bearing bracket bolts and tighten the mounting bolts to 19-26 ft. lbs. (25-35 Nm).
12. Lubricate the splines of the halfshaft and insert the shaft through the steering knuckle.
13. Align the steering knuckle with the lower strut mount and install the mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts to 68-82 ft. lbs. (92-111 Nm).
14. Install the disc brake caliper and connect the brake hose to the strut with the clip.
15. Install the washer and hub nut to the halfshaft. Tighten the hub nut to 145-202 ft. lbs. (197-274 Nm).
16. Install the adjusting cap and a new cotter pin in drive axle.
17. Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower the vehicle.
18. Road test the vehicle for proper operation.

##### Altima

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle with the front wheels hanging freely.
2. Remove the front wheels from the vehicle.

   NOTE: The brake caliper does not need to be disconnected from the knuckle.

3. Pull out the cotter pin from the castellated nut on the wheel hub and then remove the wheel bearing locknut.

   NOTE: Cover the CV-joint boots with a shop towel or waste cloth so not to damage them when removing the halfshaft.

4. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint.
5. Strike the knuckle with a hammer and pull down on the transverse link to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle.
6. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
7. Separate the halfshaft from the steering knuckle by tapping it with a block of wood and a mallet.
8. Using a prybar, reach through the engine crossmember and carefully pry the right inner CV-joint from the transaxle.
9. If equipped with manual transaxle, carefully pry the left inner CV-joint from the transaxle.
10. If equipped with automatic transaxle, insert a long tool into the opening for the right halfshaft and strike the tool to with a hammer.
11. Remove the left halfshaft from the transaxle.

    To install:

    NOTE: Whenever the halfshafts are removed, the axle seals should be replaced.

12. When installing the shafts into the transaxle, use a new oil seal and then install an alignment tool, KV38106700 for the left side or KV38106800 for the right side, along the inner circumference of the oil seal.
13. Insert the halfshaft into the transaxle, align the serrations and then remove the alignment tool.
14. Push the halfshaft, then press-fit the circular clip on the shaft into the clip groove on the side gear.

    NOTE: After insertion, attempt to pull the flange out of the side joint to make sure the circular clip is properly seated in the side gear and will not come out.

15. Insert the halfshaft into the steering knuckle.
16. Connect the lower ball joint and tie rod end in the correct position. Torque the lower ball joint-to-control arm nuts to 52-64 ft. lbs. (71-86 Nm) and the tie rod end-to-steering knuckle nut to 22-29 ft. lbs. (29-39 Nm). Install new cotter pins to the castle nuts.
17. Install the axle nut and tighten the locknut to 174-231 ft. lbs. (235-314 Nm).
18. Install a new cotter pin on the wheel hub and install the wheel.
19. Install the front wheels to the vehicle.
20. Road test the vehicle for proper operation.
21. Check the transaxle fluid level and top off as necessary.

##### 1993-94 Maxima

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle with the front wheels hanging freely.
2. Remove the wheel(s). Remove the brake caliper assembly. The brake hose does not need to be disconnected from the caliper. Be careful not to depress the brake pedal or twist the brake hose.
3. Support the caliper with a wire. Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake line.
4. Pull out the cotter pin from the castellated nut on the wheel hub and then remove the wheel bearing locknut.

   NOTE: Cover the CV-joint boots with a shop towel or waste cloth so not to damage them when removing the halfshaft.

5. Disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Remove the three lower ball joint-to-lower control arm nuts/bolts and then pull the control arm down.

   NOTE: Always use a new nut(s) when reinstalling the tie rod end or lower ball joint.

6. Separate the halfshaft from the steering knuckle by tapping it with a block of wood and a mallet.

   NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen (do not remove) the strut-to-chassis nuts to gain clearance for steering knuckle separation from the halfshaft. If these bolts are loosened, the alignment will have to be checked when the job is finished.

7. Using a prybar, reach through the engine crossmember and carefully pry the inner CV-joint from the transaxle or the support bearing flange.
8. Using a block of wood on an hydraulic floor jack, support the engine under the oil pan.
9. Withdraw the shaft from the steering knuckle and remove it from the vehicle. If necessary on the right side, remove the support bearing bracket from the engine and then withdraw the right halfshaft.

   To install:

10. When installing the shafts into the transaxle, use a new oil seal and then install an alignment tool, KV38106700 for the left side or KV38106800 for the right side, along the inner circumference of the oil seal.
11. Insert the halfshaft into the transaxle, align the serrations and then remove the alignment tool.
12. Push the halfshaft, then press-fit the circular clip on the shaft into the clip groove on the side gear.

    NOTE: After insertion, attempt to pull the flange out of the side joint to make sure the circular clip is properly seated in the side gear and will not come out.

13. Install the support bearing bracket bolts and tighten the bolts to 26 ft. lbs. (35 Nm). Insert the halfshaft in the steering knuckle. If loosened, tighten the strut mounting bolts.
14. Connect the lower ball joint and tie rod end in the correct position. Torque the lower ball joint-to-control arm nuts to 56-80 ft. lbs. (76-109 Nm) and the tie rod end-to-steering knuckle nut to 22-29 ft. lbs. (29-39 Nm).
15. Install the caliper assembly and the wheel bearing locknut. Tighten the locknut to 174-231 ft. lbs. (235-314 Nm).
16. Install a new cotter pin on the wheel hub and install the wheel.
17. If the brake hose was disconnected, bleed the brake system.
18. Road test the vehicle for proper operation.
19. Check the transaxle fluid level and top off as necessary.

##### 1995-97 Maxima

1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle safely and remove the wheels.
2. Remove the ABS wheel sensor and move it out of the way.
3. Remove the brake hose from the strut.
4. Remove wheel bearing locknut.
5. Matchmark and remove the bolts attaching the steering knuckle to the strut.

   NOTE: Cover axle boots with waste cloth or equivalent so as not to damage them when removing halfshaft.

6. Separate the halfshaft from the knuckle by slightly tapping it.
7. Loosen the bolts attaching the support bearing to the support bearing bracket.
8. If equipped with a manual transaxle, pry the halfshaft from the transaxle with a flat bladed tool.
9. If equipped with a automatic transaxle perform the following:
   1. Remove the right halfshaft from the vehicle.
   2. Insert a flat bladed tool into the transaxle where the right halfshaft was, place the end of the tool on the halfshaft, then drive the left shaft from the pinion side gear.
10. Remove the support bearing bolts and remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.
11. Remove and discard the circlip on the end of the halfshaft. Remove the seal from the transaxle.

    To install:

12. Install a new seal into the transaxle and install a halfshaft alignment tool KV38106700 into the transaxle seal.

    Fig. 2: Left halfshaft alignment tool -- 1995-97 Maxima

13. Install a new circlip to the halfshaft, then insert the halfshaft into the transaxle.
14. With the serrations aligned remove the alignment tool.
15. Push the halfshaft fully into the transaxle to seat the circlip. Try to pull the halfshaft from the transaxle by hand to verify that the circlip is properly seated.
16. Install the support bearing bolts and torque the bolts to 9-14 ft. lbs. (13-19 Nm).
17. Insert the halfshaft into the steering knuckle and install the hub locknut, do not tighten the hub nut at this time.
18. Connect the steering knuckle to the strut.
19. Install the strut mounting bolts and align the matchmarks. Torque the bolts to 103-117 ft. lbs. (140-159 Nm).
20. Install the brake hose to the strut.
21. Install the ABS wheel sensor and torque the attaching bolt to 13-17 ft. lbs. (18-24 Nm).
22. Install the front wheels, lower the vehicle and torque hub locknut to 174-231 ft. lbs. (235-314 Nm).
23. Check and/or adjust the wheel alignment as necessary.

##### 240SX

###### Rear

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear wheel(s).
3. Loosen the wheel bearing locknut and lightly tap on the axle shaft to loosen it from the steering knuckle. Remove the nut from the axle shaft.
4. Remove the brake caliper assembly.

   NOTE: Support the brake caliper, do not allow the caliper to hang freely from the brake hose.

5. Remove the ABS sensor from the steering knuckle.
6. Disconnect and separate the lower ball joint.
7. Pull the hub assembly outward.
8. Remove the shaft from hub assembly.
9. Unbolt and remove axle shaft from the differential.

   To install:

10. Reconnect the shaft to the differential and tighten the mounting bolts to 25-33 ft. lbs. (34-44 Nm).
11. Insert the shaft into the hub assembly.
12. Reconnect the lower control arm and ball joint. Tighten the mounting nut to 52-64 ft. lbs. (71-86 Nm) and install a new cotter pin.
13. Replace the wheel bearing nut and torque it to 152-202 ft. lbs. (206-274 Nm).
14. Install the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle and tighten the mounting bolt to 13-17 ft. lbs. (18-24 Nm).
15. Reinstall the brake caliper assembly. If the brake line was disconnected, bleed the brake system.
16. Install the wheel assembly, lower the vehicle, and perform a road test.

##### 1995-97 300ZX

###### Rear

NOTE: When removing the driveshaft assembly, disconnect the ABS wheel sensor to prevent damage to the wheel sensor. When removing the driveshaft, cover the axle boots with a shop towel for protection.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear wheel(s).
3. Unbolt the halfshaft from the flange at the rear housing.
4. Remove the cotter pin, adjusting cap, insulator, wheel bearing locknut and washer.
5. Remove the axle shaft by lightly tapping it with a copper hammer.

   WARNING
   To avoid damaging the threads of the axle shaft, install the axle nut to protect the threads.

6. Remove the shaft from the hub assembly.

   To install:

7. Insert the shaft into the hub assembly.
8. Install the washer and axle nut but do not tighten at this time.
9. Reconnect the shaft to the differential.
10. Tighten the mounting bolts and nuts with washers to:
    1. 51-58 ft. lbs. (69-78 Nm) for turbo models
    2. 47-58 ft. lbs. (64-78 Nm) for non-turbo models
11. Replace the wheel bearing nut and torque it to 152-203 ft. lbs. (206-275 Nm).
12. Install the insulator, adjusting cap and install a new cotter.
13. Install the wheel assembly and lower the vehicle.