### Automatic Transaxle Assembly

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### 1993-94 Sentra

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
3. Remove the left front tire.
4. Drain the transaxle fluid.
5. Remove the left side fender protector.
6. Remove the halfshafts.

   NOTE: Be careful not to damage the oil seals when removing the halfshafts. After removing the halfshafts, install a suitable bar so the side gears will not rotate and fall into the differential case.

7. On the Sentra Wagon, disconnect and remove the forward exhaust pipe.
8. Disconnect the speedometer cable.
9. Disconnect the throttle wire (cable) connection.
10. Remove the control cable rear end from the unit and remove the oil level gauge tube.
11. Place a suitable jack under the transaxle and engine. Do not place the jack under the oil pan drain plug. Support the engine with wooden blocks placed between the engine and the center member.
12. Disconnect the oil cooler and charging tubes. Plug the tube ends to prevent leakage.
13. Remove the engine motor mount securing bolts, as required.
14. Remove the starter motor and disconnect all electrical wires from the transaxle.
15. Loosen and remove all but 3 of the bolts holding the transaxle to the engine. Leave the 3 bolts in to support the weight of the transaxle while removing the converter bolts.
16. Remove the dust covers.
17. Remove the bolts holding the torque converter to the drive plate. Rotate the crankshaft to gain access to each bolt. Before separating the torque converter, place chalk marks on 2 parts for alignment purposes during installation.

    NOTE: The transaxle bolts are different lengths. Tag each bolt according to location to ensure proper installation.

18. Remove the 3 remaining bolts. Move the jack gradually until the transaxle can be lowered and removed from the vehicle through the left side wheel housing.
19. Check the drive plate runout with a dial indicator. Runout must be no more than 0.020 in. (0.5mm).

    To install:

20. If the torque converter was removed from the transaxle for any reason, after it is installed, the distance from the face of the converter to the edge of the converter housing must be checked prior to installing the transaxle. This is done to ensure proper installation of the torque converter. Check the distance and make sure it is as follows:
    1. RL3F01A transaxles should be 0.831 in. (21mm) or more.
    2. RL4F03A and RL4F03V transaxles should be 0.748 in. (19mm) or more.
21. Raise the transaxle onto the engine and install the torque converter bolts. Torque the bolts to specification. Install 3 bolts to support the transaxle while tightening the converter bolts.

    NOTE: After the converter is installed, rotate the crankshaft several times to make sure the transaxle rotates freely and does not bind.

22. Install the dust covers.
23. Install the transaxle mounting bolts and tighten as shown (see illustration).

    Fig. 1: Transaxle mounting bolts specifications -- 1993-94 Sentra

24. Install the remaining components in the opposite order from which they were removed.
25. Road test the vehicle and check for leaks.

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

1. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cables.
2. Remove the battery and bracket from the vehicle.
3. Remove the air duct between the throttle body and the air cleaner.
4. Disconnect the solenoid harness connector, inhibitor switch harness connector and the revolution speed sensor harness connector.
5. Disconnect the torque converter clutch solenoid harness connector and the vehicle speed sensor harness connector.
6. Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the transaxle.
7. For RL4F03A transaxles, disconnect the throttle wire at the engine side.
8. Drain the fluid from the transaxle.
9. Disconnect the control cable from the transaxle.
10. Disconnect the oil cooler lines from the transaxle.
11. Remove the halfshafts from the transaxle.
12. Remove the intake manifold support brackets.
13. Remove the starter motor from the transaxle.
14. Remove the upper bolts that secure the transaxle to the engine.
15. Using a block of wood, support the transaxle with a jack.
16. Remove the center crossmember.
17. On vehicles with GA16DE engines, remove the front and rear gussets.
18. Remove the rear plate cover.
19. Remove the torque converter mounting bolts. It will be necessary to rotate the engine by hand to gain access to all bolts.
20. Remove the rear transaxle to engine bracket.
21. Remove the rear transaxle mount.
22. Remove the lower transaxle to engine mounting bolts.
23. Slide the transaxle away from the engine and lower the transaxle assembly.

    To install:

    When connecting the torque converter to the transaxle, be sure to measure the distance between the mounting lug of the converter and the front edge of the transaxle.

24. The measured distance between the converter and the front of the transaxle should be:
    1. 0.831 inches (21.1mm) or more for GA16DE engine vehicles
    2. 0.626 inches (15.9mm) or more for SR20DE engine vehicles
25. Raise the transaxle and install to engine drive plate.
26. Install the transaxle mounting bolts in the proper location as noted during removal. Torque the bolts to specifications.

    Fig. 2:Transaxle bolt torque specifications -- 1995-97 Sentra and 200SX

27. The remaining components are installed in the reverse order from which they were removed.
28. Tighten the torque converter mounting bolts to 33-43 ft. lbs. (44-59 Nm).
29. Fill the transaxle to the proper level, start the engine, and recheck the fluid level.
30. Road test the vehicle and verify proper operation.

##### Altima

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal, positive terminal, and remove the battery from the vehicle.
2. Remove the battery tray.
3. Remove the air cleaner box with the mass air flow sensor.
4. Remove the air duct.
5. Remove the vehicles front wheels.
6. Raise and safely support the vehicle so there is clearance to remove the transaxle from underneath. Securely support the engine with a jack. Place a wooden block between the jack and the oil pan. This will protect the oil pan from being damaged.
7. Drain the automatic transaxle fluid.
8. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the side of the transaxle.
9. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the vehicle speed sensor and the revolution sensor.
10. Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the transaxle.
11. Remove the left hand mounting bracket from the transaxle and body.
12. Disconnect the control cable from the side of the transaxle.
13. Remove both halfshafts from the transaxle assembly. Securely support the transaxle with another jack.
14. Disconnect the oil cooler lines.
15. Remove the starter motor from the transaxle.
16. Remove the center crossmember from the vehicle.
17. Remove the rear cover plate for access to the torque converter bolts.
18. Remove the torque converter to drive plate bolts.

    NOTE: When removing the torque converter, turn the crankshaft for access to the bolts. Place alignment marks on the converter and drive plate, so the converter can be installed in its original position.

19. Remove the transaxle mounting bolts, pull the transaxle away from the engine and lower it from the vehicle.

    NOTE: The transaxle mounting bolts are different lengths. Tagging the bolts upon removal will facilitate proper tightening during installation.

    To install:

    NOTE: When installing the torque converter to the transaxle, measure the depth of the converter to ensure proper installation.

20. Using a straight edge across the mounting flange, measure the depth of the converter. The measurement is to the bolt mounting flange of the converter.
21. The depth measurement of the converter should be 0.75 inches (19mm) or more.
22. Install the transaxle assembly into the vehicle and tighten the mounting bolts to specifications.

    NOTE: The transaxle mounting bolts are different lengths and require special torque specifications. Use care when installing and tightening these bolts.

    Fig. 3:Transaxle bolt torque specifications -- Altima

    Fig. 4: Transaxle-to-engine bolt torque -- 1993-94 Maxima (VG30E) engine

    Fig. 5: Transaxle-to-engine bolt torque -- 1993-94 Maxima (VE30DE) engines

    Fig. 6: Transaxle bolt torque specifications -- 1995-97 Maxima

23. Torque the bolts holding the converter to the drive plate to 33-43 ft. lbs. (44-59 Nm).
24. Install the remaining components in the opposite order from which they were removed.
25. Connect the positive and then the negative battery terminals.
26. Refill the transaxle with the proper type and amount of fluid.
27. Road test the vehicle for proper operation and recheck the fluid level.

##### 1993-94 Maxima

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If necessary, remove the battery and the battery tray.
2. Raise and safely support vehicle.
3. Remove the oil cooler lines from the transaxle and drain the fluid from the transaxle and the radiator. Plug the transaxle fittings and the oil cooler lines.
4. Disconnect the shift linkage from the transaxle.
5. If equipped, disconnect the electrical harness connector from the transaxle.
6. Disconnect and remove the drive axles from the transaxle.
7. Remove the starter assembly.
8. Matchmark the torque converter-to-driveplate position.
9. Rotate the crankshaft and remove the torque converter-to-flywheel bolts.
10. Using transmission jack, support the transaxle and remove the bolts that secure the transaxle to the frame.
11. Remove the transaxle assembly-to-engine bolts and pull the transaxle assembly rearward from the engine; be careful the torque converter does not fall off the transaxle's shaft.
12. To inspect the drive plate for runout, perform the following procedures:
    1. Mount a dial indicator to the rear of the engine and zero the indicator.
    2. Rotate the crankshaft by hand and measure the runout at various positions on the drive plate.
    3. The runout should be less than 0.020 in. (0.5mm); if not, replace the drive plate and ring gear.
13. Using a straight-edge and a ruler, measure the torque converter-to-transaxle recessed depth, it should be for VG30E engine-0.71 in. (18mm) or more. For VE30DE engine, it should be 0.55 in. (14mm) or more

    To install:

14. Install the transaxle assembly to the engine. Torque the transaxle assembly-to-engine bolts, as follows for vehicles with VG30E engine:
15. Bolt 1: 22-30 ft. lbs. (30-40 Nm)
16. Bolt 2: 29-36 ft. lbs. (39-49 Nm)
17. Bolt 3: 22-30 ft. lbs. (30-40 Nm)
18. For vehicles with a VE30DE engine, the tightening torque should be:
19. Bolt 1: 29-36 ft. lbs. (39-49 Nm)
20. Bolt 2: 29-36 ft. lbs. (39-49 Nm)
21. Bolt 3: 22-30 ft. lbs. (30-40 Nm)
22. Bolt 4: 22-30 ft. lbs. (30-40 Nm)
23. Bolt 5: 22-30 ft. lbs. (30-40 Nm)
24. Bolt 6: 32-43 ft. lbs. (43-58 Nm)
25. Align the torque converter-to-driveplate matchmarks, apply locking sealant to the torque converter-to-driveplate bolts and torque the torque converter-to-driveplate bolts to 33-43 ft. lbs. (44-59 Nm).
26. The balance of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
27. With the parking brake applied and the engine idling, move the selector lever through N to D, to 2, to 1 and to R.

    NOTE: When moving the selector lever, a slight notch or bump should be felt by the hand gripping the selector lever each time the transaxle is shifted.

28. Test drive the vehicle and check for proper operation.

##### 1995-97 Maxima

1. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cables.
2. Remove the battery and the battery tray.
3. Remove the air cleaner and the resonator.
4. Raise and safely support the vehicle so there is clearance to remove the transaxle from underneath. Securely support the engine via the oil pan using a cushioning wooden block and a jack.
5. Disconnect the terminal cord assembly wiring harness and the inhibitor switch.
6. Disconnect the wiring harness for the revolution sensor and the vehicle speed sensor.
7. Remove the crankshaft position sensor (POS) from the transaxle.
8. Remove the LH mounting bracket from the transaxle and body.
9. Disconnect the control cable at the transaxle side.
10. Drain the fluid from the transaxle.
11. Remove both driveshafts from the transaxle assembly.
12. Disconnect and plug the oil cooler lines.
13. Remove the starter motor from the transaxle.
14. Support the transaxle with proper safety jack.
15. Remove the center crossmember assembly.
16. Remove the rear cover or access plate.
17. Remove the bolts that secure the flywheel to the torque converter. Rotate the flywheel to gain access to the three converter mounting bolts.

    NOTE: When removing the torque converter, turn the crankshaft for access to the bolts. Place alignment marks on the converter and drive plate, so the converter can be installed in its original position.

18. Remove the bolts that secure the transaxle to the engine block.

    NOTE: The transaxle bolts are of different lengths, be sure to note the location of the bolts for reassembly.

19. Lower the transaxle while supporting it with a jack. Be sure the torque converter remains with the transaxle.
20. Using a dial indicator measure the drive plate run out while rotating the crankshaft.
21. The runout must be less than 0.0059 inches (0.15mm).

    To install:

    NOTE: When installing the torque converter to the transaxle, measure the depth of the converter to ensure proper installation.

22. Using a straight edge across the mounting flange, measure the depth of the converter. The measurement is to the bolt mounting flange of the converter.
23. The depth measurement of the converter should be 0.55 inches (14mm) or more.
24. Install the transaxle assembly to the engine block while aligning the torque converter. Torque the transaxle bolts to specifications.
25. Install the converter mounting bolts and tighten the bolts to 33-43 ft. lbs. (44-59 Nm).
26. Install the rear access cover plate to the transaxle.
27. Install the center crossmember assembly and tighten the mounting bolts to 57-72 ft. lbs. (77-98 Nm).
28. Install the LH engine mount and torque the through bolt to 32-41 ft. lbs. (43-55 Nm)
29. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
30. Lower the vehicle.
31. Refill the transaxle with the proper type and amount of fluid.