I was recently told by a mechanic performing an annual inspection that I need a new halfshaft for my '93 Sentra. I looked this up in my shop manual and it doesn't seem to hard, except it requires the use of some special tools to prevent you from damaging the oil seals when you place the new shaft back in the transaxle.
Does anyone have any expierence with this job? Are these tools definitely needed? Can I rent them somewhere? Thanks for your help.
I am actually gonna be replacing my passenger-side halfshaft this coming monday. It's not too difficult of a repair, and yes some tools are needed. I had my driver-side shaft replaced last year. You will need to get an axle socket to undo the big ol' nut on the end... not sure on size (sorry), but someone here can back me up, or call a parts store. First off, drain the tranny fluid. This way, when you dislodge the shaft from the tranny, you won't flood the ground! Once the axle nut is off, unhook the brake lines, and dislodge the rotor/caliper from the axle. From here, it isn't too bad. If I remember correctly, the driver-side will have a "circlip" around the splines on the part that inserts into the tranny. This requires a screwdriver or pointy object to put pressure on the clip to release the halfshaft. It will take some work, so don't be afraid to man-handle it a bit. I believe the passenger-side does NOT have a circlip (I'll find out monday). Once the shaft is out, just replace it with the new one and reinstall everything in reverse order. When setting the new shaft in, make sure the splines meet up with the inside of the tranny --- easier said then done. Also, put the axle nut partially on the axle and, if handy, put a piece of wood on the end with the nut and wack the wood with a hammer... to set the axle in the tranny. Sometimes there is a "click!" sound, other times you just tug on the shaft if it is in. You can always opt to buy a repair kit for the boot, but most people (I found this out) say it is worth it to do the full shaft install. There is a write up on how to do the install on SE-R.net (Archives), but unfortunately I don't have the link handy. Hope this helps... I don't have that much mechanical experience, but it's not one of the more difficult replacements. Let us know how it turns out! And sorry for the long post. LOL
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<<Joe>>
The B13 is gone... now enjoying a Black 2005 VW GTI 1.8T
I've pulled both halfshafts.
Had to replace the outer CV boots.
The first time is always a pain but the second shaft went smoothly.
It's not too difficult to do, especially if you have access to some tools and a garage or decent work area. Took me about three hours to get the shaft out, clean up the CV joint and reinstall with a new boot and grease. If you have the new shaft ready to go I bet you could do it in about an hour.
Things you'll need...
22mm open-end closed end to remove the pivot joint nut.(maybe even a pickle fork to separate the two is a good idea)
32mm socket (to remove the hub nut)
Small pry bar or large flathead screwdriver (to gently pry the shaft from the transaxle)
Cotter pins to replace the ones in the pivot joint and the hub nut.
Take you time and go slow to avoid damaging anything. You’ll be happy you did.
Just take your time it's going to be a pain to remove the drivers side axle,
be careful if you do use a pickle fork they generally split the ball joint, you shouldn't need one, just thread a nut on the ball joint and use a 5lb sledge.
Oh and have fun with the grease.
I work on se-r's almost everyday and have never had to take a balljoint apart to a get axle out. Or take a break line off.
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94 se-r saphire blue with lot's of crap
I'm just a monkey. I don't know shit.
In the white SE-R when the AMG benz did the ricer fly by on 408 :)
Originally posted by se-r-57 I work on se-r's almost everyday and have never had to take a balljoint apart to a get axle out. Or take a break line off.
I 2nd that, but taking the brake line off might be easier OR better for experience. Up to you.
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<<Joe>>
The B13 is gone... now enjoying a Black 2005 VW GTI 1.8T
Yesterday, with the help of some local Nissan gearheads, we replaced the passenger-side halfshaft on my Sentra. Install went as scheduled, with the exception of one thing. We were under the impression that the passenger-side did NOT possess a circlip. Maybe we were incorrect / naive in thinking this. But it does..... oh it does! Naturally, once we figured out our mistake (could have saved time buy checking the new halfshaft... DOH! ) the replacement went smoothly.
Moral of post --- Both halfshafts on a B13 Automatic Sentra have "circlips". Could be different for other models / transmissions.
Thanks go out to Brad Burdic and Justin McClanahan for a job well done!
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<<Joe>>
The B13 is gone... now enjoying a Black 2005 VW GTI 1.8T
Location: Stuck on a Rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Posts: 379
I assume the circlip you are refering to is the ring located at the transmission end of the halfshaft. How could you have saved time in the removal so that when I do this very soon I can use this technique.
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In order to properly remove each halfshaft from the tranny, you will need to dislodge the circlip (yes, you are correct.... the ring at the transmission end of the shaft). To do this, get a pry bar or long flathead screwdriver. As you are tugging on the halfshaft, have someone stick the pry bar/screwdriver into the area where the shaft meets the tranny. Gently, or not so gently , "pry" (for lack of a better word) the halfshaft away from the tranny casing, so that pressure is taken off of the circlip. This is not a one-time process.... you will need to experiment with just where to place the pry bar/screwdriver and at what angle. For the most part, you can dislodge it in about 5-10 minutes, depending on your skill level. Sometimes it only takes one try, others you will be there scratching your head thinking "is this ever going to come out"? Eventually, yes. Hope this helps any. Post back if you have any other comments or questions. Good luck!
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<<Joe>>
The B13 is gone... now enjoying a Black 2005 VW GTI 1.8T
Are you guys all saying you don't have to remove the bolts that secure the strut to the steering knuckle? CHILTONS says to remove those bolts, but they on sooo damn tite! After 2 hrs, I gave up. I'm trying to install a new outer CV Boot (driver side) on my 91' SE-R. I got the hub, rotor, caliper removed, but now I'm stuck. Do I just pry the half shaft out now? Ahhh... I'm sooo fustrated!!! I feel sooo incompetent... I just keep buying more tools everyday and move one bolt at a time. Help would be cool!
You gotta take the 2 bolts out of the bottom of the strut. There tight as hell but they have to come out. Are they the factory bolt's and have never been out? Trust me they'll come loose and the ball joint dosn't have too. Sometimes it's a PITA to get the axle outta the hub but it will come out. Just have to call it the right name
__________________
94 se-r saphire blue with lot's of crap
I'm just a monkey. I don't know shit.
In the white SE-R when the AMG benz did the ricer fly by on 408 :)
Dang, that was a fast reply!!!! OK, if you say they will come loose, ok. I will do it tomorrow morning. I just don't have enough torque for it... I only have a wrench about 1ft long that fits over the bolt. Got no pipes or nothing. but i'll try it. Mad props! Thanks. Now i can go to sleep and dream how I'm gonna do it. Damn, I know after I get those bolts off, I'm not gonna be able to remove the half shafts. Peace
Originally posted by cmotek24 Dang, that was a fast reply!!!! OK, if you say they will come loose, ok. I will do it tomorrow morning. I just don't have enough torque for it... I only have a wrench about 1ft long that fits over the bolt. Got no pipes or nothing. but i'll try it. Mad props! Thanks. Now i can go to sleep and dream how I'm gonna do it. Damn, I know after I get those bolts off, I'm not gonna be able to remove the half shafts. Peace
Peace
C-mo
Dude I'm in dallas. Where do you live?
__________________
94 se-r saphire blue with lot's of crap
I'm just a monkey. I don't know shit.
In the white SE-R when the AMG benz did the ricer fly by on 408 :)
Once the axle nut is off, unhook the brake lines, and dislodge the rotor/caliper from the axle. From here, it isn't too bad. If I remember correctly, the driver-side will have a "circlip" around the splines on the part that inserts into the tranny. This requires a screwdriver or pointy object to put pressure on the clip to release the halfshaft. It will take some work, so don't be afraid to man-handle it a bit. I believe the passenger-side does NOT have a circlip (I'll find out monday). Once the shaft is out, just replace it with the new one and reinstall everything in reverse order. When setting the new shaft in, make sure the splines meet up with the inside of the tranny --- easier said then done. Also, put the axle nut partially on the axle and, if handy, put a piece of wood on the end with the nut and wack the wood with a hammer... to set the axle in the tranny. Sometimes there is a "click!" sound, other times you just tug on the shaft if it is in. You can always opt to buy a repair kit for the boot, but most people (I found this out) say it is worth it to do the full shaft install. There is a write up on how to do the install on SE-R.net (Archives), but unfortunately I don't have the link handy. Hope this helps... I don't have that much mechanical experience, but it's not one of the more difficult replacements. Let us know how it turns out! And sorry for the long post. LOL 
, "pry" (for lack of a better word) the halfshaft away from the tranny casing, so that pressure is taken off of the circlip. This is not a one-time process.... you will need to experiment with just where to place the pry bar/screwdriver and at what angle. For the most part, you can dislodge it in about 5-10 minutes, depending on your skill level. Sometimes it only takes one try, others you will be there scratching your head thinking "is this ever going to come out"? Eventually, yes. Hope this helps any. Post back if you have any other comments or questions. Good luck! 
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