Gear And Shaft

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check shaft for cracks, wear or bending.
Check gears for excessive wear, chips or cracks.

Fig 1: Checking Shaft For Cracks, Wear Or Bending
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.