Axle Shaft: Inspection

Replace axle shaft if twisted or cracked. Check boots for fatigue, cracks or wear. Replace joint components that are scored, rusted, worn or loose. Check axle shaft splines for deformation. Inspect slide joint housing for damage. Ensure support bearing rolls freely and is not noisy, cracked, pitted or worn. Check support bearing bracket for cracks.

When replacing spider joint, select new spider assembly from parts listed. See SPIDER JOINT PARTS LIST  table. Ensure that the number stamped on slide joint is the same as that stamped on the new part. See Fig 1 . Slide joint housing alone can not be replaced, it must be replaced with the spider assembly.

Fig 1: Locating Slide Joint Identification Number

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.