MAINSHAFT End Play

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When adjusting mainshaft end play, select adjusting shim for mainshaft rear bearing. To select adjusting shim, measure clearance "M" between transaxle case and mainshaft rear bearing.

Fig 1: Identifying Dimension M
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Calculate dimension "P" (thickness of adjusting shim) using the following procedure to meet specification of end play for mainshaft rear bearing.
1. End play :0 - 0.06 mm (0 - 0.0024 in)
  1. Dimension "P" = "M" + End play
    1. P :Thickness of adjusting shim
    2. M :Distance between mainshaft rear bearing and transaxle case

Adjusting Shim

Fig 2: Identifying Adjusting Shims & Thicknesses For Adjusting Dimension M

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

Install mainshaft assembly to clutch housing.
Install snap ring to transaxle case.
Install transaxle case to clutch housing, and temporarily assemble them with fixing bolts. Install temporarily snap ring to mainshaft rear bearing.
Install dial gauge to snap ring access hole, and expand snap ring. Lift mainshaft assembly through control assembly installation hole, and push it against transaxle case. This state shall be defined as base. Moving distance of mainshaft assembly, with snap ring fit on main bearing, becomes "M".

Fig 3: Illustrating Definition Of Base & Deriving M
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.