driveshaft play reduction box

[RogerdePoger]

The lefthand driveshaft has some radial play on the reduction box side. I can move it up and down for about 1.5mm. I'm familair with axial play but I'm talking radial play now. I always thought there was a bearing on the shaft where it sits in the gearbox. The righthand drive shaft has no play what so ever. That one sits firm in its center bearing and gearbox. Rocksolid, no play.

Please see this video and pics and tell me if it's okay.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/srwpw3M5mzZoGkCP7
Thx

2017 Leaf
91.000 km's

 

[GerryAZ]

Bearings support the shaft and differential assembly inside the gearcase. I don't know if it is normal to have radial play where the splines of the driveshaft engage the shafts inside the reduction gear. Does the vehicle make unusual noise? 91,000 km is not high mileage. I had over 80,000 miles on my 2015 and have over 70,000 miles on my 2019 so far without driveshaft issues.

 

[RogerdePoger]

Hi, I made a video to show you. It's RADIAL play I'm worried about. It's not leaking any fluids.

 

[cornbinder89]

I'm not sure either, The video's and my eyes are good enough to be able to see it. The manual is of no use that I can find, in the transaxle section it goes on about removal and replacement but nothing on overhaul or spec's other than oil.
It seams from what little I could glean from the manual that it rides of ball bearings and not taper roller, which make sense as there isn't nearly the thrust loading of a spur type reduction gear like there is with Hypoid, Amboid and spiral bevel. That is if the play is in the reduction gear.
If the play is in the axle spline, then replacing the inner joint should cure it unless the problem is in the side gear of the differential.
Ok, a further look at the manual when looking at the axle section suggests the diff carrier might be on taper roller. Arug! without a breakdown that covers the internal of the reduction gear, it is all a guess.
It would appear that Nissan doesn't consider the reduction gear a "serviceable" part and that even at the dealer level it is replace not repair.
There is a support bearing on the right side axle, are you sure the play isn't in the support bearing? That can be serviced, but requires the removal of the axle and support bracket.

 

[RogerdePoger]

The play is in the short axle (left). The long axle is just fine with zero play. Looking at some random images I found on the web, the play could be in the tapered roller bearing. I don't think Nissan used a custom bearing so it can be serviced (I guess). The only way to find out is to take it apart.

 

[cornbinder89]

Wow, you found some good stuff, I was shocked by how little was in the manual. One thing though, before I pulled it apart, I would pull the axle out and see if the whole reduction gear is moving in the case or it is the diff side gear moving in the diff case (inside the big reduction gear)
If it is the whole reduction gear moving in the aluminum case, then you have a big problem and may find the case is shot.
If it is only the side gears in the differential spider, then it may go a long time before it becomes a problem worth fixing.
I would expect noise if the whole reduction gear is moving around in the aluminum case . the diff side gears most often ride in a bushing only and no bearing.

 

[cornbinder89]

What does the oil look like? Any gray color or shiny bits in the oil? What does the magnet on the drain look like?

 

[TrondAndreassen]

What does the oil look like? Any gray color or shiny bits in the oil? What does the magnet on the drain look like?

You fix the play in axle…i have same problem