REAR AXLE

D DRIVELINE/AXLE

SECTION RAX REAR AXLE

B

RAX

E
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2 REAR DRIVE SHAFT ............................................... 10 F
Caution ..................................................................... 2 Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3 REMOVAL ........................................................... 10
Special Service Tools ............................................... 3 INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 10 G
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 4 INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) Disassembly and Assembly .................................... 11
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 5 DISASSEMBLY ................................................... 11
H
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 5 INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ................ 12
WHEEL HUB .............................................................. 6 ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 13
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service .......................... 6 SERVICE DATA ........................................................ 17
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION ......................... 6 Wheel Bearing ........................................................ 17 I
Removal and Installation .......................................... 6 Drive Shaft .............................................................. 17
REMOVAL ............................................................. 6 Z100D90F ........................................................... 17
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ......................... 7 Tightening Torque ................................................... 17 J
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 7
Disassembly and Assembly ..................................... 7
DISASSEMBLY ..................................................... 7
K
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ................. 8
ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 8
INSPECTION AFTER ASSEMBLY ....................... 9
L

Revision; 2004 April RAX-1 2003 G35 Coupe

 PRECAUTIONS

PRECAUTIONS PFP:00001

Caution ADS0009E

Observe the following precautions when disassembling and servicing drive shaft.
● Perform work in a location which is as dust-free as possible.
● Before disassembling and servicing, clean the outside of parts.
● Disassembly and service location must be taken to prevent the entry of foreign objects.
● Disassembled parts must be carefully reassembled in the correct order. If work is interrupted, a clean
cover must be placed over parts.
● Paper shop cloths must be used. Fabric shop cloths must not be used because of the danger of lint adher-
ing to parts.
● Disassembled parts (except for rubber parts) should be cleaned with kerosene which shall be removed by
blowing with air or wiping with paper shop cloths.

Revision; 2004 April RAX-2 2003 G35 Coupe

 PREPARATION

PREPARATION PFP:00002
A
Special Service Tools ADS0009F

The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number
B
(Kent-Moore No.) Description
Tool name
C
● Removing wheel hub
ST3322 0000 ● Removing wheel bearing outer side
( — ) inner race
Drift RAX
a: 32 mm (1.26 in) dia. ● Inspection of wheel bearing rotating
b: 21 mm (0.83 in) dia. torque

ZZA0539D
E

ST3325 1000 F
( — ) Installing wheel hub
Drift

G
ZZA0982D

H
ST3530 0000 ● Installing wheel hub
( — )
● Inspection of wheel bearing rotating
Drift
torque
a: 45 mm (1.77 in) dia. I
b: 59 mm (2.32 in) dia.

ZZA0881D

KV401 00900
( — )
Inspection of wheel bearing rotating K
Drift
torque
a: 52 mm (2.05 in) dia.
b: —

ZZA0539D
L

KV381 00500 M
( — )
Drift Installing drive shaft plug
a: 80 mm (3.15 in) dia.
b: 60 mm (2.36 in) dia.

ZZA0701D

KV381 02200
( — )
Drift Installing drive shaft plug
a: 90 mm (3.54 in) dia.
b: 31 mm (1.22 in) dia.

ZZA0920D

Revision; 2004 April RAX-3 2003 G35 Coupe

 PREPARATION

Commercial Service Tools ADS0009G

Tool name Description

● Removing wheel nuts

● Removing brake caliper assembly
Power tool ● Removing suspension links
● Removing drive shaft fixing bolts
and nuts
PBIC0190E

Revision; 2004 April RAX-4 2003 G35 Coupe

 NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING PFP:00003

A
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ADS0009H

Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
B

Refer to DRIVE SHAFT in this chart.

Refer to REAR AXLE in this chart.
NVH in FAX and FSU sections.
C

RAX-12.

RAX-6.

NVH in RFD section.

NVH in WT section.

NVH in WT section.
NVH in PR section.

NVH in BR section.
—

NVH in PS section.
Reference page
RAX

FRONT AXLE AND FRONT SUSPENSION

F

Improper installation, looseness

G
Joint sliding resistance

Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS

PROPELLER SHAFT
Excessive joint angle

H
Parts interference

DIFFERENTIAL

ROAD WHEEL

DRIVE SHAFT
REAR AXLE

STEERING
Imbalance

BRAKES
I

TIRES
DRIVE Noise × × × × × × × × × × J
SHAFT Shake × × × × × × × × ×
Noise × × × × × × × × × ×
K
Symptom Shake × × × × × × × × ×

REAR Vibration × × × × × × ×
AXLE Shimmy × × × × × × × L
Judder × × × × × ×
Poor quality ride or handling × × × × ×
M
×: Applicable

Revision; 2004 April RAX-5 2003 G35 Coupe

 WHEEL HUB

WHEEL HUB PFP:43202

On-Vehicle Inspection and Service ADS0009I

Check that the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component status (wear,
damage) are normal.
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION
● Move wheel hub in the axial direction by hand. Check that there is no looseness of wheel bearings.
Standard value
Axial end play : 0.05 mm (0.002 in) or less
● Rotate wheel hub and check that there is no unusual noise or other irregular conditions. If there are any
irregular conditions, replace wheel bearings.
Removal and Installation ADS0009J

SDIA1374E

1. Drive shaft 2. Dust shield 3. Bushing

4. Axle 5. Back plate 6. Anchor block
7. Wheel bearing 8. Wheel hub 9. Cotter pin

REMOVAL
1. Remove tire with power tool.
2. Remove cotter pin. Then remove lock nut from drive shaft.
3. Remove brake caliper with power tool. Hang it in a place where it will not interfere with work. Refer to BR-
35, "REAR DISC BRAKE (AD14VE TYPE)" , BR-41, "REAR DISC BRAKE (OPB13VB TYPE)" .
CAUTION:
Avoid depressing brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.
4. Remove disc rotor and remove parking cable and parking brake shoe from back plate. Refer to PB-6,
"PARKING BRAKE CONTROL" , PB-8, "PARKING BRAKE SHOE" .
5. Remove fixing bolts and nuts in axle side of radius rod, front lower link with power tool.
6. Remove fixing bolt and nut in axle side of rear lower link with power tool. Then remove coil spring. Refer to
RSU-15, "REAR LOWER LINK & COIL SPRING" .
7. Remove fixing bolt and nut in axle side of shock absorber with power tool.
8. Using a puller (suitable tool), remove axle from drive shaft.
CAUTION:
● When removing axle, do not apply an excessive angle to drive shaft joint. Also be careful not to
excessively extend slide joint.

Revision; 2004 April RAX-6 2003 G35 Coupe

 WHEEL HUB

● Do not allow drive shaft to hang down without support for counter shaft, wheel joints, and other
parts. A
9. Remove suspension arm and cotter pin at axle, then loosen mounting nut.
10. Use a ball joint remover (suitable tool) to remove suspension arm from axle. Be careful not to damage ball
joint boot. B
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to threads and to prevent ball joint remover (suitable tool) from coming off,
and temporarily tighten mounting nut. C
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Ball Joint Inspection
RAX
● Check for boot breakage, axial looseness, and torque of suspension arm ball joint. Refer to RSU-11,
"SUSPENSION ARM" .
INSTALLATION E
● Refer to RAX-6, "Removal and Installation" for tightening torque. Install in the reverse order of removal.
CAUTION:
Refer to component parts location and do not reuse non-reusable parts. F
Disassembly and Assembly ADS0009K

DISASSEMBLY
Wheel Bearing G
CAUTION:
Do not disassemble if wheel bearing has no trouble.
1. Remove wheel bearing fixing bolts and anchor block fixing nuts inside axle vehicle, and remove wheel H
hub and bearing assembly, back plate and anchor block from axle.

2. Using a drift (special service tool) and a puller (suitable tool), I

press wheel hub out to remove from wheel bearing.

SDIA1118E L

3. Using a drift (special service tool) and a puller (suitable tool),

press wheel bearing outer side inner race out to remove from
wheel hub. M

SDIA1119E

Revision; 2004 April RAX-7 2003 G35 Coupe

 WHEEL HUB

Bushing
● Using a suitable drift, remove each bushing from axle.

SDIA0819E

INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY

Wheel Hub
● Inspect wheel hub for deformation, cracks, and other damage. If any irregular conditions are found,
replace wheel hub.
Axle
● Inspect axle for deformation, cracks, and other damage. If any irregular conditions are found, replace
axle.
Back Plate
● Inspect back plate for deformation, cracks, and other damage. If any irregular conditions are found,
replace back plate.
ASSEMBLY
Bushing
● Using a suitable drift to install each bushing onto axle.

SDIA0820E

Wheel Bearing
1. Press fit a wheel hub into wheel bearing with a drift (special ser-
vice tool).
CAUTION:
● Press fit a drift (special service tool) while holding it
against wheel being inner side inner race.
● Wheel bearing cannot be reused. Do not attempt to reuse
it.
NOTE:
Final press load guideline 49,033 N (5, 000 kg, 11, 000 lb)
SDIA1120E

2. Install back plate and wheel hub and bearing assembly.

3. Install anchor block onto axle.

Revision; 2004 April RAX-8 2003 G35 Coupe

 WHEEL HUB

INSPECTION AFTER ASSEMBLY

1. With wheel bearing pressed into axle, apply 49,033 N (5, 000 kg, 11, 000 lb) to wheel hub and rotate both A
clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times to minimize resistance.
2. Attach spring scale in the position shown in illustration and pull
at a rate of 10±2 rpm to measure rotating torque. B
Standard value
Rotating torque:
C
Less than 1.88 N·m (0.19 kg-m, 17 in-lb)
Spring scale reading:
Less than 18.5 N (1.89 kg, 4.16 lb) RAX

H
SDIA1131E

Revision; 2004 April RAX-9 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

REAR DRIVE SHAFT PFP:39600

Removal and Installation ADS0009L

SDIA1377E

1. Side flange 2. Cotter pin

REMOVAL
1. Remove tire with power tool.
2. Remove cotter pin. Then remove lock nut from drive shaft.
3. Remove stabilizer connecting rod mounting bracket fixing nuts and free stabilizer connecting rod.
4. Remove fixing nuts and bolts between final drive and drive shaft with power tool.
5. Using a puller (suitable tool), remove drive shaft from axle.
CAUTION:
● When removing drive shaft, do not apply an excessive
angle to drive shaft joint. Also be careful not to exces-
sively extend slide joint.

SDIA0972J

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

● Move joint in the up/down, left/right, and axial direction. Check
for any rough movement or significant looseness.
● Check boot for cracks or other damage, and also for grease
leakage.
● If a trouble is found, disassemble drive shaft, and then replace
with new one.

RAA0030D

INSTALLATION
● Refer to RAX-10, "Removal and Installation" for tightening torque. Install in the reverse order of removal.
CAUTION:
Refer to component parts location and do not reuse non-reusable parts.

Revision; 2004 April RAX-10 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

Disassembly and Assembly ADS0009M

RAX

SDIA1378E

1. Plug 2. Housing 3. Snap ring G

Ball cage/Steel ball/Inner race
4. 5. Stopper ring 6. Boot band
assembly
7. Boot 8. Shaft 9. Circular clip H
10. Joint sub-assembly

DISASSEMBLY I
Final Drive Side
1. Remove boot bands.
2. Press shaft in a vise. J
CAUTION:
When retaining drive shaft in a vise, always use copper or aluminum plates between vise and
shaft. K
3. If plug needs to be removed, move boot to wheel side, and drive it out with a plastic hammer.
4. Remove stopper ring with a flat-bladed screwdriver, and pull out
housing. L

SRA249A

Revision; 2004 April RAX-11 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

5. Remove snap ring, then remove ball cage/steel ball/inner race

assembly from shaft.

SFA514A

6. Remove boot from shaft.

7. Remove old grease on housing with paper towels.
Wheel Side
1. Place shaft in a vise.
CAUTION:
When retaining drive shaft in a vise, always use copper or aluminum plates between vise and
shaft.
2. Remove boot bands. Then remove boot from joint sub-assembly.
3. Screw a drive shaft puller 30 mm (1.18 in) or more into threaded
part of joint sub-assembly. Pull joint sub-assembly out of shaft.
CAUTION:
● If joint sub-assembly cannot be removed after five or
more unsuccessful attempts, replace the entire drive
shaft assembly.
● Align sliding hammer and drive shaft and remove them
by pulling directly.

SDIA0606E

4. Remove boot from shaft.

5. Remove circular clip from shaft.
6. While rotating ball cage, remove old grease on joint sub-assembly with paper towels.
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY
Shaft
● Replace shaft if there is any runout, cracking, or other damage.
Fixed Joint Side (Joint Sub-Assembly)
● Check that there is no rough rotation or unusual axial looseness.
● Check that there is no foreign material inside joint.
● Check joint sub-assembly for compression scar, cracks, fractures.
CAUTION:
If there are any irregular conditions of joint sub-assembly components, replace the entire joint
sub-assembly.
Sliding Joint Side
Housing
● Check that there is compression scar, cracks, factures or unusual wear of ball rolling surface.
● Check that there is no damage to shaft screws.
● Check that there is no deformation of boot installation parts.
Ball Cage
● Check that there is compression scar, cracks, factures of sliding surface.

Revision; 2004 April RAX-12 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

Steel Ball
● Check that there is compression scar, cracks, factures or unusual wear. A

Inner Race
● Check ball sliding surface for compression scar, cracks, factures. B
● Check that there is no damage to serrated part.
CAUTION:
If there are any irregular conditions in the component, replace with a new set of housing, ball C
cage, steel ball, inner race.
ASSEMBLY
Final Drive Side RAX
1. If plug has been removed, use a drift (special service tool) to
press in a new one.
CAUTION: E
Discard old plug; replace with new ones.

G
SDIA1153E

2. Wind serrated part of shaft with tape. Install boot band and boot H
to shaft. Be careful not to damage boot.
CAUTION:
Discard old boot band and boot; replace with new ones. I

SFA800
K

3. Remove protective tape wound around serrated part of shaft.

4. Install ball cage/steel ball/inner race assembly to shaft, and L
secure them tightly with a snap ring.
CAUTION:
Discard old snap ring; with new ones. M

SDIA1125E

Revision; 2004 April RAX-13 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

5. Insert the amount grease (Nissan genuine grease or equivalent)

onto housing (* point) to the quantity mentioned below, and
install it to shaft.
Reference value
Grease amount : 124 - 134 g (4.37 - 4.73 oz)

RAC0678D

6. Install stopper ring to housing.

7. After installed, pull shaft to check engagement between joint sub-assembly and stopper ring.
8. Install boot securely into grooves (indicated by * marks) shown
in the figure.
CAUTION:
If there is grease on boot mounting surfaces (indicated by *
marks) of shaft and housing, boot may come off. Remove
all grease from surfaces.
9. Check that boot installation length “L” is the length indicated
below. Insert a flat-bladed screwdriver or similar tool into smaller
side of boot. Remove air from boot to prevent boot deformation.
Standard value
SDIA1126E
Boot installation length “L” : 93.9 mm (3.697 in)
CAUTION:
●Boot may break if boot installation length is than standard value.
● Take care not to touch the tip of screwdriver to inside of boot.

10. Secure big and small ends of boot with new boot bands as
shown in the figure.
CAUTION:
Discard old boot band; replace with new ones.

SFA395

11. After installing housing and shaft, rotate boot to check whether or not the actual position is correct. If boot
position is not correct, secure boot with new boot band again.
Wheel Side
1. Insert the amount grease (Nissan genuine grease or equivalent)
into joint sub-assembly serration hole until grease begins to
ooze from ball groove and serration hole. After insert grease,
use a shop cloth to wipe off old grease that has oozed out.

SDIA1127E

Revision; 2004 April RAX-14 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

2. Wind serrated part of shaft with tape. Install boot band and boot
to shaft. Be careful not to damage boot. A
CAUTION:
Discard old boot band and boot; replace with new ones.
B

SFA800

RAX
3. Remove protective tape wound around serrated part of shaft.
4. Attach circular clip to shaft. At this time, circular clip must fit
securely into shaft groove. Attach nut to joint sub-assembly. Use E
a wooden hammer to press-fit.
CAUTION:
Discard old circular clip; replace with a new ones. F

RAC0049D
H
5. Insert the amount grease (Nissan genuine grease or equivalent) listed below into housing from large end
of boot.
I
Reference value
Grease amount : 86 - 96 g (3.03 - 3.39 oz)

6. Install boot securely into grooves (indicated by * marks) shown J

in the figure.
CAUTION:
If there is grease on boot mounting surfaces (indicated by * K
marks) of shaft and housing, boot may come off. Remove
all grease from surfaces.
7. Check that boot installation length “L” is the length indicated L
below. Insert a flat-bladed screwdriver or similar tool into smaller
side of boot. Remove air from boot to prevent boot deformation.
Standard value M
SDIA1128E
Boot installation length “L” : 97 mm (3.82 in)
CAUTION:
● Boot may brake if boot installation length is than standard value.

● Be careful that screwdriver tip does not contact inside surface of boot.

8. Secure big and small ends of boot with new boot bands as
shown in the figure.
CAUTION:
Discard old boot band; replace with new ones.

SFA395

Revision; 2004 April RAX-15 2003 G35 Coupe

 REAR DRIVE SHAFT

9. After installing housing and shaft, rotate boot to check whether or not the actual position is correct. If boot
position is not correct, secure boot with new boot bands again.

Revision; 2004 April RAX-16 2003 G35 Coupe

 SERVICE DATA

SERVICE DATA PFP:00030

A
Wheel Bearing ADS0009N

Axial end play limit 0.05 mm (0.002 in) or less

At a load of 49,033 N (5,000 kg, 11,000 lb) B
Rotational torque
Less than 1.88 N·m (0.19 kg-m, 17 in-lb)
Measurement of spring scale Less than 18.5 N (1.89 kg, 4.16 lb)
C

RAX

Measuring point (Brake caliper installation points)

E

F
SDIA0801E

Drive Shaft ADS0009O

Z100D90F G
Joint type Z100 (Wheel side) D90F (Final drive side)
Grease quantity 86 - 96 g (3.03 - 3.39 oz) 124 - 134 g (4.37 - 4.73 oz)
H
Boots installed length 97 mm (3.82 in) 93.9 mm (3.697 in)

Tightening Torque ADS0009P

I
Drive shaft - Side flange 63 - 79 N·m (6.5 - 8.0 kg-m, 47 - 58 lb)
Hub lock nut 206 - 274 N·m (21 - 27 kg-m, 152 - 202 lb)
J

Revision; 2004 April RAX-17 2003 G35 Coupe

 SERVICE DATA

Revision; 2004 April RAX-18 2003 G35 Coupe