Manual transmission, differential bearings

I have a question about the infamous differential bearing problem in the 4th gen Maximas with manual transmission. Did this problem affect all 4th gen Maximas or only certain years? When did Nissan become aware of the problem and fix their mistake? The reason I ask is that I was all set to buy a gen 4 Maxima with manual transmission but was scared off by what I read on forums such as this. I ended up buying a Toyota Camry, which is a spacious, refined and reliable car, but to drive it is boring beyond belief! I still remember the huge grin on my face when I first test drove a Maxima with manual transmission. I don't think I can hang on to this Camry for too much longer and would love to buy a Maxima, but I want to avoid one that's going to require a gearbox rebuild.

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#
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No one knows if it was ever fixed. The problem may crop up at 30k miles or 150k miles... it is just a total crap shoot.

However, I wouldn't avoid the 95-99 models because you fear the problem. You can get a great deal on them in some markets and it is possible to determine whether the car suffers the problem -currently-. Look for groaning on shifts. Oil spillage where the axles enter the tranny. *And especially for free play in the axles where they enter the tranny.*

If you believe that Nissan fixed the problem, then 97-99 would be your best bet.

CW

Reply to
CW

If by 4th generation you mean 95-99 per another reply, I have one of the oldest 95 SE 5-spds around (purchased May 94) and do not have a clue what you are talking about. I know some people had clutch problems with the early models, but I do not even know if they knew how to drive.

The first weekend I had my car, I drag raced it, drove it in Solo II on a gokart track, and high speed autocross on a 2 mile road racing track. Since then it has been driven hard for 105,000 miles. The only thing done to clutch/trans/differential was 1 fluid change. Likewise everything else on the drive train is original except for brake pads, rotors, struts and front lower control arms. All the engine has needed other than routine service is 2 injectors and 2 O2 sensors.

So your fear has been unfounded, and for that are destined to live a long, but boring life.

Reply to
David Efflandt

This website will fill you in on the details:

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From the menu on the left click on "Transmission", then "Diff Bearing Problem", then "My Story".

Reply to
#

I am starting to experiance this problem (on a rebuilt tranny!). It is indeed fairly common, and replacement isn't cheap - the trans will have to be torn down and re-shimmed to spec. Cost is in the $1500 range for a lasting repair.

Other then that, I would pay the extra money down the line for a car I could actually have some fun with. Unless you can locate a 97+ V6 5 speed Camry (the bottom of the line models were available in stick), which is just as fast as a Maxima, I would bite the bullet and go for the 5 speed Max. Its a small price to pay for countless grins that no other 4 door family car will ever give you .

Nick

Reply to
Nick

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