2003 Nissan-Datsun Sentra SE-R, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Final Drive: Assembly

  1. Attach side gear thrust washers to side gears, then install pinion mate thrust washers and pinion mate gears in place.
    • Apply ATF to any parts. 
    Fig 1: Installing Pinion Mate Gears
    G01320707Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  2. Insert pinion mate shaft.
    • When inserting, be careful not to damage pinion mate thrust washers. 
    Fig 2: Installing Pinion Mate Shaft In Differential Case
    G01320708Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  3. Measure clearance between side gear and differential case with washers following the procedure below:
    1. Set Tool and dial indicator on side gear.
      Fig 3: Setting Tool And Dial Indicator On Side Gear
      G01320709Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    2. Move side gear up and down to measure dial indicator deflection. Always measure indicator deflection on both side gears.

      Clearance between side gear and differential case with washer: 0.1 - 0.2 mm (0.004 - 0.008 in) 

    3. If not within specification, adjust clearance by changing thickness of differential side gear thrust washers.

      Differential side gear thrust washers:  Refer to "DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR THRUST WASHERS ".

      Fig 4: Moving Side Gear Up And Down For Measuring Dial Indicator Deflection
      G01320710Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. Install lock pin.
    • Make sure that lock pin is flush with case. 
    Fig 5: Installing Lock Pin
    G01320711Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  5. Install speedometer drive gear on differential case.
    • Align the projection of speedometer drive gear with the groove of differential case. 
    Fig 6: Installing Speedometer Drive Gear On Differential Case
    G01320712Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. Press on differential side bearings.
    Fig 7: Installing Differential Side Bearings Gear
    G01320713Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. Install final gear and tighten fixing bolts in a crisscross pattern. Tighten final gear bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
    Fig 8: Installing Final Gear And Tightening Fixing Bolts
    G01320714Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.