Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair
EXC. WAGON
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove air cleaner, as required.
3. Raise and support vehicle.
4. Remove front left hand tire and wheel assembly.
5. Drain transaxle oil.
6. Remove left side fender protector.
7. On 1984-86 Pulsar, Sentra & Stanza, remove driveshaft assembly as follows:
a. Remove brake caliper assembly.
b. Pry off cotter pin.
c. Install lug nuts on studs, then holding wheel hub with suitable tool, loosen hub nut from driveshaft.
d. Using suitable tool, remove tie rod ball joint.
e. Remove lower ball joint, discarding retaining nuts.
f. Remove driveshaft, discarding circlip installed on shaft.
8. On 1987-88 Pulsar & Sentra, remove driveshaft assembly as follows:
a. Remove brake caliper assembly. Do not disconnect brake hose from brake caliper. Do not depress brake pedal while caliper is removed. Ensure brake hose is not twisted.
b. Remove tie rod ball joint.
c. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by tapping it slightly. Cover boots with rags to prevent damage.
d. Using suitable screwdriver, remove driveshaft. Be careful not to damage pinion mate shaft and side gear.
9. On all models, disconnect speedometer cable.
10. Disconnect throttle wire from throttle lever.
11. Remove control cable rear end from unit.
12. Remove oil level gauge tube.
13. On diesel engine, remove left hand transverse link and bracket.
14. On all models, support transaxle and engine with suitable jacks.
15. Disconnect oil cooler hoses from tubes.
Fig. 7 Removing engine rear bracket. Diesel engines:
16. On diesel engine, remove engine rear bracket, Fig. 7.
17. Put scribe marks on torque converter and drive plate for proper installation.
18. Remove torque converter to drive plate attaching bolts, then remove converter away from drive plate.
19. Remove engine mount attaching bolts.
20. Remove starter motor.
21. Remove transaxle to engine attaching bolts.
22. Carefully remove transaxle through left side wheel housing.
23. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Check drive plate run out by turning crankshaft one full turn with indicator dial of dial gauge resting against plate. Run out should not exceed .020 inch.
Fig. 6 Measuring distance ``A'':
b. When connecting torque converter to transaxle, measure distance A, Fig. 6, to ensure correct assembly. Distance A should exceed .831 inch.
c. Align marks on torque converter and drive plate, apply suitable sealer to attaching bolts, and bolt converter to drive plate.
d. After installing converter, rotate crankshaft several turns and ensure transaxle rotates freely without binding.
STANZA WAGON & 1987-88 STANZA
1. Disconnect battery cables, then remove battery and battery support bracket from vehicle.
2. Remove air cleaner assembly and air flow meter, if necessary.
3. Raise and support vehicle.
4. Remove both driveshafts from transaxle.
5. Remove front exhaust pipe attaching bolts, if necessary.
6. Disconnect all cables and electrical connectors from transaxle.
7. Support engine and transaxle with a suitable jack.
8. Remove starter motor, if necessary.
9. On 4 wheel drive models, remove transfer case assembly.
10. On all models, remove engine mount attaching bolts.
11. Remove engine-to-transaxle attaching bolts, then separate engine from transaxle and lower transaxle assembly from vehicle.
12. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Check drive plate runout by turning crankshaft one full turn with dial indicator probe resting against plate. Runout should not exceed .020 inch.
Fig. 6 Measuring distance ``A'':
b. When connecting torque converter to transaxle, measure distance ``A,'' Fig. 6, to ensure correct assembly. Distance ``A'' should be .728-.827 inch on 1986 models, and at least .075 inch on 1987-88 models.
c. Apply suitable sealant to torque converter attaching bolts, then align marks on torque converter and drive plate and bolt converter to the plate.
d. After installing converter, rotate crankshaft several times and ensure transaxle rotates freely without binding.