Removal And Installation From Vehicle: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Murano. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
After removing transfer from transaxle, be sure to replace differential side oil seal of the transaxle side with new one. Refer to
DIFFERENTIAL SIDE OIL SEAL
.
- Place the transmission shifter in the N position.
- Turn the ignition switch to OFF, not LOCK. This will leave the steering column unlocked.
- Turn the steering wheel counter-clockwise all the way to the steering stop.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Remove front wiper arms, cowl top covers (LH and RH) and cowl top bracket.NOTE: You do not need to remove the wiper motor/arms assembly.
- Disconnect air fuel ratio sensor 1 (bank 1) harness connector. 2/8
- Hang a cord down from the vent intake for use later to suspend the steering rack.
- Remove front tires with power tool.
- Remove RH side shield (splash guard).
- Remove engine under cover.
- Remove CVT assy. air guide.
- Remove exhaust front tube.
- Drain fluid from transfer case .
- Drain at least one-half (1/2) quart but not more than one (1) quart of fluid from CVT .
- Remove RH front axle cotter pin, then loosen axle nut with power tool.
- Remove both RH and LH mounting bolt and nut that clamps lower steering knuckle to transverse link (lower control arm) ball joint with power tool.NOTE: Ball joint stud to steering knuckle fit is not a taper fit but is a slide fit, so no ball joint separator is needed.
- Using a puller (or other suitable tool), push drive shaft end from out of wheel hub/steering knuckle assembly.CAUTION: When removing drive shaft, do not apply an excessive angle to drive shaft joint. Also be careful not to excessively extend slide joint.
- Remove RH axle support bearing to support bracket bolts.
- Remove RH axle from transaxle.
- Remove propeller (drive) shaft.
- Remove bracket from suspension member.
- Remove O2 sensor connector bracket.
- Unbolt the return-side (low pressure) power steering tube brackets from front suspension member.
- Unbolt heat shield from crossmember and remove.
- Remove 2 mounting bolts and nut of steering gear assembly from front suspension member.
- Support steering gear assembly up with a cord or an equivalent.
- Firmly support transaxle assembly with pole jacks or suitable tools as follows:
- Place one jack under the transmission pan area.
- Place another jack under the transaxle differential area.
CAUTION: When setting the transmission jack, be careful not to allow it to collide against the drain plug. - Firmly support front and rear of front suspension member (powertrain cradle frame) along the vehicle centerline with suitable jacks.
- Remove CVT rear mounting insulator bolts.
- Remove LH (bank 1, front) engine mounting insulator bracket mounting bolts from suspension member.
- Remove RH (bank 2, rear) engine mounting insulator bracket mounting bolts from suspension member.
- Remove front suspension member stays, then front suspension member nuts.
- Gradually lower the front suspension member pole jacks no more than 4" in back and 2 1/2" in front, to the height where the transfer assembly can be removed.
CAUTION: For stability and ease of reassembly don't lower the suspension member off the body mounting studs all the way.
- Disconnect RH (bank 2, rear) engine mounting insulator harness connector.
- Remove power steering hose bracket from RH (bank 2, rear) engine mounting insulator.
- Remove RH (bank 2, rear) engine mounting insulator mounting bolts (upper side) and insulator.
- Remove RH (bank 2, rear) engine mounting insulator bracket mounting bolts from transfer assembly, then remove bracket.
- Remove RH (bank 2, rear) exhaust manifold cover.NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the exhaust manifold for this procedure.
- Apply rust penetrant to then remove RH (bank 2, rear) three-way catalyst mounting flange TOP REAR nuts.
- Apply rust penetrant to then remove RH (bank 2, rear) three-way catalyst mounting flange BOTTOM FRONT
bolts, and remove the three-way catalyst.CAUTION: Catalyst internals are very fragile. Handle carefully to avoid any breakage or shock to three-way catalyst.
- Remove RH axle support bearing bracket.
- Remove rear gusset and transfer case gusset.
- Remove six (6) bolts fixing transfer assembly to CVT transaxle assembly.
- Remove transfer assembly from transaxle assembly.