CV Axle seal bearing missing after replacement?

Tiny
LITSAIYAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 214,000 MILES
I just replaced my Driver's side CV axle on my car listed above GXE. The placement axle didn't come with the metal ring that sits in the CV Axle seal. I'm wondering if this part is necessary, because I'm unable to find the name of this exact part and I slightly damaged the old one with burrs/warping while removing it from the old axle. I drove the car around 30 miles and the transmission fluid is still full and there doesn't seem to be any leaks around the seal.
Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 9:08 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Hi,

There is a dust shield that is there, but I'm not sure that is what you are referring to. If there are no leaks, it sounds like the seal is fine.

Do me a favor. Take a look at the pic below. It is an exploded view of the assembly. Do you see the part you are referring to?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 10:38 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the reply, yes, it looks like it is the dust shield that I see in the photo.
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 10:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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As long as it isn't totally damaged, it should be okay. That won't cause a leak. It is there for just one reason, to keep dirt out of the seal/bearing.

If you want to, take a pic of the part so I can see how damaged it is. Hopefully, I will be able to tell if it will still do its job.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
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The seal doesn't seem to be damaged, but I wasn't really looking for damage when I changed the axle. It doesn't seem to be leaking, so I don't think it's damaged. Here are some pics of the slightly damaged dust shield, and a pic of the new CV axle installed without the dust shield.
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 11:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Chances are the seal is fine. I do have a concern about not having the dust shield. That could lead to premature failure of the seal. You should be able to get a new dust shield. However, I understand why you may not want to take it apart again.

Let me know,

Joe
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Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I'd like to avoid taking it apart again if possible. Since it's just a dust shield, could I just use some electrical or duct tape to keep dust out?
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Sunday, September 4th, 2022 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Hi,

It won't work. Keep in mind, you have spinning parts and heat. The tape would fall off. I wish I had a better answer; however, that is the bottom line.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, September 4th, 2022 AT 7:15 PM

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