1998 Nissan Maxima fix my 1998 Maxima or sell?

PRISCO

MEMBER
1998 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
160,000 MILES

I need a new slip differential due to heavy leaking on my 1998 Nissan maxima. It has a new clutch and cv joints. It leaks 1 qtr of oil eery three months and leaks a little radiator fluid. Body inside and out is excellent. Do I spend $1500-$2400 to fix or is it time to sell.

Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 7:16 AM

3 Replies

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Thank You for the Donation, it is Greatly Appreciated and helps keep the site going.

Ok, I am not sure I understand about the Slip Differential. Since it is inside the tranny. The only possiblilties I can think of for leaks is, Front Pump Seal, CV Axle Seals, and the Gasket between Clutch Housing and the Transaxle Housing. Unless the Tranaxle Housing is Cracked.

As for the oil leak it could be as simple as the Vavle Cover.

The Coolant leak - can you tell about were it is leaking?

How is the fuel milage?

Whether to sell or fix would depend on you financial situation and if you will need another vehicle.

Do you want to spend $1,500 - $2,400 one time or $300 - $500 or more a month for 3 - 5 years.

.

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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 8:58 AM

PRISCO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

After speaking with others this morning I think I understand my problem better now. The differental is the area where the leaks are coming from. If the trans on my vehicle is "one assembly" and they need to replace my differential I got comparable quotes from 3 different local trans vendors - $1500-2400 replacement with warranty. I don't know where the coolant is leaking from but I would say I've been filling up the reserve about once every three weeks. I'm getting about 18-20 to the gallon on fuel mileage. I agree with you on the car payments. I'm just wondering what else could break down in the next 30,000 miles (2 years) that might make today's decision easier. If I coud spend $2K and get two more years out of it that would be great- would you say the next biggest problems I'll have with this car at one point would be head gasket and drive chain? When might they go? Thnaks for your help.

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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 9:17 AM

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Would help to know more on the history of repairs and maintenance.

But, without knowing.

Possible Major problem would be Head Gaskets. The last two I done on Maximas the milage was over 220k and the one prior to that was just under 200k.

Other problems - Timing Belt, Water Pump, Starter, Alternator, etc. With the milage that is on your vehicle the timing belt should have been replaced about 30k or so miles ago.

Shouldn't be any problems with Drive Train if get fixed or replaced.

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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 10:17 AM