2024 Nissan Sentra Left Front Drive Shaft Issue

Why This Matters

Nissan has initiated a Quality Action, identified as PMA35, for certain 2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles. This action addresses a potential manufacturing concern where the left front drive shaft might not be fully seated in the transaxle. If the drive shaft is not properly seated, it could lead to improper vehicle operation or premature wear of components. This is a proactive measure by Nissan to ensure the long-term reliability and safety of the 2024 Nissan Sentra left front drive shaft assembly.

Symptoms and Inspection

Owners of affected 2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles might not notice any immediate symptoms, as this is primarily an inspection and preventative repair. However, a drive shaft that is not fully seated could potentially lead to unusual noises or vibrations over time, or in severe cases, a loss of power to the wheel.

Technicians will inspect the left front drive shaft by gently prying it outward from the transaxle using a flat blade screwdriver. They will observe for any movement of the drive shaft inner joint.

• If there is "NO movement," the drive shaft is considered "Good" and properly secured, meaning the "Drive shaft secured in transaxle with NO movement".
• If the drive shaft "moves out of transaxle," it is considered "NO Good" and not properly secured, meaning the "Drive shaft NOT secured in transaxle, drive shaft moves out of transaxle".

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Nissan has provided several critical advisories for this Quality Action:

• No Stop Sale: There is currently "NO" stop sale in effect for affected vehicles.
• Dealer Inventory Check: Dealers are instructed to continue checking newly arriving inventory for campaign applicability using campaign ID PMA35.
• Survey Requirement: "IMPORTANT: There is a survey as part of this remedy that is required to be completed regardless of inspection results." This survey must be completed.
• Wheel Hub Lock Nut: "Do not reuse the wheel hub lock nut."
• Power Tool Use: "Do not use a power tool" to tighten the wheel hub lock nut.
• Torque Specification: "Too much torque causes axle noise. Too little torque causes wheel bearing looseness. Tighten the wheel hub lock nut to the specification."

Repair Procedure Summary

For 2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles identified with an unseated left front drive shaft, the repair involves several steps:

1. Preparation: The vehicle is placed on a suitable lift, and the front under cover is removed. This process refers to the ESM section: BODY EXTERIOR, DOORS, ROOF & VEHICLE SECURITY - EXTERIOR - REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - UNDER COVER - FRONT UNDER COVER - Removal and Installation.
2. Drive Shaft Removal: The LH front drive shaft is removed, following procedures outlined in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) section for TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE - FRONT AXLE - REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - FRONT DRIVE SHAFT - Removal and Installation (LH).
3. Component Inspection: The circular clip (C-clip) on the drive shaft is confirmed to be correctly attached. If missing or damaged, it will be replaced (refer to parts section).
4. Seal Replacement: The LH differential side oil seal (drive shaft seal) is replaced. This step requires special tools NI-8092 and NI-52281 for proper installation, ensuring the seal driver contacts the transaxle case when fully seated.
5. Drive Shaft Reinstallation: The LH front drive shaft is reinstalled, ensuring the circular clip is properly engaged by grasping the housing and pulling back and forth in the axial direction while listening for clicking sounds. The NEW wheel hub/front drive shaft nut is torqued to 165 N•m (122 ft-lb), and the lower ball joint to 75 N•m (55 ft-lb).
6. Fluid Adjustment: The CVT fluid level is adjusted according to ESM procedures for TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE - TRANSAXLE & TRANSMISSION - CVT: REOF15A - PERIODIC MAINTENANCE - CVT FLUID - Adjustment.
7. Final Steps: The front under cover is reinstalled, referring to the ESM section: BODY EXTERIOR, DOORS, ROOF & VEHICLE SECURITY - EXTERIOR - REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - UNDER COVER - FRONT UNDER COVER - Removal and Installation.

Required Tools or Parts

Specific parts and special tools are required for this repair:

• Special Tools:
  • NI-8092 (Seal driver)
  • NI-52281 (Seal driver)
• Parts:
  • SEAL - OIL, DIFFERENTIAL TRANSMISSION CASE: Part # 38342-3VX0A
  • CIRCLIP - SIDE GEAR: Part # 38225-ET01C (If Needed)
  • NUT: Part # 01223-A0111
  • NUT - LOCK, FRONT WHEEL BEARING: Part # 40262-4GA0D
  • NS3 CVT FLUID: Part # 999MP-CV0NS3 (1 Quart)

Special tools can be ordered from Nissan Tech Mate Tools and Equipment by visiting www.techmatetools.com or calling 1-833-397-3493. NS3 CVT Fluid can be ordered through the Nissan Maintenance Advantage program.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024 Nissan Sentra, it is recommended to contact your authorized Nissan dealer to determine if your vehicle is affected by Quality Action PMA35. Dealers will verify if your vehicle is included in the campaign using Service Comm or DBS National Service History. The inspection and any necessary repairs for the 2024 Nissan Sentra left front drive shaft will be performed free of charge under this Quality Action.

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NHTSA ID: 10252814