Hey all, I have a 2006 350z Enthusiast. I was in the middle of doing the rear axle click TSB and was successful with the driver side. The passenger side however has a problem. When I started to take the axle off of the side flange, diff fluid started leaking from in between the flange and the axle. Also, the output shaft moves in and out slightly. I attached a pic of the leak and a short vid of the output shaft moving. What all needs to be replaced here? I was looking around the internet and saw a post about the circlips on the output shaft need to be replaced and the output shaft seal needs to be replaced. Is there anything else I would need to fix this? Any help is appreciated.

 

I have the same problem but mine is coming from the gear thing connected to the diff. Appears to be seepage.

 

Yes, that is seepage. I wouldn't worry about it. There aren't any fluid seals between the output shafts and axles. That much grease/fluid between them means they've been apart before and someone probably added it (globbed it on). There is a tiny amount of grease from the factory to prevent rust/corrosion, but that' about it. Also, a tiny amount of play at the output shafts shouldn't be a serious concern, but it could be an indicator the carrier bearings are worn. As long as the seals are holding up and you don't have dripping diff fluid each time you drive, then I wouldn't worry. Worst case scenario, the factory open diff and vlsd are pretty cheap to get used. I would be more concerned about your CV boots, look for signs of cracks, rips, tears.

When you re-assemble for the axle click fix, use some good grease on the splines to ensure you don't get binding. I used the type of grease recommended in the TSB, which for me was Honda M-77, good stuff (not cheap), no more axle clicking!
Cheers!
-Icer