Pathfinder XE 2WD V6-3.3L (VG33E) (1997)
Drive/Propeller Shaft: Customer Interest
Drivetrain - Front Propeller Shaft Vibration
REFERENCE:
NTB97-030
CLASSIFICATION:
PD97-001
DATE:
April 16, 1997
TITLE:
1996-97 PATHFINDER FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
APPLIED VEHICLES:
1996-1997 Pathfinder (R50)
SERVICE INFORMATION
If a 1996-97 Pathfinder exhibits vibration at 30-40 mph, the cause may be incorrect re-installation of the front propeller shaft. This vibration is the result
of a dynamic unbalance produced by incorrect mating of the propeller shaft with the companion flange of the front differential.
Use the following procedure to correctly re-install the front propeller shaft.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
If Alignment Marks are Visible
During vehicle assembly, the factory uses a blue paint mark on the front propeller shaft and a white or yellow paint mark on the differential flange for
alignment. These marks may fade over time. Before removing the front propeller shaft, mark the position of the flanges for the front propeller shaft and
the front differential to ensure correct alignment during reassembly.
Each flange bolt position is also marked with paint during vehicle assembly to confirm the bolts have been torqued. Disregard these marks when
aligning the flanges.
1. Install the propeller shaft rear flange to the transfer case flange. Torque the four nuts to 55.6-65.1 Nm (41-48 ft-lb).
2. Align the previously marked surfaces of the propeller shaft and differential flange. Or if visible, align the blue mark on the front end of the
propeller shaft with the white or yellow mark located on the outer edge of the differential flange.
3. Insert the four bolts into the flanges of the propeller shaft and the differential. Put the nuts on the bolts but do not tighten at this time.
Figure 1