Axle snap ring installation

I don't think this snap ring is your issue. I know what you are talking about that it doesn't seem to fit perfectly. However, this is common. Does the axle actually go in the transmission/differential and seat? When you had it installed, did the axle make noise or was it just leaking?

When you replaced the axles, did you replace the seals as well?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/rear-axle-seal-replacement

Yes, it did seat and appeared to in. I had to use a CV axle puller to get it out.
No the axle made no noise. It drove fine, just emptied all fluid.
I did replace the seals.
Just as back ground, just replaced control arms with new ball joints, outer tie rod, sway bar links and axles on both sides. Passenger side went back fine.
I have it up in the air on stands for both sides.
I'm going to reinstall and put some fluid in and check for exactly where the leak is from.

Okay. That is exactly what I was going to suggest if you didn't know where the leak was from. Just clean it off and if you can, you should try to just run it on the lift or jack stands if that is what you are using. If it is leaking that bad, I don't think you would need to go far. Just some movement with the gears and axles and you should be able to find it.

Let me know what you find because I am curious what this would be if not the axle seal.

Okay, here's what I know:

I got the new axle in with new seal and new snap ring.
There was a small leak that stopped.
I wrote that off to the leftover from the last leak.
Up on jack stands I let in run in reverse and then forward.
Also cycled through all of the gears.
The drivers side just doesn't look to be in all the way.
One picture is from drivers side, the other pass side.

Upon further testing, it still leaks with clear fluid path from drivers side transmission where drive axle goes in.

I agree with you. That doesn't look fully seated. However, the snap ring would not cause what you are seeing. The fact that it goes this far in and doesn't make noise tells me that it is either not fully seated or the spline shaft is too long.

Clearly I won't think they built it wrong even though it is possible, I would think it is not fully seated. When installing these you should hear a definite clunk and feel the axle bottom out when the axle fully seats. If you are hearing that clunk and it still sticks out then I suspect the axle is the issue.

Can you get the part number and supplier for that axle and send it over?

I never heard or felt a clunk.
I'm going to try something tomorrow.
I'll let you know how it goes.

SURTRACK/TRAKMOTIVE NI8021
From Rockauto

Okay. They can be difficult. When you get the splines lined up and get it started, just hold the shaft on the outboard side of the CV joint and use the axle itself to help get it in by pulling out and pushing in almost like an little slide hammer.

Not sure that make sense but clearly we need to do whatever we can to get that clunk.

Keep me posted. Thanks

I did some research and I think that I figured it out.
Rockauto sold me a drive axle that is meant for the manual transmission model.
It is 3/16 too long so the spline is going in and seating, but there is excess outside.
I've got the correct axle on the way and will give a final update after install.
Thanks

That makes much more sense then they built it wrong but clearly still an issue along those lines. That totally sounds like you got it so I look forward to hearing it is all buttoned up. Thanks

Okay.
I got the replacement axle in and a new seal.
I watched a couple of you-tube videos and was told to install the seal flush with the exterior surface of the transmission where the axle goes in.
Did that. Installed the axle, felt the seat occur.
Visually inspected: the axle pushed the seal all the way into the opening for the axle thereby allowing it to leak,
took the axle back out, pulled the seal and tried to put it on the axle.
The way that I had the seal in it would never go up onto the sealing service.
See figure 1.
But if I turn the seal around, Figure 2, it goes easily over the sealing surface.
Which way should it be???

I just watched a couple more YouTube videos and it apparently shows that figure 1 from my last post is correct.
So I guess the question is, how do I prevent the seal from being pushed farther in?

Can you get a picture of the seal you have. The lip of the seal normally faces in so as you slide the shaft in it doesn't roll. So figure 2 would be correct. However, this being an older vehicle that was different back then.

Here is the process from the manual which I think sheds some light on your question. There is a tool that protects the seal as you put the axle in. Again, this is an older vehicle so this was common back then. They have made design improvements that render this not needed.

Let me see both sides of the seal and I am sure we can figure this out.

I bought the seals from Amazon using a nissan part number that I looked up on their part breakdown database Part Number: 38342-8E000. But I don't know how to check and see if it was superseded thru the years.
Here's the requested Pics.

I am going to do some more research but just looking at this seal, I attached the direction that I would install this. Basically the rubber seal part going into the transmission. See the picture. I am going to see if I can find something more detailed and send it over to you.

Okay.
I saw one guy in a video describe that, but the seal that I took out (it was leaking)
was the opposite.
I have to wait on a new seal to come in now, so no rush.

Just so I am clear, the seal you took out originally (not the one you put in) was in the other way but was leaking? If that is the case, I would think whoever put that in, put in it backwards.

I will find something and send it over to confirm this.

That is my thinking as well.
I'm a retired engineer by profession and my gut tells me that you are correct.
And the fact that the seal fits so perfectly onto the sealing surface clinches it.
One thing to note, the stuff that I'm seeing in the videos may be different manufacturer of seals where the exterior surface of the seal is not gold colored like mine.
I'll wait and see if you find some confirmation.

This is on a 1998 but shows how it can be confusing. This seal looks as though the lip of the seal is facing out. The lip is not the important part, it is exactly as you stated, it is the matting surface that matters.

I would suggest trusting yourself with your background and install it the way it makes sense.

Sounds good.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Its going to take to Wednesday to get a new seal with all this mess going on.
Thanks for your help and advice.

Absolutely. I will be here most likely answering other questions on this site because I am now grounded in my day job. So I will be available whenever you get back to us. Thanks

Okay.
The new seal is installed as shown below, no leak.
The new axle is installed as shown below, no leak.
I have tested it on jacks in going through all the gears, no leak.
I'm going to take it off the jacks and do a road test.
I'll let you know the results.

Awesome. That looks correct so I am sure you got it. Good work. Let us know the confirmation but I look forward to hearing. "No Leaks!"

Thanks

It looks like this job is done.
No leaks.
Thanks for your info and your support.
Have a blessed day and stay healthy.

That is what I was waiting for! Thanks for the update. Great work.

You too. We can end this virus!