Nissan Repair: LCKNG OR NOT, wheel drive car, cv axles

Question
I have a 02 altima 2.5 and I need to replace my tranny but my mechanic says that i have a locking or non locking differential how can i know which one do i have??

Answer
Hi Edith -

Usually the term differential is for a rear wheel drive vehicle. When you turn one drive wheel by hand on one side (in your case it would be one the front wheels) observe the other wheel. If it turns in the opposite direction, you do not have a locking differential.

However, being a front wheel drive car, I do not think any car would be locking, as the CV axles that the engine drives are directly connected to the shafts.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin