Changing Differential fluids?

[porksoda]

My 2006 Pathfinder is around 97K miles currently and I am unsure if the Differential fluids have been replaces. So I think I am going to replace these fluids just to be on the safe side.

Main questions I am wondering are:

1. What weights and brands should I get for FRONT & REAR?

2. How difficult is it? I looked under it there and seen that there looks to be a drain plug on the of each cover and I seen a fill plug on the sides toward the top. I am assuming that is all I need to know right?

Thanks!

[porksoda]

Also is this the same procedure to do the front on a Pathfinder?
The guy in the video is working on a Frontier:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Rjmiv_8YI

[porksoda]

I actually looked up the procedures and capacities.

If anyone would like to add anything that would be great!




FRONT DIFF:



REAR DIFF:

[smj999smj]

Rear calls for synthetic. If you go with synthetic in the front, you can use 75W90, same as the rear, this way you aren't purchasing two different weight gear oils.

[labsy]

I'd stay within OEM specs:
- front 80W90, 1 liter bottle (will use 0,8)
- rear 75W90, 2 litre bottles (will use 1,7), synth!
Both can be synthetic.

Manual screw-on-bottle pump will come very handy.

Just be aware to FIRST loosen top filling screw, only then drain oil through lower drain plug. I learned this hard way - if you drain oil out first, then you cannot unscrew top filling plug, you are screwed

Also check magnets on drain plugs, if there's a lot of metal chunks. A bit of debris is normal tear and wear, but larger metal pieces may indicate problems which need to be sorted out ASAP to prevent further damage.

[porksoda]

Lol.
I was just about to ask about using 75w90 in the front Diff. Seems like all I can find is conventional 80w90 fluid at local parts stores. I wanted synthetic oil in both differentials.

I was looking at royal purple but that stuff is like double the price of Mobil1 Syn and Valvoline Syn.

Thanks for the info.

[dawgn86]

just drained my 08 Frontier and color was still golden brown. 65k miles

[smj999smj]

I've been running 75W90 synthetic in the front diff on two R51's for four years. The only difference between 75W90 and 80W90 is that the 75W90 will have a slightly thinner viscosity at cold temps, compared to the 80W90, which isn't a bad thing. I have Mobil One synthetic in the 08 SE and Walmart's Syntech full-synthetic gear oil (which I have a sneaky suspicion that it "may" be re-labeled Mobil One) in the 06 LE. Both are doing fine with a combined mileage of 140,000 miles on the aftermarket gear oils. Same goes for the Valvoline Maxlife ATF I used in both of their transmissions and transfer cases.

[porksoda]

Look what I picked up for this Sunday!


I am actually going to use a genuine Nissan filter instead of that k&n oil filter.

[dawgn86]

Be sure you can open the fill plug before draining

[smj999smj]

Don't forget new crush washers for the diff plugs. There are two per diff. The transfer case uses them, too. Nissan P/N: 11026-4N200. If you need one for the oil pan plug, it's Nissan P/N: 11026-01M02

[Kestral]

I've been running 75W90 synthetic in the front diff on two R51's for four years. The only difference between 75W90 and 80W90 is that the 75W90 will have a slightly thinner viscosity at cold temps, compared to the 80W90, which isn't a bad thing. I have Mobil One synthetic in the 08 SE and Walmart's Syntech full-synthetic gear oil (which I have a sneaky suspicion that it "may" be re-labeled Mobil One) in the 06 LE. Both are doing fine with a combined mileage of 140,000 miles on the aftermarket gear oils. Same goes for the Valvoline Maxlife ATF I used in both of their transmissions and transfer cases.

I ran WM full synthetic in all my difs on my former Toyota 4Runner that I put aprox 200,000 on before selling. It's good stuff! Although I think WM Supertek has a contract with Warren oil? Warren makes some real good high quality lubricants. They also make Mag1 oil and I have read the brake down of the add pack from Blackstone labs and it's loaded with good anti wear stuff. So is the Walmart oil it's great stuff also and the price is right!

[smj999smj]

I use the Walmart Syntech full-synthetic motor oil, as well. Not sure if it still is, but it was once produced by Royal-Shell, the makers of Rotella. For $18 per 5-qt. jug, it's tough to beat!

[qek585]

Don't forget new crush washers for the diff plugs. There are two per diff. The transfer case uses them, too. Nissan P/N: 11026-4N200. If you need one for the oil pan plug, it's Nissan P/N: 11026-01M02

Any way I can just buy one at a local autozone or something? Does anyone know what diameter it would be if you bought it generic? Besides the cost savings, the nearest nissan dealership is 40 miles away from where I live.

[dawgn86]

I buy them off of Ebay in a bag of 20 for like $8 shipped to my house.