differential & transfer case oil change YES or NO???

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alecsey
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differential & transfer case oil change YES or NO???

Postby alecsey » Sat Dec 10, 2011 10:04 pm

I am puzzled whether I should or should not change differential and transfer case oil on my Pathfinder 06?

While Nissan maintenance schedule suggests replacing differential oil and transfer case oil at 60K and then at 90K miles. Nissan dealer claims that differential and transfer case oil does not get replaced at all unless it’s leaking.

So, does anyone know the correct answer? Thanks


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volvite
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Postby volvite » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:20 pm

Good question, and I know you are not the only one who's debating this topic. I've see it both ways. Someone changing the fluids according to the recommendation in the owners manual and others not changing it at all until a leak. I think for a more peace of mind, I'd change the fluid. I would feel more at ease knowing it was done on time and that the fluid should be operating properly. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you end up doing. If your worried about cost, fluid change is very easy and does not require taking it to the dealer.

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JAHBLESSINGS
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Postby JAHBLESSINGS » Mon Dec 12, 2011 1:50 pm

not changing the fluid is a bad idea. oils break down over time and wreck the diff or diff's. that's a sure way to unload a couple thousands to repalce it once you damage it.

alecsey
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Postby alecsey » Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:30 pm

Thank you for taking time to explain. It's still unclear what to do. I will call Nissan tomorrow and will post whatever they'd suggest.

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deermjd
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Postby deermjd » Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:34 am

Don't listen to that dealer. You definitely need to change those fluids. Check your owner's manual. Mine had a recommended service interval for diff and transfer case. I use Mobil 1 synthetic for longer intervals.

Colin
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to change or not to change diff oils

Postby Colin » Sun Mar 18, 2012 7:52 pm

difinitly change the oils for your own peice of mind. when you go thru water it gets sucked in thru the breather hole and starts to do damage. dont forget to use a grease gun on the drive train

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Oly 22
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Postby Oly 22 » Sat Jun 30, 2012 11:36 am

Need to resurrect this thread. Just had my engine oil and brake fluid replaced and was told that my transfer case fluid is brown and my differential fluid is black. I have 30992km (19257miles) on it. These fluids are not scheduled to be replaced until 48000km (30000miles). I would definitely replace when scheduled but am wondering why they look the way they do and if I can hold off until the scheduled maintenance.

Thanks in advance, for your help.

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smj999smj
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Postby smj999smj » Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:38 pm

You were told but did you actually see it?

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Oly 22
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Postby Oly 22 » Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:03 am

I did not.

I have been going to these guys for the past couple of years and have never any problems or concerns. I had the maintenance manual in my hands when he mentioned the transfer case and differential and knew they where not due for sometime so I thought I would reach out to the forum.

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dawgn86
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Postby dawgn86 » Tue Jul 03, 2012 1:46 pm

06 Path here...I changed my rear diff fluid at 75000 miles and put in Royal Purple .

naturally it was dirty..but very little metal filing on magnatized plug. I would change it.

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Sayantsi
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Postby Sayantsi » Tue Aug 07, 2012 6:32 am

I would change it - fresh oil can't be bad.

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RacerZX
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Postby RacerZX » Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:24 am

I change mine every 30K, RedLine synthetic, however I abuse my transfer case and diffs more than the average bear (off roading or towing). For normal soccer-mom use I'd suggest 60K. Never changing it is crazy...

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TheRude1
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Postby TheRude1 » Wed Sep 05, 2012 8:20 pm

Its never to early to change fluids

Just got mine and havent got to it but I'm going to change everything,coolant,bleed brakes,diff's,trans,transfer
And start my schedule from that milg

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disallow
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Postby disallow » Thu Sep 06, 2012 6:20 am

TheRude1 wrote:Its never to early to change fluids

Just got mine and havent got to it but I'm going to change everything,coolant,bleed brakes,diff's,trans,transfer
And start my schedule from that milg
Good call. Its easy to get lazy (like me) and leave your trans or transfer case oil for 2yrs+. The stuff that came out of the transfer case was, ummm, not looking so good. For me its just been a time thing, building a house, work, travelling for work, kids, etc etc.

Remember too, the transfer case has no cooling capability, unlike your transmission. Pretty sure its always spinning too, at least on mine (non-auto 4wd system), so the fluid is always warming up even if you don't have 4wd engaged.

t

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TheRude1
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Postby TheRude1 » Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:38 pm

I have had several Z71 series Chevys
Had a 94, changed the transfer fluid every 20K
When I traded it in with 284K the severice manager went for a ride with me cause they did not believe it still worked just fine

So Ill be doing the same with Sally, Yes I name all my vehicles and the pathy in named Sally


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