3,000 mile rear final drive oil change interval??

cttitan · 05-12-2004, 05:28 PM

I'm a little confused about the inspection/replace requirements for the rear final drive oil. There have been other threads about the oil level and such and it was pointed out that the service manual says to change it every 3,000 miles if towing.

The service and maintenance book that came with the truck states to inspect the rear differential oil every 15,000 miles and replace it every 30,000 miles if towing. It does have a note for the Armada to change it at the first 3,750 mile interval if towing.

However the service manuals for both the Titan and Armada say to change the rear final drive oil every 3,000 miles if towing.

This sounds very unusual and is certainly confusing so I'm leaning towards the service interval as stated in the manual in the truck. I'm going to run this by the dealer to see what they can find out.

I'm going to be doing 9,000 miles of towing this summer and sure need to know what is the right interval for this.

I'll let everyone know what I find out.

got_titan · 05-13-2004, 07:42 PM

thats a very good question please keep us informed of any new info. thanks

titanone · 05-13-2004, 07:56 PM

I would change at three thousand miles and use Mobil one for the Diff, It's cheap insurance and easy to do yourself.

I've already changed mine because I do a lot of towing with it and don't want to take a chance.

BigJoe_Titan · 05-14-2004, 05:02 AM

I changed mine at 3,000 and am thinking I will change every 15,000 thereafter with synthetic. Still interested on seeing what cttitan finds though. Thanks for looking into that cttitan.

cttitan · 07-19-2004, 05:11 PM

I ran this by the dealer a while back and they all looked at me like I was nuts. When I pointed it out in the shop manual they said that it sounded ridiculous. They were of little help in resolving the question though other than giving me the 800 number for Nissan customer service.

I called Nissan customer service and after a few days they got back to me. They said that the 3,000 mile change interval was only a recommendation that was put in there to cover any possible towing situation. If you were towing an extreme load under extreme conditions then you might have to change it every 3,000 miles or so.

Bottom line is I came away from all of this with the understanding that under normal conditions that most drivers will be in the recommendations in the owners service manual are just fine.

FLfinfan · 07-20-2004, 08:42 AM

What is the difference between the rear differential and the final drive? I have already changed the fluid in both diffs. What/where is the final drive?

JetTech · 07-20-2004, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLfinfan

What is the difference between the rear differential and the final drive? I have already changed the fluid in both diffs. What/where is the final drive?

nothing really but it has two different meanings. Final drive is a reference to ratios more than it is to a component. The rear diff will have a set ratio (ring and pinion), whereas the final drive ratio will be a different number when the transmission ratios are taken into account. But when it comes down to it, no difference...

bestatchess · 07-20-2004, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLfinfan

What is the difference between the rear differential and the final drive? I have already changed the fluid in both diffs. What/where is the final drive?

Pursuant to the service manual lingo:

FFD = front final drive (front differential)

RFD= rear final drive (rear differential)

As far as changing fluids with a 4x4 you would need to worry about:

engine oil

front differential

automatic transmission & transmission cooler (use only Nissan Matic J)

transfer case (use Nissan Matic D)

rear differential

And of course there is also the radiator, power steering, brake, battery & windshield washer fluids to check.

FLfinfan · 07-23-2004, 10:25 AM

Thanks guys. Before leaving FL I changed fluid in both diffs. Synthetic in the back, regular in the front. Have changed the motor oil twice already. Will be 3 times after this long trip I am on. Topped off the brake fluid and radiator coolant (both alittle below "MAX" lines). Topped off battery with distilled water. Power steering was ok. Tranny seems ok too. I think I brought every kind of fluid recommended with me on this trip just in case.