checking differential fluids

[dilleyoshemp]

hey guys, ive never checked differential fluids in any car, can someone please tell me how i go about it, the front and rear, a diy with pictures would be perfect, sorry for being a newb!

[rarjar]

Don't have any pictures, but at the rear of the rear differential, there is a plug about half way up (use a 3/8" break-over socket wrench to remove). Differential fluid should be level with bottom of hole or you should at least be able to touch the fluid by sticking your finger in to the first knuckle. If you have 4 wheel drive, the front differential is a little tougher to get to, but I believe it has the same arrangement, but on the front side of the differential. I use Permatex high temp thread sealer when reinstalling the plug. Hope this helps.

[titanwild]

Originally Posted by dilleyoshemp

hey guys, ive never checked differential fluids in any car, can someone please tell me how i go about it, the front and rear, a diy with pictures would be perfect, sorry for being a newb!

Everybody's a newbie at some time, Welcome!

To check rear diff, after truck has cooled and on level ground, unscrew the filler plug (not the drain plug on the bottom), stick your little finger in and you should be able to touch fluid at or very slightly below the same level as the plug hole. Most early production (prior to June 04) Titans have been low. If low, check this thread for much more information, including drain/fill instructions. As a matter of course, most on this forum have been changing to Mobil 1 75W-90 regardless of mileage.
Good Luck!
Dale

[dilleyoshemp]

kind of confused, i have to use a resealer after i check the fluid? just opening the plug and checking, then putting it back isnt good enough? also if it low, what exact fluid should i add? i live in Canada, what would you guys recommend, and it is ok to mix fluids, whatever nissan filled it with then i can add another weight oil or company and itll be ok? maybe the best bet if its low is to drain it and refill it?

[rarjar]

There are a lot of previous threads with guys talking about this who are a lot smarter than me, but here's what I did. My fluid was low, so based on what others have said on this forum, I drained the fluid (giving it an hour to drain because fluid is so thick). I then used a thread sealant (like Permatex high temp sealer) on drain threads to reinstall drain plug. I added enough Mobil 1 75W-90 differential fluid (approximately 2.2 quarts US) through check plug hole of differential until fluid just started running out of hole. Check plug (with thread sealer) was then reinstalled. Thread sealer is recommended to prevent leaks in the differential, which holds relatively small volume of fluid.

[NDJollyMon]

My dealer changed the rear diff oil for me. It was jet black and stinky. (bad stinky!)
I wanted them to put in Synthetic oil, but they wouldn't. They suggested that I use the NISSAN oil or it will void the warranty if problems arise. Dealer called NISSAN about the oil. They said it was normal to be nasty, because of the tight new bearings. Just change oil, as nothing was wrong. (Nissan oil)

[quicksilver]

I have to call BS on the nissan oil. I don't see how changing diff. oil to a different brand would void warranty.

[azxr]

Originally Posted by quicksilver

I have to call BS on the nissan oil. I don't see how changing diff. oil to a different brand would void warranty.

I agree. Here is what the service manual say on page MA-10

Rear final drive oil API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90 *6

Front final drive oil API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90 *6

Note 6 says

*6: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F).

Now for the transmission they say

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*2

and the note says

*2: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.

So they are specific on that.

And might as well mention the transfer case. They say

Transfer fluid Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental
U.S and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid *7

and note 7 says

*7: DEXRONTM III, MERCONTM or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN
dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRONTM III or MERCONTM Automatic
Transmission Fluid.

So a substitute is allowed here.