Differential Problem

ZacharyT · 10-12-2005, 10:33 AM

OK probably sounds like a Stupid Question. How would you know that the differential is haveing the problems that everyone is talking about on the Forums?

PHOEBISIS · 10-12-2005, 11:11 AM

Good point.Noise-a new noise-coming from the back might be the 1st sign.Some folks have heard a "big noise" and the truck stops moving-the rear end just stops working.
Some have noticed that their "pumpkin" is excessively hot,but I really don't know how you would quantify that.
Just make sure you have 75-140 syn lube in it,and follow the towing break in suggestions.Luck.Charlie

OddBall · 10-21-2005, 07:08 PM

Well, for me it was pretty simple. I tried to pull out on a highway today and the rear end let go. It sounds like a buzz saw...then it's bye bye axle. It's a 2004 LE Crew Cab and the fluid was changed to the recommended fluid by Nissan.

I called Sheehy Nissan and the service person immediately started trying to place some kind of blame or the presumption of blame upon me. hahah nice try!

The only way I could get home was in 4wd err...Fwd but it made it home. I expect the dealer will try to pull something and place the blame upon me since I have Goodyear MT/R's on it but they are the exact same size just heavier. I'm coming into this armed and ready to do battle.

Strangely I have done little towing, drive almost all the way to work on back roads with very little stop and go and the truck only has 17K on it. As a matter of fact when I brought it in for the brake judder the service "advisor" asked me if I did any towing. Duh. It has a receiver installed. He asked me any of my trailers had brakes. I told him that was none of his business. The truck is rated to tow over 9000 lbs but the brakes aren't up to snuff.

To say that I am disappointed that the diff blew is an understatement. If the diff can't handle it then they should stop advertising it CAN do it. Don't show it slogging through the mud, up hills, dirt, etc etc etc... Nissan, you screwed up BIG TIME here. The axle is wholly inadequate for our needs let alone a truck like this. If it was due to my negligence I'd still be angry but that would be at myself. To produce a vehicle with this kind of performance and capabilities and place an inferior axle beneath it is a mystery to me.

The only other diff I grenaded was off my old 89 Mustang and that was done with a 6000 RPM holeshot with slicks at the dragstrip.
The nose went up...the nose went BANG when the diff exploded!

I guess we'll see what happens...but I smell trouble with a capital T.

CHEIF · 10-21-2005, 07:44 PM

I agree with you on the point that, the truck is not matched up with the correct rear. I had mine blow up once. I have taken it easy since that, but I tow, and today I thought I felt it skip, not sure yet, time to start rompin'.

I had mine back in less than a week. Hope you have as good of luck. Good to know you won't be takin' any of their crap should they make the mistake of trying to serve some up.

Everything's gonna be OK

Cheif

steve83 · 10-22-2005, 10:59 AM

If i change my diff oil myself, and my diff happens to snap a couple weeks later, do you guys think nissan can somehow blame it on me?

Have any of you changed your own diff oil and then it broke. Did nissan give you any problems?

CHEIF · 10-22-2005, 12:35 PM

Not if you fill it to the correct level and use the correct fluid.

KTMNealio · 10-22-2005, 08:27 PM

Mine used to get a LOT hotter until I drained the pumpkin and switched to Amsoil.
- Nealio

OddBall · 10-24-2005, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEIF

I agree with you on the point that, the truck is not matched up with the correct rear. I had mine blow up once. I have taken it easy since that, but I tow, and today I thought I felt it skip, not sure yet, time to start rompin'.

I had mine back in less than a week. Hope you have as good of luck. Good to know you won't be takin' any of their crap should they make the mistake of trying to serve some up.

Everything's gonna be OK

Cheif

Well, your last sentence was rather prophetic!

I didn't expect to hear anything today given the amount of work I need them to do. Lo and behold I get the call from the service advisor this afternoon and he really went a long way to restoring my faith in Nissan.

They are covering and doing everything. The axle, since it's over $2500 worth needs approval from California. He mentioned he was on the phone for 20 minutes so the bean counters must have been trying to find ANY little thing they could to deny my warranty claim which they can't do.

The other items: new front brakes/rotors, etc...part of the final "fix", the hvac door problem, the condensor fan/ AC compressor issue, BCM recall(trailer wiring), BCM reflash, ECM reflash, etc etc etc....rear seat belt recall, new console cup holder door, passenger side seat rattle and the radio replacement. All of it, will be cheerfully performed by Sheehy Nissan.

If my esteemed SA sticks to what he says, and right now I have no reason to doubt him, it should cost me nothing to get this fixed. The wife commented how I'll basically be getting a new truck...well, sort of

I commented to the SA how I appreciate him and the dealership stepping up, when they had to of course!, and treating me fairly.

So, for now my faith is restored and I appreciate that they have stepped up to address these problems. I think a small part of it had to do with the letter I left on the front seat detailing all my issues, with Nissan Technical Bulletin #'s thanks to some great people on this site that took the time to put all of that together. I really appreciate the effort many have put into cataloging and categorizing the much needed information for us.

CHEIF · 10-24-2005, 08:09 PM

GOOD DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheif