Update: front differential and PRG kit

[rwhite]

Thought I would post an update on my problem with the front axles poping out. First off, I will say that the PRG kit has nothing to do with the axles popping out. I took the kit off before I took it to the dealer, they replaced the circlips and the seals. I left the kit off for fear that it caused the problem. Two weeks later the axles popped out again. I was driving in the same conditions when it happened both times. On asphalt with very patchy ice. I realize that you should not make hard turns on a hard surface while in 4WD, which I didn't do. Both times I was driving on icy roads and had to make turns, the wheels hit a solid patch and POP! I get out and look and there is oil draining out. I use 4WD pretty frequently, and have never had a problem offroad, where there is some loss of traction while turning. But, when driving on-road we can't be expected to switch in and out of 4WD every time we have to make a turn. I have driven every other truck I have ever owned the same way, and never had a problem. Anyway after the second time the dealer contacted nissan and they are aware of the problem and told him to order a new front differential, and axles which are supposed to be redesigned. I be glad to put the PRG kit back on, as the truck looks pretty sorry without it. I keep every one posted of the results.

[Herbpov]

Originally Posted by rwhite

Thought I would post an update on my problem with the front axles poping out. First off, I will say that the PRG kit has nothing to do with the axles popping out. I took the kit off before I took it to the dealer, they replaced the circlips and the seals. I left the kit off for fear that it caused the problem. Two weeks later the axles popped out again. I was driving in the same conditions when it happened both times. On asphalt with very patchy ice. I realize that you should not make hard turns on a hard surface while in 4WD, which I didn't do. Both times I was driving on icy roads and had to make turns, the wheels hit a solid patch and POP! I get out and look and there is oil draining out. I use 4WD pretty frequently, and have never had a problem offroad, where there is some loss of traction while turning. But, when driving on-road we can't be expected to switch in and out of 4WD every time we have to make a turn. I have driven every other truck I have ever owned the same way, and never had a problem. Anyway after the second time the dealer contacted nissan and they are aware of the problem and told him to order a new front differential, and axles which are supposed to be redesigned. I be glad to put the PRG kit back on, as the truck looks pretty sorry without it. I keep every one posted of the results.

Gee, what next ????

[rwhite]

I don't know. I am pretty discouraged with NIssans foray into the big truck market. But I guess all new trucks will have their problems. I work for a gov't agency and get to drive many different trucks in our fleet. They all seem to have problems. It seems that we have gone 180 from the 70's and 80's when the drivetrains were bulletproof but the engines only lasted 75000. This is my 5th nissan truck, and the 1st that I have been disapointed in.

[CoachBoone]

Damn, that sucks. Good luck with the fix, let us know how it turns out.

[CVTITAN]

Let us know if the new axle is the fix..

[rwhite]

I'll let everyone know if it solves the problem. What sucks is that I was on icy roads both times it happened. I probably won't see those conditions until next year. My only choice will be to try and break it on purpose because by the time I may need it again it will be out of warranty.

[Elias60]

What part of the country do you live? Does it snow alot, and what kind of tires do you have. Just curious to know all the conditions you drive in I know you said it was icy and such.Where I live we have our bad winters and our good my truck has held up although 2 weeks ago I did use my 4X4 on the highway and the front diff was getting loader the faster I drove.

[rwhite]

From S. AZ, It doesn't snow hardly at all here, but I hunt alot up in N. AZ and it does there. We did get a fluke storm of a foot the other day though.