diff issues?

[goose]

how do you check your diff fluid and how do you know if its low? would you have felt a problem by now? i have 4000 miles. let me know what probs u guys are having and what to look for. im sorry if this has been already talked about but im pretty new to this forum thanks

[GETSOMZ28]

Take the filler plug off and the fluid should be level with the bottom of the plug hole.

[bestatchess]

4,000 miles is a good time to change it anyway.

[Undershade]

So I am new to this and I am ashamed to say that my '04 diff fluid has never been changed! I know...call me what you will. I am learning about working on my truck and have bought all of the items I need to change the fluid over the weekend. The only thing I could not find was a 1/2" square drive bit to take off and re-install the filler plug! My thought is that I can use the 1/2" drive on my torque wrench to do this. Is this what other people do? I have checked 4 auto parts stores and nobody has a square drive bit!

Also, the Titan service manual states to apply both RTV silicone and Medium Duty thread lock to both the drain and filler plugs when you re-install. Here is my ignorant question...Is there a specified way of doing this? Do I apply RTV to the lower portion of the bolt and thread lock to the upper; vice versa, etc.? Please somebody enlighten me!

[bestatchess]

You can use a ratchet handle or a ratchet handle + extension to turn the plugs.

Permatex high performance or high temperature thread sealant works fine on both the drain and fill plugs.

[Undershade]

Thanks for the quick reply. Should I still use thread lock? Also, I just read another post where a member states that Nissan changed to synthetic almost immediately. Is it still 80W-90 (just in synthetic)?

[bestatchess]

Do not use thread lock. 75-140 Synthetic for the rear diff.

[Undershade]

Pardon the ignorance but is High Temp RTV silicone (gasket maker) the same as High Temp/Performance Thread Sealer?

[bestatchess]

Originally Posted by Undershade

Pardon the ignorance but is High Temp RTV silicone (gasket maker) the same as High Temp/Performance Thread Sealer?

No, RTV is what you use to seal the diff cover if you take it off and put it back on.

[killcatzforfun]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

4,000 miles is a good time to change it anyway.

ok, sad to say I do little to nothing to my truck other then gas, and air the tires, the rest is done by the dealer.... will the dealer change my diff fluid at 4k miles or when ? if they dont do it i may just do it myself, because i just hit 5300 miles and my next oil change is at 6k.. plus my diff clunks when i put it in gear and is starting to whine

[TallTexan]

Originally Posted by killcatzforfun

ok, sad to say I do little to nothing to my truck other then gas, and air the tires, the rest is done by the dealer.... will the dealer change my diff fluid at 4k miles or when ? if they dont do it i may just do it myself, because i just hit 5300 miles and my next oil change is at 6k.. plus my diff clunks when i put it in gear and is starting to whine

Problems with the differentials solved? Don't think so. Sounds like we have to wait and see if the 08's are fixed.

[Titantexan]

I just changed my fluid after using the synthetic the dealership put in back in '06. I used Royal Purple 75/140W Synthetic. The fluid that came out was kind of a medium dark honey with no metal shavings. It was one of the easiest things I have ever done on my truck and only cost me $40.