Differential Fluid Warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bwalkertitan · 06-12-2004, 10:05 PM

Well, I had previously checked my rear diff fluid (but not the front) because of the warnings on this site. Today I decided to drain both the front and rear and put in Mobil 1 synthetic 75-90.

The rear went off without any issues, however when I checked the level of the front with my pinky, I couldn't feel any fluid as far as my pinky could reach down into the diff!!!!!!!! When I drained it, the color was still looking very good, but personally, it was a bit scary since I have been offroad a couple of times already in 4HI. I then filled it and all is good now.

The warning: check your front even if the rear is fine, don't make the assumption that because one is good, the other will be too.

WIS-key · 06-13-2004, 12:39 AM

I experienced the same thing on my front diff. I could not touch any fluid with my pinky using the fill hole. So, I decided to drain and refill both. The fluid looked perfect coming out and there was very little "swarf" on the drain plug.

At any rate, both diffs have been drained and refilled with Mobil 1 75W-90...

-Rob

Mike H. · 06-13-2004, 05:50 AM

Same here. Mine took something like 16 oz to bring it up. Check your front ends guys.

GreenmtnTitan · 06-13-2004, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCLEinNC

I experienced the same thing on my front diff. I could not touch any fluid with my pinky using the fill hole. So, I decided to drain and refill both. The fluid looked perfect coming out and there was very little "swarf" on the drain plug.

At any rate, both diffs have been drained and refilled with Mobil 1 75W-90...

-Rob

I couldn't reach my front diff oil level either, but I had put quite a few miles on mine. With winter driving amounting to several hundred miles worth of snow and ice storm commuting. When I drained it, the oil was fairly dark and there was about an eighth of an inch of metal mung (technical term) on the front plug magnet. It seemed that not very much oil came out when I drained it (just a few seconds worth). The rear drained for quite a bit longer than the front. Both of them seemed to hold about two quarts of new oil each (Mobil 1 75W-90).

I'm sure glad I checked this before next winter. I'll be sure to keep a close eye on this in the future.

Cary
Red Brawn, SE, CC, Big Toe, Off Road, Ute bed
10000+ miles on Titan #2211- 11/03

bwalkertitan · 06-13-2004, 08:06 AM

I would recheck those amounts - between the two, I used approx 4 quarts.

Also, I had two magnetic plugs on the front - not sure if this is standard.

GreenmtnTitan · 06-13-2004, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwalkertitan

I would recheck those amounts - between the two, I used approx 4 quarts.

Also, I had two magnetic plugs on the front - not sure if this is standard.

You're right! Sorry about the miss information, I did use 4 full quarts between the two diffs. Both plugs on the front did have magnets, the upper one didn't have much "mung" though.

Thanks,
-Cary
Red Brawn, SE, CC, Big Tow, Off Road, Ute bed
10000+ miles on Titan #2211- 11/03

casique · 06-13-2004, 12:53 PM

How hard is it to get to the front diff? Did you put the truck up on ramps?

bwalkertitan · 06-13-2004, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casique

How hard is it to get to the front diff? Did you put the truck up on ramps?

nope no ramps - I just crawled under there - little tight maneuvering though. Had to take off one skidplate to be able to access the filler plug.

dandy · 06-13-2004, 06:39 PM

I haven't checked my rear

but the other night I had a little whine only on light accel, it went quiet when coasting. Makes one wonder. I will have the dealer check them when doing my warrenty work. Mind you that i'll check them 1st, you guys that were low should tell your dealer, with my luck right @ 60001 it would let go.

WIS-key · 06-14-2004, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwalkertitan

I would recheck those amounts - between the two, I used approx 4 quarts.

Also, I had two magnetic plugs on the front - not sure if this is standard.

Same here - four quarts between the two and the both front plugs are magnetic.

-Rob

greg w · 06-24-2004, 05:15 PM

My back was fine and I almost skipped the front rather than take off the skidplate. Glad I didn't because I couldn't reach any with my finger. There is mung on my upper plug in front and none on the back dif. which was full.

FLfinfan · 06-26-2004, 07:51 AM

Both of mine were low. Drained and refilled the rear with Mobil 1 syn. The front just got topped off with Valvaline regular gear oil. I will eventually drain and refill the front with Mobil 1 syn also.
Drained the motor oil at 800 miles and put in Castrol GTX. Now have 1900 miles on her. We are taking a long summer trip at the end of summer so I might change the oil again before and after the trip. Also might change the rear diff oil after the trip (3000 miles round trip). Might be overkill, but oh well. Just wanna take care of the beast.

ekool · 06-26-2004, 12:10 PM

This would make an excellent FAQ entry... I'm going to work on that right now.

Titan Ken · 06-27-2004, 09:02 AM

I had my first oil change done at the dealer (1922 miles), and asked that the front and rear differentials be checked. The service advisor said that was done during PDI (pre-delivery inspection). I said I'd like to be sure. He said management doesn't like them doing "silly stuff", but since the service manager wasn't there (Saturday), he'd have it checked for me.
He reported the level was ok in both.

Ken

Bayou Titan · 06-27-2004, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan Ken

He said management doesn't like them doing "silly stuff", but since the service manager wasn't there (Saturday), he'd have it checked for me.
Ken

If a Nissan dealer says this to me I think I will ask for it in writing so I can show it to Nissan USA after they spend lots of $$$ replacing the rear end on my Titan. You would think since this is a problem with Titans, Nissan would want to check the differential on all Titans brought in for service for any reason.