diff and transfer case fluid question

tccart · 08-23-2005, 03:08 PM

I'm no 4x4 driveline expert, but I get the general idea of what goes on under there.

I took my Titan in to a dealer for it's first oil change at 2500mi, and asked them to also check the tranny and rear diff fluid. I had done a fair amount of towing, and with the posts I've read about the looks of the first batch of diff fluid ............

Anyhow, they said the front diff, rear diff, and transfer case fluids should be changed. I was fully expecting the rear diff fluid to be changed, but since the truck has never been in 4x4, is there any reason why the front diff and transfer case fluids should need changing at 2500mi ?

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-23-2005, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tccart

I'm no 4x4 driveline expert, but I get the general idea of what goes on under there.

I took my Titan in to a dealer for it's first oil change at 2500mi, and asked them to also check the tranny and rear diff fluid. I had done a fair amount of towing, and with the posts I've read about the looks of the first batch of diff fluid ............

Anyhow, they said the front diff, rear diff, and transfer case fluids should be changed. I was fully expecting the rear diff fluid to be changed, but since the truck has never been in 4x4, is there any reason why the front diff and transfer case fluids should need changing at 2500mi ?

There's no reason, other than to change over to Nissans newly recommended 140W synthetic gear oil in the rear end, to change ANY of those at 2500 miles! You have a 2005 so you SHOULD already have the new fluid in the rear. Tell them to show you in the owners manual where is says to change those fluids so early. They won't be able to....now tell them you're not paying for it! I mean...if it makes you feel better and you don't mind the bill, it can't hurt anything. I'ts certainly NOT needed.

CJ3FLYR · 08-23-2005, 05:06 PM

The manual suggests, as part of 'premium service', changing the rear diff oil on my 05 at 3750 if you tow... Given the axle grief some people have gone through it might not be a bad idea. Who knows if it'll keep you out of trouble but I do know changing the rear axle oil early, the first time, won't get you into trouble

. The front diff should be fine if they check the fluid level and I mean check it, not just a look at it to say "uh... it's not leakin' so it must be full

". Mine was low. As far as the T-case goes my oil level was low there too so make sure it was really checked. Niether the front axle or the t-case really need to be changed this early, IMHO. (However do note that the T-case still spins and works in 2wd, not as hard as it does in 4wd but it's always workin...)

GETSOMZ28 · 08-23-2005, 07:31 PM

When I swapped out my gear oil in the front and rear at 500 miles, the rear looked like crap and the front looked much better. You should be fine.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-23-2005, 07:51 PM

I also believe the transfer case uses Nissans regular non-synthetic automatic tranny fluid. Tranny fluid is usually good for more than 30k miles.

uititan · 08-23-2005, 08:01 PM

I agree with checking the levels. Changed my rear fluid at 500 miles to the 75-140 syn. Checked front diff fluid and it was clean, but a little low -- just topped it off. Can't believe the front diff or transfer case should need to be replaced at 2,500.

GETSOMZ28 · 08-23-2005, 08:07 PM

Yeah, I forgot about that. Mine was a bit low too, so I just changed them both out.

The transfer case uses regular Dextron III fluid (couple folks using Mobil 1). It is the tranny that uses Nissan's proprietary fluid.

tccart · 08-23-2005, 11:19 PM

Thanks for the replies. That's pretty much what I thought the day after I paid for the service.

The dealer's service advisor caught me at a weak moment at work, as I was beyond busy that morning. So, I mistakenly said to go ahead with the work. My fault for not thinking about it for half a second. I guess I am used to my old mechanic who took care of my last truck. He once saved me cash by picking up a used fuel tank sending unit for me, instead of just putting in a new one.

I'll call the service dept. back, and act all concerned about the front diff and transfer case. ".... but sir, there must be a problem with my front diff and t-case. Why else would you need to flush them out with only 2500mi, and never been in 4x4??" I'll either get a credit, or enough entertainment from making him squirm that I will call it even, and lesson learned.