Axle vent mod success stories?

Smoke05 · 07-12-2008, 07:55 PM

In short, I have now had my second axle seal failure. I cannot grasp why this happens other than excessive pressure build up. Perhaps due to the failure of the one way valve Nissan is using to vent the axle. Has anyone had a seal failure after doing the vent mod? That appears to be my next step. I have had no other issues with the axle. I will be insisting the dealer replace the vent valve with new, fully inspect the rear diff for any abnormal wear and refill it with new fluid on Nissan's dime. I have 150 miles to go on my warranty and paid for a fluid change about 10k miles ago when I had the seal let go the first time. Not the end of the world, but it does tick one off pretty good! The dealer better have the part in stock!!! My dealer is pretty good but it always seems they need to order EVERYTHING!! Wife's Subaru dealer is the same way. Must be some new managing of inventory to reduce stock or something.

54warrior · 07-12-2008, 09:16 PM

I have had a total of 3 seal failures. Two occurred prior to my performing the axle vent mod. Once on each side. I installed the vent mod at about 25-28k after these first TWO occurrances. The driver's side seal was leaking again at 42-44k? and replaced under warranty.

desertruner09 · 07-13-2008, 05:31 PM

I've had one side replaced at about 30K and did the mod right after that. I am now at 53K and have had zero leaks with the side seals. Actually, 54warrior is the first and only case I have heard of where a seal started leaking after the mod.

HRTKD · 07-13-2008, 08:20 PM

I did the mod early on in my Titan's life. I'm only at 10,000 miles now but I offroad and tow. So far no leaks.

07cajuntitan · 07-13-2008, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRTKD

I did the mod early on in my Titan's life. I'm only at 10,000 miles now but I offroad and tow. So far no leaks.

Are you not worried about voiding your warranty? I am about to hit 10,000 miles as well. I checked the fluid in the rear differential last weekend & the fluid level (while parked on level ground) was below the drain plug so I added Mobil 1 75-140 full syn fluid until it was at the level of the check plug. HOPE THAT WAS RIGHT!!!

HRTKD · 07-13-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07cajuntitan

Are you not worried about voiding your warranty? I am about to hit 10,000 miles as well. I checked the fluid in the rear differential last weekend & the fluid level (while parked on level ground) was below the drain plug so I added Mobil 1 75-140 full syn fluid until it was at the level of the check plug. HOPE THAT WAS RIGHT!!!

No, I'm not worried about the axle vent mod causing warranty problems. If anything, what we are putting in is far superior to the vent that was in there. It should keep the axle well vented and cleaner since crud can't get back into the axle. Keep in mind that one of the main reasons for the mod is that the vent has a tendency to get stuck shut. That can cause pressure buildup with could then cause the axle seals to fail.

In my case, the mod keeps water from going into the axle should the vent get stuck open.

Smoke05 · 07-13-2008, 09:50 PM

Is there an aftermarket replacement for the seals and bearings?? I am sure not headed back to the dealer to have this done out of warranty after seeing what they charge!

Rob · 07-14-2008, 07:11 AM

I have had 0 problems, but I removed the breather after the first time I got the axle wet, and it gulped water.

For the multiple-rear-failure fellas, I found this while hunting TSBs a long time ago:

Quote:

NTB06-027a

2004-2006 NISSAN TITAN; 2005-2006 NISSAN XTERRA; 2005-2006 NISSAN FRONTIER; REAR FINAL DRIVE BREATHER
The new Rear Final Drive (RFD) assembly from the parts department will come with a temporary plug instead of the breather. The temporary plug MUST be removed and discarded, and the Breather from the original axle assembly MUST be removed and installed in the new assembly.

Something to consider. When I removed my breather, it was not in excellent working order. It was full of crud. It's a crappy little part, and a decent breather would work MUCH better to equalize that pressure. With the TSB above, I have to wonder if guys that are experiencing problems are having a crud-filled breather removed and replaced on the new assembly, or if any of these trucks are leaving the shop with the plastic plug intact that comes shipped with the rear final drive assembly. If this were the case, it would make a LOT of sense that repeated axle-seals are blowing out. Not to mention, if a certain shop makes the mistake once, there's a chance the same guy could make the same mistake again.

I have had no problems with the axle vent mod. My truck gets wet, and all of the breathers are now up nice and high.

I used the toyota fitting for my axle. Problem-free for 2 years now.