[TheLaSwamp]

I just changed the rear differential oil for the first time. It really was a piece of cake. I installed the axle breather mod and decided to just go ahead and change the oil too. I drove about 10 miles so as to heat the oil a bit and get some of the metal shavings into the oil.

The OEM check valve seemed to be functioning properly. There was no sound of air streaming in or out of the axle when I removed the valve. Other than smelling as bad as everyone says it does, the oil, otherwise, looked good. No signs of water intrusion into the axle. There were some metal shavings on the drain plug, but not much. The oil was clear enough for me to be able to see the bottom of the drain pan. The oil had about 20k miles on it. This is my third axle, the first two having been replaced under warranty for making lots of noise at speed. I take it the clear oil is a good sign? I was half-expecting the milkshake from many of the posts here.

I filled the pumpkin with Mobil-1 75w-140, so I am hoping I am good to go for a while. Was there anything else I needed to be on the lookout for?

 

[HRTKD]

Keep an eye on the inboard side of the brakes for leaking axle seals. Sounds like your oil was in good shape. What did you use on the threads of the plugs? I started out using RTV but switched to Teflon tape. It's much easier to use and haven't had any leaks.

 

[LUBECAKES]

Should be good for at least 50k. FYI that's not actually a check valve, it's just a fitting with a dust cap on it.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

Keep an eye on the inboard side of the brakes for leaking axle seals. Sounds like your oil was in good shape. What did you use on the threads of the plugs? I started out using RTV but switched to Teflon tape. It's much easier to use and haven't had any leaks.

I looked around while I was under the truck, but I didn't see anything that looked like oil leaking. I was pretty relieved when I removed the OEM vent and it did not seem to be blocked. I used Teflon tape for both plugs on the pumpkin, and on the fitting for the vent mod. I haven't had a chance to drive the truck much since yesterday, but I did take it to the store down the road. It felt smooth and quiet.

 

[Pale Rider]

I use this on the cover and threads, works great!

or this on the threaded plugs/fittings

 

[Mac's Hack Shack]

I used this on the plugs when I did my diff fluid change, no leaks.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

I've had a chance to drive a bit since I did the diff oil change. The truck feels normal around town, but when I get up to speed, it feels like... I don't know... like it's dragging a bit. The engine seems to have to work a bit harder to get up to speed and keep it. I don't know if it's my imagination. I guess the new oil is thicker, but it's just a little over two quarts. I can't imagine it would actually make any difference that could be felt.

Or can it?

 

[LUBECAKES]

I've had a chance to drive a bit since I did the diff oil change. The truck feels normal around town, but when I get up to speed, it feels like... I don't know... like it's dragging a bit. The engine seems to have to work a bit harder to get up to speed and keep it. I don't know if it's my imagination. I guess the new oil is thicker, but it's just a little over two quarts. I can't imagine it would actually make any difference that could be felt.

Or can it?

How easily does it roll on a slight incline?

 

[HRTKD]

I've had a chance to drive a bit since I did the diff oil change. The truck feels normal around town, but when I get up to speed, it feels like... I don't know... like it's dragging a bit. The engine seems to have to work a bit harder to get up to speed and keep it. I don't know if it's my imagination. I guess the new oil is thicker, but it's just a little over two quarts. I can't imagine it would actually make any difference that could be felt.

Or can it?

Was your A/C on?

If you're 4x4 did you use the same fluid on the front as the rear? Front is supposed to be lower viscosity.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

How easily does it roll on a slight incline?

I actually live on a small hill, so when I got home, I positioned the truck at the top of the driveway. I put the truck in neutral and let off the brake. The truck rolled easily, picking up speed until I had to use the brakes. So, it rolled easily.

Is that a good sign?

 

[TheLaSwamp]

Was your A/C on?

If you're 4x4 did you use the same fluid on the front as the rear? Front is supposed to be lower viscosity.

My a/c was on when I was on the interstate. I have a 4x2, so no transfer case or front drive axle.

 

[LUBECAKES]

I actually live on a small hill, so when I got home, I positioned the truck at the top of the driveway. I put the truck in neutral and let off the brake. The truck rolled easily, picking up speed until I had to use the brakes. So, it rolled easily.

Is that a good sign?

If no brakes are dragging I'd say it was a Fig Newton of your imagination. There's no oil thick enough to cause a drag.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

If no brakes are dragging I'd say it was a Fig Newton of your imagination. There's no oil thick enough to cause a drag.

I actually just did a muffler swap, so that might have something to do with it. I can hear the exhaust a lot more now than before. There definitely seemed to be no drag when I rode down the hill. I have a Ultragauge that gives real time mileage and it actually shows better mileage with the oil change. So, my guess is that it's likely in my head. So it goes.

Lube, how many miles do you have on your Titan? Do you still have the original rear axle?

 

[LUBECAKES]

I'm pretty sure I have my original 2.94:1 axle. I tore it apart and replaced the pinion bearings at about 85,000 miles. Since then it's been great. I'm now at 113,000.
Unfortunately I live in New York State, so the rust will be getting to it before the mileage I'm sure.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

I'm pretty sure I have my original 2.94:1 axle. I tore it apart and replaced the pinion bearings at about 85,000 miles. Since then it's been great. I'm now at 113,000.
Unfortunately I live in New York State, so the rust will be getting to it before the mileage I'm sure.

New York? Yeah, I'm about as far away as you can get, down in south Louisiana.

You are currently using dino for the differential, right?

 

[HRTKD]

The original spec that called for 80w-90 has been superseded. 75w-140 is is the new specification. My '07 came with 75w-140 in the rear axle.

 

[LUBECAKES]

New York? Yeah, I'm about as far away as you can get, down in south Louisiana.

You are currently using dino for the differential, right?

I'm using 85/140 "Dino" oil.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

Got under the truck yesterday to check to see if everything was okay since installing the axle vent and changing the differential oil. I had to Goggle pics of the leaking axle gaskets so I'd know what it looks like. The pics all showed obvious oil leaks on the back sides of the rear brake shields. Both of mine were clean. So, hoping I'm good to go, at least for the time being.

 

[Pale Rider]

put some heat cycles into the new gears, took the cover off to check the pattern, spot on, then installed a lubelocker gasket and put the cover back on.

filled with Lucas 80/90W:wink:

 

[LUBECAKES]

There's no reason not to use 80w 90, considering every other axle since the beginning of time has used it. I firmly believe Nissan changed their spec in hopes of avoiding a few extra warranty claims.
That being said, I still prefer 85/140, being free and all. My truck lives in New York, and gets used!