Changing the Differentials and Transfer Case Fluids on my 2007 Nissan Xterra!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2020
- In this video I explain how I change the fluids in my differentials and transfer case. Overall, this is a very simple maintenance service that can be completed without taking it to a dealership or mechanic. Doing this service yourself can save you hundreds of dollars. Basically, each serviceable part needs to be drained and refilled. If this video was helpful for you, please leave a comment below. Thanks for watching.
Tools I used:
18" breaker bar
CDI torque wrench
14mm and 10mm Hex sockets
Ratchet
Fluids I used:
Lucas Gear Oil: 75w-90 and 80w-90
Valvoline Max Life ATF
Capacities:
C200 Rear Diff: 3 3/8 pt or 1.6L
Transfer Case: 2 1/8 qt or 2.0L
Front Diff: 1 3/4 pt or 0.85L - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
My 2012 is right about 120k miles and your video made it easier to locate the fill and drain plugs when I changed out my fluids. Thank you
That’s great! Glad I could help.
I am getting ready to do all the differentials / transfer case fluids on my 2007 Xterra and this video is very helpful. Thank you very much!
Thanks I really appreciate it! Glad it’s been helpful. Best of luck on your fluid exchange.
Great video. Thanks for the torque specs and oil weights...saved time searching for all that. Well done narration and camera work!
Hey. It’s my pleasure. I’m happy you found it helpful. Thank you!
Great video, you saved me a couple of hundred dollars. Thanks.
That's awesome! Glad it helped.
Thanks for doing this video. Changed mine for the first time a couple days ago. Working on fixing up a 2007 Xterra. Lot of shavings on the rear diff magnet. Very helpful video.
Thanks! That’s awesome! Xterras are great vehicles. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve been trying to capture as much Xterra work as possible. Currently, performing and filming the timing chain service.
very helpful video, looking forward to do the same on my 4x4 Xterra 2006. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad I was able to help. Overall an easy job and it saves you money.
thanks for the awesome video. cool that you tried go do it without a jack and stuff to show that it can be done.
Thanks! Yeah, I think if I would have had a longer ratchet to get better leverage, the whole job could have been completed without Jacks. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the tools we need at the time. At least someone else will know before they get started on changing theirs fluids. Thanks again!
Very Helpful! The video is from 2 yrs ago, but still helps a lot 😊 *looking into doing the same service to my 2010 Xterra S
Great to hear! It's a pretty straight forward job. Best of luck on the maintenance and thanks for keeping an X on the road.
Great video! I learned a lot, thank you.
Thank you. I’m glad it was helpful.
MidEvil dead blow! 😅 Thanks for taking the time to share the process, now I'll get to work 🤙🏻
Yeah man! Best of luck!
Thanks for the capacity and torque specs sir. Hoping to do this maintenance on my 05 nissan frontier real soon.
Any time! Best of luck!
Good job to explain the type of the weight of the oil , many people they just make the video and the main think is to know the grade of the oil
Cool. Thanks! I appreciate it.
Thanks for the video. I did this 70k miles ago, but it's good to get reminded how to. I go ahead take out the fill plugs to let the fluids drain easier. Also, I drive the vehicle in 4wd for awhile to warm up the front diff oil. Probably doesn't matter much either way though.
You're right. Sometimes I go back and watch my videos when dealing with oil weights and capacities. Good point, always good to warm up those fluids before draining.
Great diy how to. Thank you
Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it.
Great vid! Thank you!
Awesome! Hope it helped. Thanks!
I feel ya! Every year I get longer and longer socket wrenches for leverage. Have a 07 nissan frontier 4x4
Ain’t that the truth. I just picked up a new one for the timing job I did. Another good investment and made quick work of all the bolts.
Good to enter the torque specs. Nice work. I'm going to do mine tomorrow. I ran the truck up on front ramps. I can get to the rear diff without lifting the truck. I intended to bring my 1/2" braker bar into battle with me. I have the Dana 44 rear axle (Nissan M2206)
Thanks! I try to do torque specs. I have a buddy that uses the “feel” technique. Haha. Drives me nuts, but it works for him. You got that nice rear diff! Best of luck
Just finished doing this on my X. Great video man, it's definitely helpful.
Glad it helped! Thanks for leaving the comment. I appreciate the feedback.
Good video
Thanks. I appreciate it.
good video, thank you
Thank you!
If service stations didn't charge so much, more vehicles would be taken care of. DIY can be a messy job so a lot of people just don't maintain their vehicles properly. Part of the "problem" is that people don't pay attention to the service schedule, other than engine oil changes. I'm guilty of not maintaining my vehicles properly. But at 68, I've decided to start doing my own vehicle maintenance again after a 30 year hiatus. So far, I've changed the engine oil and auto transmission fluid on my 2014 X. Getting that oil filter off was a challenge.
100%. That’s good to hear you’re taking control over your servicing and maintenance. I was tired of the high prices for easy jobs. Also, I feel like you’re more connected to your vehicle and understand it more when you do the work yourself. Oh, and yes, that oil filter is no joke.
Thank you!!!
You’re welcome! 🤝
thanks!!
You’re welcome!
Awesome video, Im really grateful for folks like you putting up maintenance vids for the Xterra! I got an '08 4W and I love it. Question: how are you able to be sure you have the correct amount of fluids going in, especially with using the hand pump? Is it exactly by the amount you purchase per container? And does the pump leave you short (ie cant get it all out of the container)? Thanks for the great vid! Subbed
Hey! Thanks so much. You are correct in thinking that the pump does not get all the way to the bottom of the container so you do not get all of the fluid out of there and into the differential. What I like to do is measure how much has been taken out and then add to that same bottle or move to another bottle and just use the amount necessary to get to capacity. Also, around that time that you were putting in the required amount, you should see some seepage coming out of the fill hole, which also indicates that you have put the correct amount of gear oil into the differential. I hope that helps.
Thank you
You're welcome! I hope it was helpful.
Another 'Thank You' for a very clear and informative video. I also appreciate you including the quantities of oil you used. My question is how you determined how much to fill? Did you measure what drained and then refill the same amount or did you fill until it started to leak out of the filler plug? (I know it's been a hot minute, but perhaps you remember).
You’re welcome. I went off the owners manual. What the manual called for and the gear oil leaking out of the filler plug were very close, if not very accurate. It’s always a little tough for me to gauge to the ounces what I’m putting in there but when it started to drip out of the filler hole I was sure it was close if not right on the money for how much it should take.
That’s why I use Valvoline for both it holds up
👍🏻
just did mine and used the same gear oil. cool vid. do it outside if you can that stuff stinks!!
Right on! You're right, a well ventilated area is a must. Appreciate the comment. Thanks!
You put the good stuff in the transfer case and it’s much better than Lucas
Thanks.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. Why not try to use some penetrating oil before trying to break those drain and fill plug bolts first next time? It may make it easier.
Great point! Honestly, didn't cross my mind at the time.
@@TheNonnell Btw, did you use any thread sealant for the rear plugs as it doesn't have a washer. I am not sure if thread sealant is needed though. Do you know?
Good question. The quick answer is no. The first time I changed the fluids way back when, the filler plug had RTV around it. I’ve changed the fluids a couple times since then and have never added any sealant around the plug. So far so good with no leaks.
Changed the front differential fluid today. The front axle plugs were tougher to remove but I managed without having to jack the SUV or use a breaker bar. Kinda tough getting the plugs torqued though - jacking the SUV would've made it easier to torque them. I did the rear axle a few days ago. I was wondering if it's a good idea to spray brake cleaner in through the fill hole? Some vehicles require the cover to be removed and it's recommended to clean the gears with brake cleaner.
Good question. This is my opinion, but I’d say if you’re not taking the cover off to spray the cleaner there’s a higher chance of contaminating the new fluid. I’ve never “cleaned” the gears before on any of my vehicles. I always drain and fill and personally haven’t had any issues.
Maybe instead of the mallet, you might try a piece of pipe over your breaker bar. Works for my Xterra. 👍
100% if I had the space, but unfortunately I did not. I’ve used the method of a pipe over my bar before but this was too close quarters for that.
I do the same thing with putting the gear oil/ transmission fluid into autozone oil tank lol
Yes indeed. I assume all Autozones allow it. I know our local store does. They frown on antifreeze being dump though. Not that I would know anything about that.
Yes indeed. I assume all Autozones allow it. I know our local store does. They frown on antifreeze being dumped though. Not that I would know anything about that.
Use a small scissor jack under that wrench to break that screw loose!
That could definitely be a useful tip for someone. Thanks
Get a good ratcheting breaker bar type ratchet. 1/2” drive
It’s funny you say that bc I recently completed a timing chains and guides service on the X. A ratcheting breaker bar is exactly what I bought to help with that job. It made things so much easier.
Good video. Did the drain plugs have washers and if so, did you reuse or get new ones? Ty
Thanks! Honestly, I don’t remember if they had washers. I’ve done that job twice since I’ve owned my Xterra and if there were washers, I reused them. Never had any leaks. After doing the same service on my Lexus, I’d replace washers in the future if they’re required.
Hey man. Thank you for this video! Im curious, did you add any sealant or replace any gasket for the plugs on the differentials?
Hey James! I did not add any RTV to or around the plugs. I’ve changed the fluids twice since I’ve owned it and have only torqued them to the specifications for my X. It’s been ~100k miles changing them like that and I haven’t had any leaks or issues.
@@TheNonnell Thank you sir! I bought an Xterra recently and want to take it on a road trip soon so I wanted to get some maintenance stuff out the way.
Very cool. They’re great vehicles and maintenance is relatively easy overall. Feel free to reach out on IG if you need any assistance.
Some mechanics recommend using 75w90 in both diffs in these Nissan trucks. I don't recall why, but I've heard that many times.
Good to know. I wonder why that is.
Lol.
Because 75w90 is the gear oil they have a barrel of.
@@jaxturner7288 Silly jokes aside, the question is: does it matter which weight you use? I suspect it does not, as long as it's a quality synthetic oil.
@@dlg5485 all jokes aside, plenty of owners manuals and warranties say otherwise.
Is there an additive you can add to the rear diff when you do the fluid change that will help make it a little less noisy? Maybe a Lucas product?
Honestly, I'm not sure. I've never had any noise issues with my diffs, so I haven't looked into a solution for it. So far, I have 220K miles on my X and regular diff oil changes have served me well. A quick look online shows a lot of potential additives by Amsoil, Lucas, and other manufacturers. I would recommend reading reviews of those products and see if they fixed the same issue you're experiencing. Best of luck!
thx for the reply...quick thought why don't you just use 75w90 synthetic in the front diff as well??
@@TheNonnell
I'm not sure why they did different standards front and rear. I simply went by my owners manual and replaced with factory specifications. I've read that some people do 75w90 in both, but I try to be a stickler for what they call for.
En el diferencial delantero tambien lleva ATF??
Minute mark 3:55 has a capacity sheet screen shot of what goes in each differential and transfer case. Only the transfer case takes ATF.
Which plugs have crush washers on them?
Honestly, I would have to get back under the truck to remember. I’ll just say that I didn’t replace any of the washers during my drain and fill. I’ve done this twice since I’ve owned the X and have had zero leaks.
Both front diff plugs. both transfer case plugs, and only the rear diff drain plug. The rear diff FILL plug calls for gray RTV sealant.
At what mileage do you recommend this get done? Just got a 2014 pro 4x with 79k miles on it yesterday
If it came with an owners manual it should have the recommended service intervals. I don't off-road mine much so I do it about every 50K miles. I've heard that people who use theirs for hauling or off-road do it about every 30K miles. If it's new to you and you want some peace of mind, I would recommend to go ahead and do it.
@@TheNonnell thanks man!
Does the transfer case still take atf fluid wether its a automatic or manual xterra?
Good question. My repair manual doesn’t differentiate when it comes to the transfer case. If you have the owners manual it will have the correct fluid and capacity needs, but from what I see it would be the same for both.
@@TheNonnell thanks appreciate it!
Will this work for a frontier 4x4?
That’s a good question. I don’t know 100%. I know they’re based off the same platform but I’m not sure if they share the same drivetrain.
Good job ,I would have put Valvoline in both
I could have but I’ve used these products in the past and I was happy with them. Maybe next time I’ll switch it up.
I’m gonna let the Valvoline quick oil change do it
They do differentials? I did not know that. I thought they were strictly engine oil.
They will do a drain and fill
Was this the C200 or M226 rear?
0:20 should answer for you. Thanks.
I’m going to use Amsoil
Amsoil would probably be my choice, but it’s hard for me to justify the extra money.
I've noticed that a lot of videos where no one is wearing safety glasses or goggles.
Hmm. Well, I don’t know what to say. I assume people gauge their own safety requirements and protect themselves as needed. This isn’t my job and I don’t fall under OSHA. Good observation though.
Good job to explain the type of the weight of the oil , many people they just make the video and the main think is to know the grade of the oil
Thanks!
You're very welcome , what I own is a frontier 4prox , I think is the same gear of oil