The Nissan Path

I am puzzled whether I should or should not change differential and transfer case oil on my Pathfinder 06?

While Nissan maintenance schedule suggests replacing differential oil and transfer case oil at 60K and then at 90K miles. Nissan dealer claims that differential and transfer case oil does not get replaced at all unless it’s leaking.

So, does anyone know the correct answer? Thanks

Good question, and I know you are not the only one who's debating this topic. I've see it both ways. Someone changing the fluids according to the recommendation in the owners manual and others not changing it at all until a leak. I think for a more peace of mind, I'd change the fluid. I would feel more at ease knowing it was done on time and that the fluid should be operating properly. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you end up doing. If your worried about cost, fluid change is very easy and does not require taking it to the dealer.

not changing the fluid is a bad idea. oils break down over time and wreck the diff or diff's. that's a sure way to unload a couple thousands to repalce it once you damage it.

Thank you for taking time to explain. It's still unclear what to do. I will call Nissan tomorrow and will post whatever they'd suggest.

Don't listen to that dealer. You definitely need to change those fluids. Check your owner's manual. Mine had a recommended service interval for diff and transfer case. I use Mobil 1 synthetic for longer intervals.

difinitly change the oils for your own peice of mind. when you go thru water it gets sucked in thru the breather hole and starts to do damage. dont forget to use a grease gun on the drive train

Need to resurrect this thread. Just had my engine oil and brake fluid replaced and was told that my transfer case fluid is brown and my differential fluid is black. I have 30992km (19257miles) on it. These fluids are not scheduled to be replaced until 48000km (30000miles). I would definitely replace when scheduled but am wondering why they look the way they do and if I can hold off until the scheduled maintenance.

Thanks in advance, for your help.

You were told but did you actually see it?

I did not.

I have been going to these guys for the past couple of years and have never any problems or concerns. I had the maintenance manual in my hands when he mentioned the transfer case and differential and knew they where not due for sometime so I thought I would reach out to the forum.

06 Path here...I changed my rear diff fluid at 75000 miles and put in Royal Purple .

naturally it was dirty..but very little metal filing on magnatized plug. I would change it.

I would change it - fresh oil can't be bad.

I change mine every 30K, RedLine synthetic, however I abuse my transfer case and diffs more than the average bear (off roading or towing). For normal soccer-mom use I'd suggest 60K. Never changing it is crazy...

Its never to early to change fluids

Just got mine and havent got to it but I'm going to change everything,coolant,bleed brakes,diff's,trans,transfer
And start my schedule from that milg

TheRude1 wrote:Its never to early to change fluids

Just got mine and havent got to it but I'm going to change everything,coolant,bleed brakes,diff's,trans,transfer
And start my schedule from that milg

Good call. Its easy to get lazy (like me) and leave your trans or transfer case oil for 2yrs+. The stuff that came out of the transfer case was, ummm, not looking so good. For me its just been a time thing, building a house, work, travelling for work, kids, etc etc.

Remember too, the transfer case has no cooling capability, unlike your transmission. Pretty sure its always spinning too, at least on mine (non-auto 4wd system), so the fluid is always warming up even if you don't have 4wd engaged.

t

I have had several Z71 series Chevys
Had a 94, changed the transfer fluid every 20K
When I traded it in with 284K the severice manager went for a ride with me cause they did not believe it still worked just fine

So Ill be doing the same with Sally, Yes I name all my vehicles and the pathy in named Sally