Hey NICO,
Hopefully everyone is off to a great start in the new year!
My 2001 QX4 just reached over 275,000 KM, and just blew it's transmission (can not reverse, metal-metal grinding noises, requires high revs to just move from a stopped point). Very sad, and I simply put too much $ in her and do not want to let her go yet.
My mechanic did an engine compression test and said that everything looks good.
I am now exploring my options and would like to ask all you knowledgable people for your advice =).
1) Automatic transmission:
a) rebuilding it ~$2000
b) buying a used transmission with lower mileage - 140,000km-160,00km - ~$400 + ~$700 labor
2) Manual transmission - is this even possible?
3) would it be over kill to do an engine swap? I am not sure what fits in my engine block, Exterra engine?
Thank you all in advance.
- Gord
2001 QX4 - Transmission failure - Options?
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atraudes
- Posts: 1106
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
- Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
- Location: Sammamish, WA
Re: 2001 QX4 - Transmission failure - Options?
1 a. I had to get the transmission rebuilt shortly after I bought it. After all was said and done, it ended up being $3k but I'm not sad I did it. I did get a few things done at the same time though. I'd recommend getting the rear main oil seal replaced (requires the transmission be pulled normally) and flushing the fluid lines. If you're interested, there ace shift kits available that will make for crisper shifting that may not cost you anything in labor. A transmission cooler may also not be a bad idea. If the guy does other gear-type work, have him check out the drivetrain and see if anything else needs TLC (rear axle?).
1 b. I talked about the possibility of buying a used transmission with the guy who did the work too, and ended up deciding against it primarily because you'll be inheriting the last guy's problems. Most places that sell used transmissions will offer guarantees and give you a new one for free, but you end up having to foot the bill to have the bad one pulled and the replacement reinstalled and probably even shipping back and forth. In addition, the mechanic will likely not cover any problems you have later. On the other hand, if you have it rebuilt, your shop will likely offer an extensive warranty and at minimum fix any problems that arise in the near future. So a used one could have half the cost vs. a rebuild, but if anything goes wrong that savings disappears. The shop I went to even gave me a 100k mile warranty that could be redeemed nationwide
2. I think that I've seen that it is possible, but I can't see that being cheap
If it's something you're interested in, though, it's worth asking the shop about.
3. An engine swap does seem like overkill if it's running fine since you probably wouldn't be saving a lot. No idea if other engines will fit.
Cheers and let us know how it goes!
1 b. I talked about the possibility of buying a used transmission with the guy who did the work too, and ended up deciding against it primarily because you'll be inheriting the last guy's problems. Most places that sell used transmissions will offer guarantees and give you a new one for free, but you end up having to foot the bill to have the bad one pulled and the replacement reinstalled and probably even shipping back and forth. In addition, the mechanic will likely not cover any problems you have later. On the other hand, if you have it rebuilt, your shop will likely offer an extensive warranty and at minimum fix any problems that arise in the near future. So a used one could have half the cost vs. a rebuild, but if anything goes wrong that savings disappears. The shop I went to even gave me a 100k mile warranty that could be redeemed nationwide
2. I think that I've seen that it is possible, but I can't see that being cheap
If it's something you're interested in, though, it's worth asking the shop about.3. An engine swap does seem like overkill if it's running fine since you probably wouldn't be saving a lot. No idea if other engines will fit.
Cheers and let us know how it goes!
-
gordon.su
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:07 am
- Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4:
K&N Intake, Dual Magna Flow Quad Exhaust with Dual-in-Out X pipe HID Fogs, PIAA LED DRL, HELLA Lamps, Push Guard, Rear Light Guards, Surco Roof Rack, Rally Armour Mud Flaps - Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: 2001 QX4 - Transmission failure - Options?
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delayed response!
Been enjoying my qx4 so much that I forgot to update!
I rebuilt the transmission and added an external transmission cooler!
What happened was that the planetary gears grinded out and blocked the internal transmission cooler and over heated.
Hopefully no one will experience this!
Gord
Sorry for the delayed response!
Been enjoying my qx4 so much that I forgot to update!
I rebuilt the transmission and added an external transmission cooler!
What happened was that the planetary gears grinded out and blocked the internal transmission cooler and over heated.
Hopefully no one will experience this!
Gord
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rgk
- Posts: 588
- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2014 4:48 am
- Car: 02 Pathfinder LE 3.5 auto 4x4
- Location: Indiana Dunes National Park
Re: 2001 QX4 - Transmission failure - Options?
How much did it cost to rebuild? How come you went with the rebuild vs. a used transmission?
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gordon.su
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:07 am
- Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4:
K&N Intake, Dual Magna Flow Quad Exhaust with Dual-in-Out X pipe HID Fogs, PIAA LED DRL, HELLA Lamps, Push Guard, Rear Light Guards, Surco Roof Rack, Rally Armour Mud Flaps - Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: 2001 QX4 - Transmission failure - Options?
I thought long a hard, checked out the inventory of a couple of junk yards, the lower mileage transmissions was still pricey. I didn't want to inherent any part problems from the previous owners.
I could have saved couple hundred going the used route but wanted a more peace of mind.
I could have saved couple hundred going the used route but wanted a more peace of mind.
Re: 2001 QX4 - Transmission failure - Options?
Help! Help !! Help!!!
I got my 2002 R50 Pathy stocked on a slippery muddy
ground and tried so hard to pull it out. Engaged the 4wLo,
4wH, yet couldn't get it out. I called for help and friends
came and helped me push it out, with my throttle flat
out..3,500-4,000Revs. I matched the accellarator and revd
high. After I got out of the mess, my Pathy started acting
up. The Pathy couldn't move as usual, unless I rev very
high: up to 4k revs . Then, it takes more revs before it gets
into another gear level. Though it kinda runs smoothly after
30km/hr. I also noticed that the Pathy stays still when I
engage the "D" drive and release the break pedal, instead of
rolling forward. What do I do? what do think has happened
to the Pathy? I need to have an idea of the problem before
going to see my mechanic.
I got my 2002 R50 Pathy stocked on a slippery muddy
ground and tried so hard to pull it out. Engaged the 4wLo,
4wH, yet couldn't get it out. I called for help and friends
came and helped me push it out, with my throttle flat
out..3,500-4,000Revs. I matched the accellarator and revd
high. After I got out of the mess, my Pathy started acting
up. The Pathy couldn't move as usual, unless I rev very
high: up to 4k revs . Then, it takes more revs before it gets
into another gear level. Though it kinda runs smoothly after
30km/hr. I also noticed that the Pathy stays still when I
engage the "D" drive and release the break pedal, instead of
rolling forward. What do I do? what do think has happened
to the Pathy? I need to have an idea of the problem before
going to see my mechanic.