2007 M35x Front & Rear Differential fluid change

[midnightclub619]

This was buried in another thread and share with everyone.

Tools:
Torx 55 (T55) bit
10" extension
ratchet
siphoning pump
drain pan

Differential Oil
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5
Front: 1 3/8 pt
Rear: 3pt




Front Differential
1. The front is fairly easy. The filler and drain bolts are right next to each other.
2. Remove the Filler bolt (top bolt) first and clean that one up (if needed)
3. After you remove the filler bolt, remove the drain bolt and make sure you have a drain pan underneath to catch the oil. Clean up the drain bolt of the metal shavings that the magnet has collected.



4. Replace the drain bolt (bottom bolt)
5. place the out tube from the siphon pump into the filler hole and pump the suggested amount. If oil starts to leak out that would be a good time to stop pumping
6. Replace the filler bolt


Rear Differential
1. Remove the filler bolt. (The bolt is on the right hand side of the differential)



2. Remove the drain bolt and let it empty and make sure you have a drain pan underneath to catch the oil. Clean up the drain bolt of the metal shavings that the magnet has collected. Once empty, replace the bolt.


3.place the out tube from the siphon pump into the filler hole and pump the suggested amount. If oil starts to leak out that would be a good time to stop pumping
4. Replace the filler bolt


Hope this helps. If I left anything out let me know and I can update.

[airmanhoward]

How often should this be done and how long did it take you (I will add another hour for me lol).

[midnightclub619]

I don't recall what the FSM states for the intervals for changing the fluid but I knew mine had to be changed since I hadn't changed it since I bought the car. Was fairly quick, approx. 30 mins for both together.

[airmanhoward]

perfect bought my car with 92k. I will add this to my list.

[Ilya]

Good work. Adding this to the FAQ.

[midnightclub619]

Thanks. Been doing some maintenance lately and thought it would be of help to some

[DS2009m35x]

great pics. Hardest part when I did it was to jack up the car and keep it level so the fill was correct.

[Shekhar]

For my 2006 M35 at 151K Miles, I jacked the rear passenger side. Secured with jack stand. Crawled under and removed top bolt and loosened bottom bolt. Attached the delivery end of fluid transmission pump to the fill port (used rolled up aluminum foil with a small plastic tube in the middle - to hold the tube in place in the fill port and provide gap for air to escape during fill up). Crawled,out form under, removed the jack stand and lowered the jack (making the car level). Placed a tarp and a pan under the lower bolt and removed the bolt to drain the oil (it was black and thick the magnet had a lot of gunk sticking to it). Replaced crush washer on the lower bolt and tightened it back into the drain port. Combined 2 quarts of 75w-90 synthetic oil in a jug and secured suction tube part of the fluid transmission pump so its end remains at the bottom of the jug. Placed a clean tray under to catch the overflow and pumped all the fluid in the differential housing very little remained in the jug when it started to overflow from fill pot). Removed aluminum wad and the tube from fill port and Hand tightened the fill,port (upper) bolt (it was a reach because of my girth, but not a problem for some one with an average build). Jacked the car and lowered it on the jack stand. Tightened both the bolts to a torque of 25 ft/lb. Wiped the underside of oil drips and lowered the car. Done!
The car had 146K miles when I bought. From the condition of the oil that came out, it is possible it had been there for a long time. I intend to drive for 200 miles before replaceing it again. My driving is 80% highway, so I am thinking next replacement will be around 215K miles.
Is there any real risk in using non-Nissan brand but synthetic oil,of same weight and specification? I would never go against recommendation for ATF (experience from keeping my Honda Odyssey alive on original transmission for 19 years, still going strong), but I have no experience in required stringency for differential fluids. I think it would be same as engine oil.
I have tried to be as detailed as possible. Any suggestions to improv the process would be appreciated. Thank you.

[TDot]

Is this good differential oil for 2008?
https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-VV831- ... =8-24&th=1

[midnightclub619]

I'm not sure which the best gear oil would be since I didn't use Nissan OEM oil but I would assume as long as you use the recommended viscosity of SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 which the FSM also states, you should be good. I haven't had any issues since I replaced my diff oil. Not sure if anyone else has any other recommendations for diff oil.

[TDot]

Thanks, it looks like I'm probably going to return it and get Lucas or STP, because this is GL4, GL5 instead of just GL5. That would mean (to me) that the additives is diluted enough to use as GL4, which means it wont hold up to the heat as much as a pure GL5.