Question about front differential and transfer fluid

[Pathy415]

Hello all,

Noob question regarding 4WD front differential / transfer fluid and a bit of confusion.

In the owners manual it states to use an API GL5 gear oil for the differential

For all mode 4WD transfer fluid (which is what I have, the selector switch for 4WD modes) it's says to use nissan matic D or I can use Dexron III/mercon. Is this and my transmission one in the same or two separate things?

So I know that I need to use gear oil for the rear but is 4wd transfer fluid the same as front differential fluid? I want to change out the front differential gear oil/fluid but need to know if there are two different fluids that need changing. Is there both a FRONT differential fluid and FRONT transfer fluid that I need to change and what is the right fluid?

I already did the transmission drain and fill with some Dexron III.

Sorry if this is confusing. Also if anyone has pics as to where the front differential and front transfer case are that would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[Pathy415]

Ok nm, just checked the FAQ and answered my question as far as fluids(duhhhhhh) but are there pictures of the transfer case drain and fill locations?

[atraudes]

Check out MA-23 here. Basically there's two cap-bolts (dunno what they're called) similar to the ones on differentials. If I recall, the drain plug is facing the front, and the fill is facing the rear.

Filler plug:


Drain plug:


Be warned that when I did mine, the plugs were TIGHT. So tight that they ended up snapping all of the cheap socket extensions I had. I ended up getting this special socket attachment which was a perfect fit and was strong enough. It's a good idea regardless because it fits the plugs much better than the socket wrench head and minimizes the chance of stripping them.

Photos courtesy of this post.

[Pathy415]

Awesome! Thanks atraudes for the links!!! This is very helpful!

[atraudes]

You got it! One more thing while I'm thinking of it. You're going to need a fluid transfer pump. You won't be able to get a bottle up there (or it'll be a massive pain at minimum).

[Pathy415]

Oh yeah as far as the tight plugs, I did the rear diff fluid on my old pathfinder and used a propane torch to heat the plugs and they came out much much easier. I plan on doing the same thing when I change out the transfer case and front diff.

I bought a transfer pump when I bought the gear oil last week, I know how much of a pain it is to try to squeeze fluid into a hard to reach location. Learned my lesson back then but thanks for the heads up regardless!

[yeldogt]

Just so everyone understands ..... The front and rear differentials use gear oil. The transmission and the electric transfer case use Nissan D matic transmission fluid.

The electric transfer case is fitted to cars with the "auto" dial on the dash.

The transmission and transfer case are drained and filled separately. I never screw around with fluids -- I use the proper D matic fluid. I bough a case online .. it's not expensive.

Many of the cars supplied with the electric transfer case also had the optional limited slip rear differential. You must make sure you use the proper oil in the rear.

M1 gear oil is suitable for LSD -- so it can be safely used in both the front and the rear differential regardless (LSD or not). Neither of my local dealers sell the Nissan gear oil -- The manual is a bit confusing. Years ago with a LSD -- one had to get an additive and add it along with the proper weight oil -- today with modern oil this is no longer needed.

[Pathy415]

Thanks for chiming in yeldogt. Yeah the differential fluid I bought is also recommended for limited slip and I'll be using valvoline Dexron III ATF for the transfer case.

Appreciate the comments !

[Toyojay]

Just so everyone understands ..... The front and rear differentials use gear oil. The transmission and the electric transfer case use Nissan D matic transmission fluid.

The electric transfer case is fitted to cars with the "auto" dial on the dash.

The transmission and transfer case are drained and filled separately. I never screw around with fluids -- I use the proper D matic fluid. I bough a case online .. it's not expensive.

Many of the cars supplied with the electric transfer case also had the optional limited slip rear differential. You must make sure you use the proper oil in the rear.

M1 gear oil is suitable for LSD -- so it can be safely used in both the front and the rear differential regardless (LSD or not). Neither of my local dealers sell the Nissan gear oil -- The manual is a bit confusing. Years ago with a LSD -- one had to get an additive and add it along with the proper weight oil -- today with modern oil this is no longer needed.

Most dealers don't carry any gear oil (some do but most don't) because they use bulk oil from the hose reels in the back for service cars.

[yeldogt]

Toyojay: I only mention as the one I bought new had a card that came with it specifying the rear gear oil. The LSD was an option. I guess Nissan wanted to make sure the owner understood that it needed different oil.

When I went to service the rear differential -- the part's guy at the dealer had no idea what I was talking about when I took the card in and wanted the gear oil.

All mine had the LSD -- Maybe they all shipped that way with the electric transfer case

[Toyojay]

Hmm. That's odd lol, most cars just use regular gear oil and require the LSD additive to be added if needed. I've never heard of an axle requiring a specific gear oil before. The service manual for my 2001 just says a GL5 75-90 or 80-90.

[yeldogt]

The card was pointing out just want you indicate. It was the additive part number that had me confused ... and the parts guy. It took a while to understand that it was simply an LSD additive ... and they did not stock it.

[Toyojay]

The card was pointing out just want you indicate. It was the additive part number that had me confused ... and the parts guy. It took a while to understand that it was simply an LSD additive ... and they did not stock it.

Oh ok, I got ya. Surprisingly enough alot of automakers that ship their cars with LSD's from the factory DON'T supply the dealers with an LSD additive. I work for Toyota, and several models come with LSD's but we use Dodge additive in them, Dodge makes it. Go figure haha. Its all the same stuff though.

[Geren8509]

Differentials take 80-90 GL-5. If the rear is limited slip, your oil must contain a limited slip additive. Front diff is just 80-90GL-5. Transfer case is dex III auto transmission fluid. All of my manuals tell me this and i have ran them for years with no issues.