So anyone ever confirm if we have a limited slip?

[satown210]

I've read a few threads of people trying to figure out if we have a limited or slip or not. Nothing ever seems to be confirmed. Nissan and Infiniti literature really does not state one way or the other. I know if I turn off and traction and mash the gas, both tires light up. Do it on a turn from a stop and the M37 has no issue hanging the rear end out.
I find it a bit hard to believe that we have an open diff and the VLSD is THAT good at modulating.....

I also want to know for when I do a fluid change in the diff, want to make sure I use the right type. Even the FSM does not seem to point to one or the other.

[satown210]

To add more confusion. The rear diff calls for 75-90 Synthetic Gear Oil. The majority of 75-90 is made for a LSD. But there are oils out there that are 75-90 non LSD.

I found a company that sells parts for the R200 and R208 diffs and they show replacement friction clutches.....

[EdBwoy]

This is my interpretation of the technical literature I read.

We do not have a limited slip differential, nothing mechanical. Not viscous LSD either, it's ELS (electronic limited slip - omit differential) if anything, because the magic doesn't happen in the differential like those that actually have an actuator that locks the diff.

We are spared all the one-tire-fire embarassment by the ABS system which will modulate the brake on each wheel as necessary to stay "stable".
In a straight line on good ground traction, pure physics will light up both tires in an open diff.
In a normal turn, I think the power will break the rear end loose regardless. That might also be part of the active trace control system. Doing donuts might be a better test, but an even better way to confirm is to have one wheel on ice/gravel with the ABS module connector unplugged.



I know the FSM doesn't explicitly call this out as a limited slip or not, but for cars like the G37 you could tell in the manual what diff was LSD and which wasn't. In the M manual, they showed no distinction across engine sizes or AWD/RWD or even sport/base models.
Also, the "technical & consumer info" section of Nissan owner's manuals will have language that hints at the difference in LSD fluids but I think that is quite generic and could be confusing. Even for LSD-available models, all you see is a different weight for the manual diff. I think the FSM is a better determinant (but I don't have access to it ATM).
If time allows I'll post screenshots of the diff specs when I get home.

[Malbec 56 Beast]

Or cars, at least the awd ones lock down into an awd mode when slipping I'd detected. I would think that our system in our cars are electronically controlled which emulates a lsd.

I as far as fluids go I use the Amsoil fluids that get called out on their site and haven't had any negative impact.

Andy

[satown210]

Sorry in my first post I meant to say ABLS not VLSD.

If both tires being able to light up equally due to rear brakes being able to perfectly balance the traction differnces; that's impressive.

On my Xterra the ABLS is much more evident. One wheel spins, then the other as is hunts for traction. Then both wheels with spin for a second.

[EdBwoy]

I should have said that a little more clearly.

Whether or not the ABS system kicks in, both tires will spin when you mash the pedal... as long as

• both tires have equal traction with the ground
• the differential is not damaged
• and you are going in a straight line.

That's because in these conditions an LSD, welded diff or even open diff all are being asked to do the same thing. Once you introduce variability like taking tight corners at speed or one wheel slipping on ice, that's when the different setups start shining. Then our ABS system jumps in and makes the differences almost non-existent.

The weight & suspension setup of the vehicle helps in keeping it planted.

...
On my Xterra the ABLS is much more evident. One wheel spins, then the other as is hunts for traction. Then both wheels with spin for a second.

Difference in refinement between INFINITI flagship vs Nissan utility SUV. Lol
The M/Q does it too...just much faster than most of us can perceive.

Btw, what happens in your Xterra after "both wheels with spin for a second."? Does your brake system just lock it all up and it kills engine power?

[satown210]

Btw, what happens in your Xterra after "both wheels with spin for a second."? Does your brake system just lock it all up and it kills engine power?

Either you have enough forward momentum that you no longer have wheel spin, or even with traction control turned off, it will engage and reduce engine output, or it allows both wheels to spin at a reduced speed. Sidenote, on the Xterra you can turn off traction control (VDC OFF) but cannot turn off the ABLS. VDC OFF doesn't necessarily mean it's off. It may decide to step in anyways it may not. Kinda annoying that decides what it wants to do especially off road in sand.

[biggie]

Just based on one wheel spins when turning and putting foot down I think it is open diff. Which is sad. I’ll make point the next time I’m at dealer to try to look under the car and do some testing.

[satown210]

Mine doesn't just spin one tire on a turn. Both tires spin and tail swings wide and you can hold it there for a bit.

[EdBwoy]

First, let's look at a platform that had the LSD option
G37
1. Tech spec sheet

• 

And this is how the FSM identifies the diff:
2a. Open diff

• 

2b. with LSD

• 

[EdBwoy]

Then here are our cars
Y51 Infiniti M
1. Tech spec sheet

• 

FSM identification of the diff:
2a. V6 engine

• 

2b. V8 engine

• 

[EdBwoy]

The lubricant and fluid info. Dumping these pics for the sake of it. Don't let this info confuse you, but the differential fluid definitely varies between front diff - LSD rear diff - open rear diff between years

1. 2011 IPL G Coupe

• 

2. 2011 M Sedans. Here, there is mention of LSD in the multipurpose grease section

• 

3. 2008 M Sedans (initially thought to have LSDs due to their neat burnouts, but over time confirmed to be open diff)

• 

[satown210]

I guess we probably have open diffs, but not all open diffs are created equal.......
The ABLS or whatever seems to do a good job.

[parkstr8r]

Would there be a "dif" between sport and non-sport models? I would think a LSD would come with the sport model...

[biggie]

Would there be a "dif" between sport and non-sport models? I would think a LSD would come with the sport model...

Don't believe so in the case of Y51 at least. I still have my window sticker and it had nothing on there about VLSD.

[Malbec 56 Beast]

The lsd was only available in the 6 speed manual transmission and I think that was only in the Coupe.

It really doesn't matter what type, satown said it best it works damn good.

Andy

[tprY51]

Doubt the M37s comes with a VLSD and IMO most VQ37 dont need one (except the 6mt). None of the Q50s/60s have LSDs either. The 3.7 Q50 works with the open, doesnt push out on throttle and very predictable oversteer (like the M37 or G37). But the new turbo ones really need the LSD because it is super easy to spin out and hard to control power, especially when I drove a tuned Silver Sport once the boost kicked in the car snap mid corner. And keep in mind most M owners don't really spend time on the track or roads capable of putting this car at the limit so its pointless to put those VLSD in. Also VLSD are pretty s*** and they wear out super fast happened in my 6mt G35/ 7at G37s they turn into open diffs in 60-70k miles if you push the car.

[satown210]

Also VLSD are pretty s*** and they wear out super fast happened in my 6mt G35/ 7at G37s they turn into open diffs in 60-70k miles if you push the car.

This is true. Each of my previous Infinitis with VLSD didn't work at 80K. One that had regular fluid changes kinda worked at 70k.

[tprY51]

Also VLSD are pretty s*** and they wear out super fast happened in my 6mt G35/ 7at G37s they turn into open diffs in 60-70k miles if you push the car.

This is true. Each of my previous Infinitis with VLSD didn't work at 80K. One that had regular fluid changes kinda worked at 70k.

Believe it or not these VLSDs are actually sealed units and fluid change doesn't do much. Probably you had a lighter foot lol

[ngzcaz]

I have a 2019 Nissan Rogue with AWD and starting to change fluids.. Next are are the front transfer and rear differential fluid changes. Can't say I've ever seen such a mish mosh of info reagrding whether these are limited slip differentials and what fluids are required.. Some fluids have them and some do not. I could even skip for my own knowledge whether it's LSD, I just have the correct info regarding the fluids. It's not rocket science, either it requires it or it doesn't. Yet I see exactly opposite opinions on here, many Utube videos, and even online no one seems to have a definitive answer. I seen on here that the CVT has 7 speeds, online I've seen one speed and also a 2 speed. I guess I need to reread what CVT means since it may be different than " constant varable " . Anyone actually work for a Nissan delaership and what is required for the front tranfer and rear differential circa 2019 Rogue ?

[VStar650CL]

I'll get you info for the xfer and diff fluid later, no time right now. The CVT is a one speed (or more accurately an all speed), it has a belt with two movable pulley which can duplicate any ratio from very low to very high. So there are no real "speeds".

[VStar650CL]

Both take GL-5 80w90. Diff 1.13 pts, xfer 0.63 pts.

[ngzcaz]

Just a reminder, I'm speaking of a 2019 Rogue SV with AWD... What everone seems to be dancing around is does the transfer case and rear differential need the L/S oil or not ? Really simple question but like pulling teeth the answer seems to be a fog a hard one to definitively answer... As I mentioned earlier Utube videos have both types being installed by different folks. Or doesn't it matter either way ? Shouldn't the wrong ones be having a negative effect by now ? I mean some of you guys have to had several changesd by now in both units. What are you putting in it ? The regular type or the fluids containing additives for a L/S unit ? For that matter synthetic or non synthetic ?

[VStar650CL]

It needs GL-5 80W90. I'm a Nissan tech, that's straight from the FSM. The Rogue rear is a plain-jane Hitachi R145. The only clutched component is the viscous driveshaft coupling.