Transfer Case Fluid Change?

[chinook1352]

So with my last tune-up, they recommended I change my transfer case fluid which is apparently really dark / nearly black. It was going to cost me $60 or so to get them to do it, and I figured it was fairly easy. Anyone ever change theirs before? I'm pretty sure its fairly straight-forward, but I've never done it. Is there anything I should know before I change it? Any recommended types of fluid to use? How much fluid will I need?

[Pathfound49]

You're gonna need a way to get the fluid from the container in to the transfer case. It is not a pour right in deal. They make flexible fluid pumps that you can pick up at a parts store. Or you can use a kerosene siphon. About $3. You'll have to trim down the non-flexible end though.

[Mikey178]

Transfer case fluid change is quite simple. The only headache is as stated above with the refilling. I changed mine over the weekend on Sunday. You will need a 1/2" drive ratchet to open the fill hole located near the top of the transfer case facing the rear and to also open the drain hole located on the front of the transfer case at the bottom.

To refill, what I did was I took a 1L bottle, got the cone shaped cap from the differential oil bottle I had. I then took a clear pipe and put it over the end of the cone shape, put the other end into the transfer case fill hole. Then, I'd elevate the bottle and squeezed the bottle to let the fluid go in.

Fill until it spills out of the fill hole, then you have enough oil filled in it.

I used Nissan transmission fluid. Glad I did the change, I was disturbed when I drained mine because it was black. My negligence that I won't let happen again. I never knew I had to change it as its the first 4wd vehicle owned.

Also over the weekend, I changed the front diff oil (Also, drained black and thick looking), transmission fluid and the transfer case oil.

[chinook1352]

Thanks so much for the info guys, I really appreciate it! Gonna get it done here as soon as possible.

[GRNMACHINE]

Surprisingly one of the easiest changes on the Pathfinder. Make sure you can get the fill plug off before draining your oil. I used Mobil 1 since it was easy to get and not too expensive. About $8 bottle.