Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Joeb1983's Avatar
    Joeb1983 Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 17, 2008, 12:44 PM
    Nissan frontier rear differential?
    I have a 2000, Nissan, Frontier, XE, 2WD, pickup. I let a friend use my truck while I was deployed overseas; when I got back I noticed a clicking/popping sound in the rear end when I would slowly turn into parking spots. It gradually got worse, starting to whine when I would let off the gas on the highway and decellerate. The other day I was leaving base and as I turned the corner there was a loud pop. I gave it gas and I didn't go anywhere. The drive shaft now spins freely into the rear axle in all gears including reverse. Sometimes it will act like it wants to catch, but alls it will do is shake the truck. Any ideas? Your help would be greatly appreciated!
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 19, 2008, 08:12 AM

    I think the rear differential may have been run with insufficiant lubrication. Likely, the gear oil leaked out of either the axle seals or the pinion seal, or both, until there was not enough to keep the gears lubed.
    I would suggest calling around to salvage yards for the replacement, or try finding a shop to do it for you.
    For most DIYer's, this is a fairly big job.
    Joeb1983's Avatar
    Joeb1983 Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 30, 2010, 08:15 AM

    Sourced a 3rd. Member for $250 at a local junk yard and threw it in. Fairly easy job, about an hour. Truck back on the road, but there is a predominant rear end shimmy now. Feels just like a bent rim, but its not... Believe me! So far I have changed the transmission, transmission mount, all 3 u-joints, center support bearing, had the driveshaft balanced, shocks, rims & tires, machined drums, both axle shafts, bearings, seals and shims... I had the thrust angle and pinion angles all checked out... Still there exactly as before. Buying a complete rear end assembly from Nissan for $1,221. Will be throwing that in after I get back form this deployment.
    uautoknow's Avatar
    uautoknow Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Sep 11, 2013, 08:24 PM
    When vehicles with limited slip differentials sit idle for long periods of time/or/ when the differential fluid loses it lubrication quality the rear clutches will grab when the differential gets hot and makes a tight turn. That is when you will get the popping sound. Go to your local GM dealer and purchase a container of limited lubrication additive. It's whale oil . This should eliminate your problem without a teardown.
    Tune Bethune
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Sep 12, 2013, 06:12 AM
    Uautoknow, I agree with your assessment. Because of the no. of views on this thread over time, I'm going to add a little information, based on the Xterra/Frontiers I've worked on.

    Rear Differential (C200). 75W-90 Mobil 1 Synthetic GL-5 LS Gear Lube, 3.4 pints (54.4 ounces).

    Fill Plug (14mm Hex Bit): 26 lb.-ft. Apply RTV, Three Bond Adhesive, or Teflon tape to fill plug.

    Drain Plug (10mm Hex Bit): 20 lb.-ft.

    The Mobil 1 product comes with limited slip additive and you shouldn't need to add any more. However, it does not hurt if you do--add any additive first and adjust the amount of gear oil accordingly.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

2001 Nissan Frontier ac works sporadically [ 2 Answers ]

I bought a 2001 Frontier 3.3 auto. Problem is the ac only works sporadically. It works more often than not. But sometimes I can park it then come back 5 to 30 min later and it doesn't blow cold. I turn off the switch and leave it off for a few minutes then it may or may not work again. Drive it...

Kyoto and the last frontier [ 26 Answers ]

Now that Australia has officially ratified the Kyoto protocol do you expect the US to abandon its position as the last remaining developed nation holding out against global green-house gas reduction targets? My answer under this administration would be no it won't. I think the world will...

'03 Nissan Frontier Misfire [ 1 Answers ]

I have 2003 Nissan Frontier w/ 4cyl. Auto. The engine shudders under light acceleration at low rpm. If I press the pedal on down or let off completely it seems to smooth out. I am getting a code for " cylinder # 1 misfire". I replaced plugs, wires, cap and rotor with no noticeable improvement. My...

Production possibility frontier [ 1 Answers ]

In a country, if an Energy company plans to start new coal production , then what affect it will actually bring to the production possibility curve of that country ?

View more questions Search