Question about differential and transfer case flui

[90Notch]

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.

BTW car is 2002 Nissan pathfinder LE 4WD.

 

[Olas]

The owners manual should tell you what fluid is required, if not a quick google will.

I don't want to sound rude, but, if you need to ask for pictures of what the doffs look like and where they are you probably shouldn't be doing the job - if you can't identify them by sight when You're under the car either watch a how-to on YouTube or buy a service manual.

 

[zeng]

Yeah, there are 2 different fluids in separate compartments.

Front transfer case calls for N Matic D.

Front differentials calls for GL5 SAE 90 or 80W90.

 

[zrxkawboy]

The output of your transmission goes into the transfer case (they are connected but separate units), which splits the power to your front and rear differentials. Does this help?

BTW, I agree with Olas about the service manual.

 

[Kira]

+1 on getting a manual.

Even a "cheap" one is a good place to start. People like to make fun of Haynes and Chilton manuals as they're not the official manuals.

They're real cheap if bought used through Amazon. Current pricing is at $24 to $26 new. A used one at half that is money well spent AND SAVED.

After that you can go to "books4cars.com" and look around.
Believe me, a basic manual will give you the confidence push to get you started. Kira

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: Olas
The owners manual should tell you what fluid is required, if not a quick google will.

I don't want to sound rude, but, if you need to ask for pictures of what the doffs look like and where they are you probably shouldn't be doing the job - if you can't identify them by sight when You're under the car either watch a how-to on YouTube or buy a service manual.


+2

 

[UNC017]

You need to learn how the system works a bit more, and 4wd systems can come in different flavors. I myself am not familiar with the Nissan in question, but in general a 4wd vehicle based on a rear-drive layout has 4 separate driveline fluid reservoirs: transmission, transfer Case, front differential, and dear differential. FWD-based AWD vehicles may have a combined trasmission/front diff and even transfer case, but they're not real 4x4s in my book anyway.

The fluid requirements for each of the 4 typical units can be very different (EG, older Jeeps that used ATF or MTF in the transmission, a special silicone-based transfer case fluid, 75w90 front differential gear lube, and 75w140 rear differential lube.

Using the wrong fluid (especially GL5 gear lube in a manual trans or limited-slip transfer case) can wreck things.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: Doog
Originally Posted By: Olas
The owners manual should tell you what fluid is required, if not a quick google will.

I don't want to sound rude, but, if you need to ask for pictures of what the doffs look like and where they are you probably shouldn't be doing the job - if you can't identify them by sight when You're under the car either watch a how-to on YouTube or buy a service manual.


+2


+3 you can buy a Chilton of Haynes manual for under $20. it will give you a lot of useful information. I am pretty knowledgeable about cars and especially mine but I still refer to the manuals here and there when I have questions.

In regards to the fluids, I would use 80w-90 from and rear diffs and anything that meets nissanmatic D. You can use Valvoline Maxlife ATF and Valvoline SynPower or Durablend gear oils.

 

[MolaKule]

Quote:
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.

BTW car is 2002 Nissan pathfinder LE 4WD.


For that year of PathFinder, the Transfer case uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The Transmission uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The front differential is best filled with a 75W90.

The rear differential is best filled with a 75W110.

As others have stated, get a Haynes or Chilton manual.

 

[SavagePatch]

Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
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.

BTW car is 2002 Nissan pathfinder LE 4WD.


For that year of PathFinder, the Transfer case uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The Transmission uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The front differential is best filled with a 75W90.

The rear differential is best filled with a 75W110.

As others have stated, get a Haynes or Chilton manual.
Best answer I've seen in a long time. Clear, concise, and non judgemental. Bravo!

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: SavagePatch
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
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.

BTW car is 2002 Nissan pathfinder LE 4WD.


For that year of PathFinder, the Transfer case uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The Transmission uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The front differential is best filled with a 75W90.

The rear differential is best filled with a 75W110.

As others have stated, get a Haynes or Chilton manual.
Best answer I've seen in a long time. Clear, concise, and non judgemental. Bravo!


you mean "+2" is judgemental?

 

[zeng]

Originally Posted By: 90Notch
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
BTW car is 2002 Nissan pathfinder LE 4WD.



OP had been referring to owners manual.

His 'confusion' requires acquiring a factory service manual, as only means to clarify ??

Surely , this is where Bitog (or any internet forum) comes in right?

 

[SavagePatch]

Originally Posted By: Doog
Originally Posted By: SavagePatch
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
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.

BTW car is 2002 Nissan pathfinder LE 4WD.


For that year of PathFinder, the Transfer case uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The Transmission uses NissanMatic D or Dexron III equivalents.

The front differential is best filled with a 75W90.

The rear differential is best filled with a 75W110.

As others have stated, get a Haynes or Chilton manual.
Best answer I've seen in a long time. Clear, concise, and non judgemental. Bravo!


you mean "+2" is judgemental?

Not you at all Doog, keep on rockin' (postin'). I just feel that everybody starts somewhere when they pick up a new hobby (automotive maintenance in this case) and if you don't know of something or aren't sure it's better to ask then to just "go for it". Dare I say that I didn't know what a PCV was before I started lurking?

 

[90Notch]

Thanks Molakule and everyone else for the insight and info. Its all good, I'm a noob when it comes to 4WD cars/trucks as this is my first 4WD and I'm learning each day.

I also got some great info from a Nissan site as well so no worries.

Thanks all regardless