To all you guys who don't Know, you need to change your differential fluid asap. I changed mine with 900 miles on my tuck and it looked like chocolate syrup. Nissan needs to get this figured out. If anyone can explain this problem....let me know. :twisted:

hey bull,

I checked mine at 3500 miles (have 7800 now) and it was fine. Could just be a fluke? Dunno, but will check it again when it quits raining.

Thanks :wink:

With some earlier build dates, the diffs were not filled completely with fluid. My fluid level was fine when I checked it at 1000 miles but it did not look fresh and had the typical stinky smell of a diff fluid. Dealer checked it again at 4000 miles and said it looked fine to them. Interesting thing is that the '05 Titan manual is now recommending 80w-140 diff oil instead of 80w-90 in the '04 manual.

To all you guys who don't Know, you need to change your differential fluid asap. I changed mine with 900 miles on my tuck and it looked like chocolate syrup. Nissan needs to get this figured out. If anyone can explain this problem....let me know. :twisted:

Unfortunately Bull this is very common. Low fluid level and blackened within a few hundred miles. The rear diffs are running hot and burning the oil. I'm hoping the new 75W-140 synthetic recommendations will help with this issue. Time will tell.

Good to see you Dale I was wondering if your computer problem was keeping you from getting on the site. Good to see you.

it's been killing me. My hard drive went south on me and then we had company all weekend so I wasn't able to get the new one loaded up. I think I'm back, at least for now...

With some earlier build dates, the diffs were not filled completely with fluid. My fluid level was fine when I checked it at 1000 miles but it did not look fresh and had the typical stinky smell of a diff fluid. Dealer checked it again at 4000 miles and said it looked fine to them. Interesting thing is that the '05 Titan manual is now recommending 80w-140 diff oil instead of 80w-90 in the '04 manual.

How early on the build date? I haven't checked mine, but on Saturday, I changed the oil @ only 600 miles, and the oil looked like it had 3000 miles on it.

With some earlier build dates, the diffs were not filled completely with fluid. My fluid level was fine when I checked it at 1000 miles but it did not look fresh and had the typical stinky smell of a diff fluid. Dealer checked it again at 4000 miles and said it looked fine to them. Interesting thing is that the '05 Titan manual is now recommending 80w-140 diff oil instead of 80w-90 in the '04 manual.

How early on the build date? I haven't checked mine, but on Saturday, I changed the oil @ only 600 miles, and the oil looked like it had 3000 miles on it.

Hi Deb, it wouldn't hurt to check it no matter what your build date is. Just peace of mind. Go to my pic links near my signature and you'll see one that shows how to remove the drain plugs in the rear diff just for reference.

You know Nismo makes a finned diff cover/cooler for the Z. As a matter of fact thats getting installed on my Z like newxt week. I wonder if they could adapt it to the Titan. I'll have to look at the pattern difference when it comes in. FYI the diff cover is $95

Heres a link to the cooler for the Z http://www.performancenissanparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=153_175_373&products_id=572

My truck was built in September 04 wich is one of the latest build dates on this model. I don't think people should make assumptions as to the vastness of this problem. I agree with jettech, we should all check this out on our own. This is not a cosmetic problem, this is a dangerous hazard that deserves immediate attention on each owners behalf. This problem can and will eventually lead to severe accidents and I believe it's our responsibility to honostly inform each other.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT BUILD DATES.....CHECK YOUR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID!!!!!!!!

I wasnt implying this was a cosmetic issue but rather that the diff cooler linked to above would alleviate some of the heat we are seeing.

Any Dana 44 diff cover(there are plenty of options, our axle has been around for more than a few decades) will work on the rear diff, you'll have to get creative remounting the brake cable though.

I switched my rear diff over to royal purple synthetic 75w90 at about 4k miles. The fluid coming out wasn't in too bad of shape, it wasn't blackened at all, and it didn't smell any worse than normal.

I had mine checked today @ 3145 miles and they are both fine.

. I wonder if they could adapt it to the Titan. I'll have to look at the pattern difference when it comes in.
I believe the diff covers from the 05 titans will fit on the 04 models, and this cover is an aluminum finned cover.

Jet - (or anybody else for that matter), Have you ever had an analysis done on your diff oil? I have about 4500 miles on mine after the initial change at 500 miles. I put standard dino 75w-90 back in. I'm thinking of getting one done on the diff oil and see if there's any real truth or proof to all the speculation. Color and smell are so subjective. An analysis would tell the tale....

No I haven't had one done. The results would be hard to interpret and probably not be all that accurate because most of the ferrous metals wind up on the drain magnet.

I would highly suggest to switch over to a synthetic 75W-140 of which Nissan has done with the 05's. That weight oil has a higher flash point and can handle the heat much better then the 90W oils.

I am the only unfortunate Titan owner I know that had his rear axle replaced. I never did check the oil. After about 5000 miles I noticed an ever so slight whine that seemed to be the tranny or rear - I couldn't tell for sure. It was quiet enough that I thought maybe it was always there. After riding in another Titan I realized that only mine did this.

I took it to the dealer, they put it on a rack, put it in gear and let the wheels spin off the ground. There was a very noticeable whine then. They had to order a new differential and I had a 2004 full size Ram for about 2 weeks as a loaner. Man was that thing slow and uncomfortable. The seat felt like a flat board with a cloth on it. No problems ever since. The dealership was instructed by Nissan to remove and replace it and send the old one in. I couldn't even say if the fluid was low.

I have Valvoline Durablend (partial synthetic) 85W-140 in mine. It's not a great low temp gear oil but it is similar to the full synthetic at high temps. I'm going to try the full synthetic 75w-140 at the next change.

I havn't read any mention of limited slip additive being used when you guys change the rear diff fluid. I do this when I change the fluid in the diff on my 94 Bronco with an Auburn LS as recommended. I havn't checked the fluid on my Titan yet.

Welcome..Milehi-dude! I'm new to this breed myself...on the Hemi, it goes without sayin'. Glad you're here...place a post in the new member area if ya' want to and let the other's know you're here. :wink:

No I haven't had one done. The results would be hard to interpret and probably not be all that accurate because most of the ferrous metals wind up on the drain magnet.

I would highly suggest to switch over to a synthetic 75W-140 of which Nissan has done with the 05's. That weight oil has a higher flash point and can handle the heat much better then the 90W oils.

I was planning to switch over to Royal Purple 75W-140W. Should be ok?

Checked the rear end today and it was about a half quart low. I dropped the old stuff (about 1000 miles on it) and it was dark gray. The magnet on the drain plug was packed with metal fines too. I switched over to Durablend 80W 90 and will be talking to the Service Manager next week about the 05 model recommendations.

Cheers!
The V

I took mine in for an oil change @ 9500mi, and the 'oil dude' said the rear oil smelled burnt. I was planning to replace the diff oil since I had just returned from a "Towing Road Trip". What troubled me was that, had he not checked it I would have forgotten to get it done since the change interval is 30k. My LE has VDC with ABLS, which as I understand helps to reduce rear wear. I do plan on towing more, should I upgrade to the 75w-140 Synthetic, or just change with the regular 80w-90 more often?

"Things that make you go What the ....?"

I took mine in for an oil change @ 9500mi, and the 'oil dude' said the rear oil smelled burnt. I was planning to replace the diff oil since I had just returned from a "Towing Road Trip". What troubled me was that, had he not checked it I would have forgotten to get it done since the change interval is 30k. My LE has VDC with ABLS, which as I understand helps to reduce rear wear. I do plan on towing more, should I upgrade to the 75w-140 Synthetic, or just change with the regular 80w-90 more often?

"Things that make you go What the ....?"

I would absolutly upgrade to 75-140 synthetic towing in Texas heat. I really think if I were you, I would also look into getting the aluminum, finned, larger capacity differential cover that is on the 05s.

I took mine in for an oil change @ 9500mi, and the 'oil dude' said the rear oil smelled burnt. I was planning to replace the diff oil since I had just returned from a "Towing Road Trip". What troubled me was that, had he not checked it I would have forgotten to get it done since the change interval is 30k. My LE has VDC with ABLS, which as I understand helps to reduce rear wear. I do plan on towing more, should I upgrade to the 75w-140 Synthetic, or just change with the regular 80w-90 more often?

"Things that make you go What the ....?"

Hey tatoo, I'm not sure I understand what you are talking about concerning reduced rear wear by having VDC and ABLS. Can you tell me more??

Some members here are consulting with their dealer to see if it's ok to make the switch to 75W-140 in the 04's. Myself and many others have already done this in hopes that it will handle the higher temps. better that these rear-diffs generate. I would think your an excellent candidate for the heavier weight gear oil due to the towing you do.

I'm not for sure...but I heard this from a guy that slept in a Holiday Express! LOL!

The way I understand, is that since I have the lower gear ratio, the active Brake Limited Slip in the VDC, and the stiffer suspension it helps to reduce the strain on the rear differential?

I've Also read possible Warranty/Voidance issues of replacing the diff cover with the '05. I'd rather have the new cover overall because it LOOKS Cool!
But, I did get the Extended warranty (5/60k).

I don't have a problem ugrading to the 75w-140, but regardless of the added temp range, I still think its best to replace it more often than the factory recs (@ 30k).

I only wish Nissan Techs were more responsive to our (the Pioneers) concerns, I'm STILL trying to find/get a Dang coin holder?!

...but that's Another Story.

-Sean

I'm not for sure...but I heard this from a guy that slept in a Holiday Express! LOL!

The way I understand, is that since I have the lower gear ratio, the active Brake Limited Slip in the VDC, and the stiffer suspension it helps to reduce the strain on the rear differential?

I'm really trying to make sense of this theory but I'm not having any luck. I would guess whoever told you that didn't fully understand what ABLS and VDC functions are.

There are several threads here that explain what each one does, try a search and it should come up.

Well I retract my statement of stating the VDC helps keep the rear cool. I read your explanation of the VDC and ABLS and understand it 'don't do diddly' - other than help to keep the rubber on the road.

That being said, I took a Gander down under, and saw the cover has no paint, and is starting a nice surface coating of rust with a few 'wet' spots near the bolt heads! "Danger Will Robinson!" (OOPS! Showing my age again?!)

I believe I'm going to point this out to my svc rep. Any hints of what/how to approach this for the best results?

-Sean

All they need to do is remove the cover, clean off all the old silicone and then reseal it. I would be curious as to what weight gear oil they are going to refill it with. If you remember make sure to ask them what kind and weight gear oil they are going to put in it and then let us know.

I would even play dumb, tell him you have heard that Nissan is now calling for the 75-140 synthetic, and is that what they will be putting in?

I Half-Tempted to mention of a "Whine" sound coming from the rear. Maybe I'll get a New '05 Cover?!
Wishful thinkin'.

That Finned Aluminum Cover is 'tempting' me!

-Sean

here's a pic to tempt you even more

Smoke, did you add that on? I didn't think they were available yet!

Hello All...Just got back from a full day of warranty work at the dealership. I chatted with the Service Tech for a while about the rear diff. changes. She said that the 05s not only have new covers to keep things cool, but that they are indeed running full synt. 75w-140. She told me that I should add Friction Modifier (like those added in limited slip Ford, chevy, etc. vehicles) to my rear diff (which has syn. 80w-90).

I also looked over some of the 05s...those new covers do look cool!

V

Smoke, did you add that on? I didn't think they were available yet!
no,i wish. i snapped this pic from the auto show in detroit last weekend

Smoke, did you add that on? I didn't think they were available yet!
no,i wish. i snapped this pic from the auto show in detroit last weekend

Just like a woman! You TEASE!!!!!!!!

if you want more it will cost ya :lol:

ok here we go. sounds like theres a few more brain cells on this site vs nay sayers. heres my dilema: i love my truck, even after the second diff blew, even after the 3rd trip for rotors, i love my truck. what would you do? my truck spent approx 1 1/2 months in shop for new diff. according to parts man it going to be at least 3 weeks for another diff. why do they keep blowing. i dont tow anything. i do have an e-locker. it was the spider gears that blew this time. this diff was an 05 aluminum pan, and all. i hate playing musical trucks evry time its in the shop. where would you draw the line? any input is appreciated.

WOW Mikey, that is some stretch of luck you have been running! I am at a loss for words. (and that don't happen often!) I can understand your delima, as I too really like the Titan, and don't know how I would handle it being in your shoes. Have you been able to talk one on one with the tech working on your truck? It would be interesting to hear what he would have to say. Is it possible that you are running full time with it locked in? It would not be that hard to imagine the indicator light not working. Do you ever have any rear wheel tire squeel when making turns when you are not trying to light em up? That is the only explanation I can come up with!

nope no rear wheel squeal, its strange the second rear only lasted a month.

sound to me like it was put back together wrong, especialy if it only lasted a month. at least its under warrenty, but i feel your frustration. :(

You don't suppose the diff is overheating because its 'tucked', and not allowing good airflow Around it?
Why else would they decide to put a cover with "fins" on it?

Here's a pic of My Rear! :lol: :oops:

Seriously, is this common? I live near Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, Drive only on weekends, occasional road trips (200-600 miles). Its under warranty, but I don't like getting stuck in Nowhereland.

ok here we go. sounds like theres a few more brain cells on this site vs nay sayers. heres my dilema: i love my truck, even after the second diff blew, even after the 3rd trip for rotors, i love my truck. what would you do? my truck spent approx 1 1/2 months in shop for new diff. according to parts man it going to be at least 3 weeks for another diff. why do they keep blowing. i dont tow anything. i do have an e-locker. it was the spider gears that blew this time. this diff was an 05 aluminum pan, and all. i hate playing musical trucks evry time its in the shop. where would you draw the line? any input is appreciated.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if they replaced the entire rear-end from rotor to rotor and it blew up again I would take a serious look at your driving bro! You know what the chances of that are??? I mean, anything is possible but if your telling us you baby the heck out of the thing and you've gone through two full rear axle assemblies then I would make a trip to Atlantic City or Vegas tonight because those are odds I wouldn't even bet on.

You don't suppose the diff is overheating because its 'tucked', and not allowing good airflow Around it?
Why else would they decide to put a cover with "fins" on it?

Here's a pic of My Rear! :lol: :oops:

Seriously, is this common? I live near Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, Drive only on weekends, occasional road trips (200-600 miles). Its under warranty, but I don't like getting stuck in Nowhereland.

Since we are showing off our rear-ends. :) Here's mine with 6,300 miles +/- on the odometer. Never really looked at it before tonight but looks about normal with the exception of yours is leaking. Might want to see a doctor about that. :)

Honestly, I don't think the paint baking off of the cover is a sign of a failing rear end. Let's face it. Any rear end is going to get hot no matter what fluid you run or what rear end cover you have. The goal is that the heat doesn't exceed the failure point of the gears, ie: the maximum viscosity of the fluid which allows the dreaded metal on metal contact between the ring and pinion gear and spider gears. Get it checked out but I wouldn't use what your seeing as a sign of a problem. If your curious, get under there and clean off that cover real good and spray it with some of that High Temp Spray Paint. If it bakes that off, then worry.

Thanks! I Feel much better, Doc! :lol:

This is my First New Vehicle, Forgive My Paranoia. 8O 8O

didnt say i baby it, just saying in one month of having a new diff i havent dogged it near as much as the first which lasted considerably longer. maybe they last longer if you do abuse them?

Thanks! I Feel much better, Doc! :lol:

This is my First New Vehicle, Forgive My Paranoia. 8O 8O

No worries man! Sometimes all we need is a little comparison to ease our minds.

didnt say i baby it, just saying in one month of having a new diff i havent dogged it near as much as the first which lasted considerably longer. maybe they last longer if you do abuse them?

Man, you have me stumped on that one. What's the climate like where you are? Is the land really hilly maybe, mountanous perhaps?

i live in central tx, pretty damn hot most of the time.hasnt really been hot since last diff was put in. im stumped too cant understand why the spiders would blow. i do put alot of miles on my truck, both hiway and stop and go. i think this truck was cursed from day one. first my wife took out a mailbox, then a sonic tray. then on my first trip outta town i was rearended, no damage. of course it had brakes replaced 3 times along with almost all of the other minor problems that everyone else complains about. i dunno sound cursed or posessed?

i live in central tx, pretty damn hot most of the time.hasnt really been hot since last diff was put in. im stumped too cant understand why the spiders would blow. i do put alot of miles on my truck, both hiway and stop and go. i think this truck was cursed from day one. first my wife took out a mailbox, then a sonic tray. then on my first trip outta town i was rearended, no damage. of course it had brakes replaced 3 times along with almost all of the other minor problems that everyone else complains about. i dunno sound cursed or posessed?

Sounds both cursed and posessed! Also, sounds like a good candidate for the Lemon Law. Better start the process, seriously. You will get back your down payment and all your payments and best of all, get a new truck.

Just got back from Jiffy Lube where I had my rear diff fluid changed out to Royal Purple Max-Gear 75W-140W. The fluid that came out was black as night but the guy who changed the fluid (who I always request when I go there because he knows what the Hell he is doing) said that Nissan and Chevrolet both use gear fluid from the factory that is darker than the average fluid to begin with so the color was not alarming to him. He did say however their was a more than normal amount of metal shavings on the drain plug magnet (though he commented, possibly because it was the break-in fluid) and that the fluid smelled burnt and felt thinner than normal. He was real cool and let the rear diff drain completely (till it stopped dripping) and even did a light flush with some real thin gear oil before filling it back up with the Purple stuff. I will check the level again in a few days and top it off if necessary. If you haven't changed your rear diff fluid out yet and you have over 1,000 miles on your rig, do it soon.

I went to the Dealership today and Asked Questions.
The Shop Manager recommended that if I planned on towing, I needed to replace the original with the 75w-140 Synthetic, and change every 15k miles. He also recommended (if I could get one) to replace the cover with the new '05 'finned' cover, and it would NOT Void the Warranty, since it is a Factory upgrade and not aftermarket. Nissan is aware of "Isolated" rear diff. problems, but there is no "fix" or TSB in the near future.

Also, I noted how the rest of the '04s on the lot had painted steel covers, and he pointed out that mine was one of the first built (01/04), when they didn't paint the covers.

Time to get 'creative'! I think I'll paint my Avitar on the cover! :lol: :lol:

I went to the Dealership today and Asked Questions.
The Shop Manager recommended that if I planned on towing, I needed to replace the original with the 75w-140 Synthetic, and change every 15k miles. He also recommended (if I could get one) to replace the cover with the new '05 'finned' cover, and it would NOT Void the Warranty, since it is a Factory upgrade and not aftermarket. Nissan is aware of "Isolated" rear diff. problems, but there is no "fix" or TSB in the near future.

Also, I noted how the rest of the '04s on the lot had painted steel covers, and he pointed out that mine was one of the first built (01/04), when they didn't paint the covers.

Time to get 'creative'! I think I'll paint my Avitar on the cover! :lol: :lol:

Really? So the cover was just bare metal??? I find that hard to believe. Did he offer any proof of this? Call me skeptical but I would think a company like Nissan would have down the chemical reaction between bare metal and the elements. Interesting . . .

What kind of Proof do you need?
We compared pics of our Rear-ends! :oops: :roll: :lol:

You and I have practically the same Titan, you don't have the "born on" date posted to know what era it was built.

To think of it now, when I looked over the truck after purchase, but b/4 drive-off. I remember seeing a white chalk mark on the cover that had a brownish color. I pointed this out then, but the salesguy said "its under warranty" and passed it off.

I think I'll just get a can of Rustoleum in HillBilly Chrome until I can get an Aluminium Cover. :D :D

What kind of Proof do you need?
We compared pics of our Rear-ends! :oops: :roll: :lol:

You and I have practically the same Titan, you don't have the "born on" date posted to know what era it was built.

To think of it now, when I looked over the truck after purchase, but b/4 drive-off. I remember seeing a white chalk mark on the cover that had a brownish color. I pointed this out then, but the salesguy said "its under warranty" and passed it off.

I think I'll just get a can of Rustoleum in HillBilly Chrome until I can get an Aluminium Cover. :D :D

Well yes, we did exchange pictures of our rear-ends :oops: but you can see on mine where there are still areas where the paint hasn't baked completely off. I wonder if it was paint or just a metal coating like when you get an unpainted fender or something. "Hillbilly Chrome" that is funny. That stuff should be cited for false advertising. It looks like brushed aluminum at best. :) I think the manufacturing date on my truck was 02/04 if I remember right from the window sticker. I bought it in 03/04. Anyplace else I can check for the date?

There's a date on the driver's door jamb.
Also the last six numbers in the VIN can depict age.
Mine was born 01/04, VIN: 516502, Made; Greensboro,North Carolina (where "HillBilly Chrome", and Radar Detectors are Outlawed!) :lol: :lol:

Naw, just kiddin'! (Canton, Ohio! no, Mississippi!) :lol: :lol:
I'll just take it easy, til I can replace w/new cover, then keep the receipt (hoping for a Recall).

Long time viewer, first time post. Great site!
Just wanted to say that all of the info about the rear diff problems has prompted me to take action. I bought my Titan in 7/04 and currently have almost 21,000 miles - Yes, I drive a lot, mostly highway. I have not had any diff problems but will be changing the fluid this weekend and switching to Royal Purple 75-140. I'll post my findings. Any word on when the 05 aluminum diff cover will be available?

Any word on when the 05 aluminum diff cover will be available?


just talked to the nissan parts counter today, and i had ordered my cover assembly almost a month ago. i was told that it was on back order untill 3-1-05 when 65 units will be released to awaiting customers, the only problem is that there are 103 pepole on the waiting list for this cover. so will see who gets theres.

I Broke down (figuratively), and bought a can of paint, and painted the rear cover.
Looks pretty darn Sharp, if I say so.

It looked so good, I painted my intake cover as well (see Avitar). :lol: :lol:

looks good tattoomee. can we see a pic off the back off the truck with the diff in the pic?

Your Wish is My Command....

I just left the local Nissan dealer and the service guy pulled up a bulletin that said all 04 Titans are now recommended to have 75w-140 synthetic gear oil in the rear diff. Same as the 05's. Just thought I would share.
John

Your Wish is My Command....

I like that. Did you remove the cover or just mask it off to paint it?

Naw, I did it the Right way.
I had some 'left-over' Amsoil 75w-90 synthetic gear oil, to 'upgrade' to. I figgured since its cool (winter), it wouldn't hurt to run the thinner oil, especially since its synthetic.

When/If I get the new '05 cover I can then upgrade to the 75w-140.

I don't drive it that often, had it almost a year, and have a little over 10k (just because I took 2- 2400+ road trips,) otherwise I'd only have around 6k.

I have never really messed too much with differentials on my vehicles (always had dealer do it). Is there an easy way to check the level? Also, is changing out the fluid easy or are any special tools necessary. I just went over 1000K and plan on changing my differential fluid. After reading about all of the problems people have been having, I want to take precautions.

Sorry, nevermind, I just found Jet Tech's article under the do it yourself tech forum.

Fortuneately, all you need is a 3/8 ratchet with small (3") extension to open and check the level.

UNfortuneately, You gotta CRAWL under the truck to do it! :cry: :roll: :D

YEA!!! my aluminum diff cover is here with the bolts, its so pretty :D now i just need this snow to go away so i can change it out

OOOOOOOOOOOH! :fan2: AAAAAAAAAAAH! :notworthy:

"Golf Clap!"

Looks Great!, Glad you got the Right one!
Ya got yer Awl? (oil) LOL

hey smoke, you can send it my way because we don't have any snow here.... :wink: I'll be sure to put it to good use..

YEA!!! my aluminum diff cover is here with the bolts, its so pretty :D now i just need this snow to go away so i can change it out

Oh Smoke! That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!!! It should be a pretty easy swap but let us know if you run into any problems. Got to get me one of those! Do you just use the old fill plug???

OOOOOOOOOOOH! :fan2: AAAAAAAAAAAH! :notworthy:

"Golf Clap!"

Looks Great!, Glad you got the Right one!
Ya got yer Awl? (oil) LOL


y o carse, got me some corn huskers awl for it, shud do da trick....................J/K, MObil 1 75W140 only


sure ill send it to ya JT..............just might be the old one with some fins welded on it and painted :lol:


on another note, the cover states right on it above the fill hole "USE SYNTHETIC 75W140 ONLY" . cant mess that one up :lol:

one more :?: for you JT, what kind of sealer/gasket material do you recomend i use for this?

MikeZ ordered 2 of them through someone, and yes one is for me :dance2: ......Darnit Mike, where is my diff cover????? I'm all green now from seeing smokes... :grrr:

on another note, the cover states right on it above the fill hole "USE SYNTHETIC 75W140 ONLY" . cant mess that one up :lol:

one more :?: for you JT, what kind of sealer/gasket material do you recomend i use for this?

I would highly recommend using cheese whiz :angel: .....Ahhhh hell, ok I'll tell the truth now....reluctantly... :devil:

Go to your local autoparts store and buy a can of permatex black silicone that has a squirt tube on the top of it. You'll be able to make a nice bead with it and it seals up nicely for future use. Just make sure everything is hospital clean before you do it...Even the bolt holes need to be sprayed with brake cleaner or electromotive to clean them out.

I'm so GREEEEEEEN!! I WANT ONE TOOOOOO :crying:

thanks JT ill look for that stuff, should i squeeze some of that stuff into the bolt holes so it wont leak, or just around the inside edge?


did MikeZ order aftermarket ones or the one i got? yours will be here eventually, but untill then you can just look at mine :lol: j/k


oh 1 more question comes to mind is what should i torque the bolts to?

Just make a bead on the cover, and yes make a circle around the bolt holes. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to skin over before you install the cover, then wait at least a couple of hours before you add the diff oil.

The manual says 31 ft/lbs of torque, but to be honest with you I've never torqued them before on all the others I've done in the past. I'll be sure to torque them to specs when I do it though.

sweet thanks JT 8)

just to let anyone else know whos interested, there is one of these aluminuim diff covers for sale on E-bay. it is a OEM nissan cover, not an aftermarket. its selling for $100 with no bolts