I finally got around to changing my transfer case fluid today. Just about froze my butt off but I'm glad I did it after seeing what was in there. The fluid looked like mud and the magnetic drain plug was covered, along with the bottom of my drain pan.

I used the Nissan Matic D fluid of which is recommended by the owners manual and service manual. You'll need to buy 3 quarts to do this job, mine took 2 quarts plus 6 ozs. of the 3rd to fill. The service manual says to fill it until it comes out, or is even with the fill plug.

You'll need a 10mm hex socket for the fill and drain plugs along with a 12mm socket for the skid plate bolts.

This would be a very good idea for all of you 4x4 folks to do as soon as you can. If you don't believe me, check out the pics!!

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kbsidwE5QgpwrraAVA!Bw-tVQe88pOqf!BGWV31mUzjf1lFKeF8iaici5q2G3tcQ5mWLwj-WD!Wgi1Ti2Ap1!k5t2y!Q1imQdE_/Transfer_case_01.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1ka50Mxa4Ij4bjWQvcGgpMf7gqe-MhuJjnj1S1Yd31ijpzA7aOBobMduDzR!jOC1P0fjWmRSvKA!Jx VpcsgE7iAyEYIQMlB3lIE_/Transfer_case_02.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kaeqfdGQzPdo34c!yd4ZJAXp4k!caUbZVnF8V08 cBXwQq4h0r2P!x2jvVHgmMjaEKP3tIpI4kg1yV-sAm6bfwfdkC3duVuOq2g_/Transfer_case_03.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kaQg3LX50ko7tH!a!C1E38OJoyeCOlRMCCN-EGmhjbgrtX969P-XVtsWufaLcW3xYGFn5ApMxqSAe8EhDD3N8h3!MI5t9AaIsU_/Transfer_case_04.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kaQRcfXbpmfo2C6NM1wMJd9C5y2fcxmecfUSid! sOSjnzTbRXL6aGi8qHDgX2WWyqIpdL1!6jbK70gpDBmdzIyoq! IYvR19KO4_/Transfer_case_05.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kZMVBMwinO2qN967WpYcoH!Wyn0bhN9SbR4-MS06S7nsIhSwSK28wfTmyalxhLV59IotWagakmuFkOh7zM0qIw jIsEqahb05LQ_/Transfer_case_06.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kbuHNAPwGzyZmYtE2N!8b5no1gnllVgJCIAsFdH SJTJv9BOba4PF1JImHlhU9jUMEbDoY84CzeZXQQFjn4wU4Hp3l cXnDp7TfA_/Transfer_case_07.jpg

http://www.pixagogo.com/S5HG7OTsIV1kbA3YcMjb7akf0OkxQcCsu5xFyc80QnT48jaBLw a5WjknUICjGoXtvEXvBOZlwNfvBXheVoydPh580ttYMzoeoWsg rkfwWIkkw_/Transfer_case_08.jpg

Dale, as usual thanks for taking the time to help out. Looks like I need to check mine quick. Is there any other fluid you recommend or better to stick with Nissan brand?

Mike

is this usual wear? if its really that bad, do think that nissan will change it under warrenty?

Hi Mike, I don't have any other recommendations other than the Nissan brand because I'm not sure what it is. If I knew it was just cheap ATF then I would probably use something different but not knowing at this point, it's better to play it safe and use what's recommended. I forgot to add that I paid $6.38 a quart for this stuff!! Not as expensive as the Matic J that's in the transmission but still kind of pricey. I sure hope for that price it's not re-bottled Castrol ATF.... :lol:

is this usual wear? if its really that bad, do think that nissan will change it under warrenty?

I have nothing to compare it to smoke, just you owners that will hopefully change yours out, then we'll have something to compare it to.

And I highly doubt Nissan will change it out under warranty!!

Darnnit, there's one more thing I forgot to add....Change this fluid out HOT!! You want the non-ferrous metals to be in suspension when you drain it, not laying on the bottom of the transfer case!!

if it gets a little warmer out i'll change mine and let you know mine looks like, but its only 9 degrees out. bbbbuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrr

Thanks Yet Once More JetTech,

I plan on getting mine done soon. From what I've seen in past vehicles, the metal is normal (but not good).

Chief

This has been on my "things to do to my titan" list for a few weeks now, along with changing the front diffy fluid to full synth. The pictures really help a lot, and that drain plug and pan.....man...that's worse than I'd expect by a long shot! How many miles do you have on your truck now? Do you use 4WD much?

I'm thinking about changing my xfer case fluid out to full synth AT fluid. Then I'll be full synth everywhere except the tranny, where you must use the Nissan Matic J stuff, w/o exception.....for now, anyway.

I'm confused, though. Amsoil's website states that you should use Nissan Matic D fluid in the xfer case for USA & Alaska, but Canada may use Nissan ATF or Dexron-III/Mercon as a substitute??? What gives.....anyone? Thanks JT...

Steve

I currently have 7700 miles on my Titan. To me with that few miles this is excessive, but then again this is my first 4x4, so I'm not used to seeing transfer case fluid of any kind. It just looks really bad for those few miles in my opinion.

I read the same thing you did about the matic D fluid in the owners manual. I just haven't had time to do any research on alternative ATF's is the reason for me staying with the matic D.

Thanks JT!

Looks like I'll be doing mine also, as soon as it warms up.

GREAT post JT! I will be on this ASAP, unfortunatly ASAP does not include doing so when its 11 degrees out! (man I need to move!)

Yeah, mines gettin' done soon as well. Is it July yet? :(

I know what ya' mean BiXLL,

6 degrees this morning in Tobyhanna. Ouch!!!!

Chief

JT, I have been thinking about this all night, and a couple questions come to mind.

1. We have found major build up on the magnetic plugs of both the transfer case, and the rear end on initial change, even if done before recommended interval. This has me wondering if maybe we shouldn't think about an early initial change of trans fluid and filter? If we get that much from break in of rear and transfer case, why wouldn't the trans do the same thing? If it were to be in the trans, it would be potentially much more damaging then in the rears or transfer.

2. This also really has me wondering about the quality of the fluids Nissan has used. I as you, have changed ocer to synthetic in the rears, but now I am really interested in finding out if we can't go to synthetic, or at least a higher quality fluid in the transfer case and treans. Where would we find this kind of info?

You're certainly on the right track Bixll concerning the fluids and the capability of them.

I changed the tranny fluid on my last Titan at 20K miles and it looked as good as the stuff going in. I also changed the filter at this time and it too was fine. So I believe our transmissions are fine, which is a fine testament to having a filter and Nissans Matic J fluid. Both have got to be excellent.

With this truck I'm going to change the tranny fluid and filter @10K miles just to make sure I have the same luck with this one as I did with the last.

As far as different fluids for the transfer case and rear-diff. It seems like the switch to 75W-140 for the rear-diff is a good choice because it offers a higher flashpoint and should hold up to the heat much better then the 75W-90.

And the transfer case???? I'm not 100% sure about this fluid other then I'm starting to think it is re-bottled Castrol ATF. I'm going to do some checking around because I would like to put Mobil 1 ATF in there myself.

Oh yeah.........and get some SLEEP!!! :D

I will check with the tech at my dealership also. He seemed geniunely interested in the Titan, and we also talked about this forum to the point that when I was ready to leave, he pulled it up on his computer right there in the service bay!

I knew I would stumble on something sooner or later concerning the Nissan Matic D fluid. It appears it's equivalent to plain ole Mobil ATF sold in Europe. What I've been looking at is the Product Data Sheets to determine if there is any difference in the European Mobil ATF and the USA sold ATF......Nope, no difference that I can find other than the USA site doesn't list it as an equivalent.

I also did some research in the service manual on the transfer case. It does have a small clutch assembly that enables it to be considered a shift-on-the-fly unit. So viscosity and additives are important when it comes to clutches and the proper coefficient of friction that's required for smooth engagement.

I believe at my next oil change I'm going to change the transfer case over to Redline ATF or Mobil 1 ATF and see what happens.

Well, I am currantly at a little over 5000 miles. I think come spring, I will change my rears again, as last time I used the Mobile 1 75 90, and with towing the boat I would feel better having the extra heat protection. At the same time, I will change transfer case over to Mobile 1 as well. I feel a lot better using synthetic over dyno. In fact, if I get the ok from my Nissan Tech, I may just go ahead and do the tranny, that way all fluids will be done, and out of mind.

Thanks JT, for researching the Matic D for us. I was pretty sure they were the same, but didn't want to make the switch w/o more info. As for the tranny, though, Nissan def doesn't want us using anything other than the Matic J stuff. But I think as long as we can find an synth equivelant to it, though, Nissan shouldn't be able to deny any warranty issues. I believe the Moss-Magnusson warranty act states that if the manuf denies the consumer use of an equivalent product, then they have to provide it free of charge.....isn't that right?

Based on your info, I'm def changing out the xfer case to M1 ATF, but I'm holding off on the tranny until more info is avail regarding a synth replacement.

Thanks!
Steve

Based on your info, I'm def changing out the xfer case to M1 ATF, but I'm holding off on the tranny until more info is avail regarding a synth replacement.

I am currently researching this hard, hope to have an answer soon.

Thanks JT, for researching the Matic D for us. I was pretty sure they were the same, but didn't want to make the switch w/o more info. As for the tranny, though, Nissan def doesn't want us using anything other than the Matic J stuff. But I think as long as we can find an synth equivelant to it, though, Nissan shouldn't be able to deny any warranty issues. I believe the Moss-Magnusson warranty act states that if the manuf denies the consumer use of an equivalent product, then they have to provide it free of charge.....isn't that right?

Based on your info, I'm def changing out the xfer case to M1 ATF, but I'm holding off on the tranny until more info is avail regarding a synth replacement.

Thanks!
Steve

I was going to wait until my next oil change is due but you all should know me by now. I'll probably do it within the next few weeks. I hate being synthetic compulsive..... :lol: :cry:

I was going to wait until my next oil change is due but you all should know me by now. I'll probably do it within the next few weeks. I hate being synthetic compulsive..... :lol: :cry:

Thats the JT we all love!

I just changed mine out at 6500 miles, and it looked pretty much the same as Jet's. I put in Valvoline Maxlife ATF (as recommended by Valvoline).

Just changed my Xfer case fluid on Saturday, along with engine, and front diff. Used Mob1 ATF for Xfer case, Mob1 75W-90 in front diff (did rear at 3K with Mob1 75W140), and Mob1 5W-30 in motor. I felt, and looked, like a Jiffy Lube employee when I finished!

5400 miles on truck and Xfer case wasn't too bad. There was a little metal on the plug and some assembly lube, but nothing terrible. Truck seems to run smoother and has slightly more pep, too. It wouldn't hurt my feelings any if I ended up with a little better mileage, as well.

Of interest, I talked with the service manager at my dealer while picking up a new oil filter. I asked him if there was any problem with running the M1 ATF in the Titan's xfer case. He said "Nope, not a problem...totally compatible". This backs up JT's comparison he did between the Matic D and the M1 ATF. I'll let you know if have any problems, but should be fine.
Now if we could replace the Matic J stuff in the tranny with a good synth!

Does anyoen know if there are any clutches in the xfer case, or is it just metal gears. Reason is, if there are any bands/clutch material (like the tranny), I would be leary to put in synthetics. But, if it is just metal gears and such, I may also switch to M1.

I wouldnt put anything but Matic J in the tranny since that is what is directly specified in the manual, and it is some pretty good stuff.

I just replaced the transfer case with M1 ATF, It was pretty ugly, with some hair on the plug. But not too bad for 10,000 miles. I also replaced the rear differential fluid with M1 again. It came out pretty good after 4,000 miles.

is this usual wear? if its really that bad, do think that nissan will change it under warrenty?

I have nothing to compare it to smoke, just you owners that will hopefully change yours out, then we'll have something to compare it to.

And I highly doubt Nissan will change it out under warranty!!

Darnnit, there's one more thing I forgot to add....Change this fluid out HOT!! You want the non-ferrous metals to be in suspension when you drain it, not laying on the bottom of the transfer case!!

I finally got around to changing mine, and my plug was just as hairy as yours, I don't think its really anything to worry about yet, I'll probably change it again the next time I change my oil, to see how much metal is on the plug then. If it's still hairy, then I might start to worry.

Oh, I used Castrol Syntec ATF in mine, I know that most shops that I used to deal with used DexronIII to replace Matic-D, and I even used to sell plain old Dexron III to the nissan dealerships when they were waiting on a shipment of thier stuff to come in. I just hope I can come up with a suitable synthetic replacement for the Matic-J, I don't like paying what the dealer charges for that crap.

I just changed mine along with the rear and front diffs. The xfer case was pretty nasty, the plug was covered and the fluid was brown (after 3,500 mi). I used Castrol ATF. I am thinking about changing it to Mobil1 after a few thousand miles to get the rest of the crap out.

The rear diff was terrible too, but that is another subject!

OK Guys...

I need some help here. The Xfer case CAN get M1 ATf fluid, which I'm assuming is sythetic? I have sythetic oil and sythetic rear oil, so I'd like to get this switched over as well, especially with winter coming.

This looks like a pretty stright forward job. For those that have done this before, are there any tricks?

Thanks...

bump..... :lol:

Has anyone switched to Amsoil?

Just changed our transfer case fluid over to Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. The old stuff was really nasty looking and had a pretty hairy drain plug. I can't say if it was as bad as JetTech's but I'm glad it's out.

I'm about to hit 3K miles on my 05. Would it be wise to change my xfer case oil even though I've never used 4x4?

Thanks for the writeup! The pictures were helpful. About the only additional information I can add is to put a piece of plastic wrap around the exhaust pipe before opening the drain plug. The old fluid comes gushing out all over the place. I tried to open the drain plug slowly but it just didn't work. The plastic wrap around the exhaust ensured that none of the old fluid got on the exhaust.

I did my transfer case fluid change at about 1,200 miles. I used the AMSoil ATF fluid. There were plenty of metal shavings on the magnetic drain (more than the rear differential) plug along with some goo. I have used four wheel drive to go at most 20 miles. Only one of those miles was in four low.

The fill plug was a PITA to get off since it was so tight. All I had was an allen wrench and a 15" cheater pipe. I wish I had the tool that JetTech posted. I'm going to have to get a set of those.

The nozzle of the AMSoil pump fit nicely into the fill plug opening. I kept pumping until some of the fluid dribbled out and then I sealed it up and went for a test drive.

has any one seen new matic D oil out of the bottle?i replaced my t-case fluid at 1200mi and what poured out was some foggy, nasty, reddish brown oil that looked like no tranny oil i've ever seen. it should be clear red right? in 1200 mi, did it really get that dirty?

I could be wrong here, but I would expect the transfer case oil to get a little dirty. The transfer case doesn't have the filter and cooling mechanism that the transmission does. That said, as I recall, my transfer case fluid didn't look too bad. The only fluid that concerned me was from the rear differential.

I could be wrong here, but I would expect the transfer case oil to get a little dirty. The transfer case doesn't have the filter and cooling mechanism that the transmission does. That said, as I recall, my transfer case fluid didn't look too bad. The only fluid that concerned me was from the rear differential.
the rear diff has definitely been a prob. area, my rear diff at 1200 mi. was very good looking as expected with some metal on the plug which i attributed to break in. my front diff oil however was a quart low, and looked solid metallic grey but no metal on the plug... hmmm different oil? anyway the t-case will be changed again soon just to see if it gets dirty. i just dont think thats normal after so few miles, especially with the metal shavings that came out the first time

A few of my trucks have had leaking transfer case (http://www.mwdauto.com) and its a pain to find good rebuilt cores. any one got any suggestions other than salvage yards?