I searched for info on this but didn't find anything.

I noticed today the cover on my X's rear differential was rusted and what paint was left was peeling off.

I just wanted to know if this is something that usually happens. My X is only 2 months old.

Thanks for any info!

That is normal. Mine is all rusted also.

I had some crude forming on mine.. Took a bottle of WD-40 and a rag and rubbed it all off.. Looks great now.. Like brand spankin new..

Hit it with a wire brush and some rattle can and it'll be good as new.

Or (I think) get the aluminum one used on the Titan...

The Titan cover won't fit unless you take the rear swaybar off.

EDIT: Take it out and get it muddy, you won't see the lack of paint then.

Don't care about the lack of paint, just the rust.

As soon as I get some time off from work and school...it will be in the dirt.

You know, AutoZone and most of the other "auto parts" shops have rattle can rubberized undercoating for around $5 a can...I've coated the underside of my X, and so far, haven't had a single bit of rust come through (and that's going from upstate NY with the road salt to San Diego and sea salt, banging around on AZ trails and Rubicon). That stuff's a lifesaver...if you're having rust show through get some Naval Jelly (also at AutoZone, and cheap) and rub out some of the rust, allow it to dry, then coat with the rubberized undercoating. Stops rust pretty well. Just be careful around some of the moving parts (tape off the mating surface of the propeller shaft and rear diff, avoid plugs for diff oil, etc) and you're golden.

I seem to recall seeing a few posts about this on the new Xterras... seems to be a trend - but it shouldn't be a big deal. Any metal associated with the diff is going to be pretty thick and tough - just clean it up and protect it like everyone else said.

Get the new Shrockworks cover.

shrockworks makes a diff skid???