I have been searching the site and the Web looking for information on how to check the gear oil in my Xterra and how to change it. So far, none of my searches have prvoided me with the answer I am looking for.
I was hoping someone here would either be willing to provide information on how to check and change the gear oil, or lead me towards the information I am looking for. My X is a 2001 4x4 XE w3-pak with a manual transmission.
Any help is greatly appreciated,
Jeff

Which gear oil do you want to check, tranny, transfer case or diffs ?

All are pretty much the same. You can check the oil level by removing the filler plug, and checking with your finger (it should be just below the hole).

To replace the oil, simply drain, and refill. Make sure you can remove the fill plug before draining, just in case (the front diff is hard to get too).

XOC wrote:


I'm looking to check the tranny [primarily] oil, although knowing how to check the Diffs and transfer case (that is for the 4x4, correct? If it's the main engine oil, then ignore that, I'm not that big of a moron, although I feel dumber every morning ) would definately be good as well. Sorry for not specifying I meant to, but just call me absentminded.



Ok, here is where I could use some direction. Where are the fill plugs located for each? (OK, I'm a newbie so flame if you wanna, but I've searched the net and the owner's manual, and haven't gotten anywhere with those efforts :o)

Also, do you have any brand preferences for replacing the oils (in either the diffs or transfer case)

Thanks for your help already, and for any additional help you can provide.

Front diff: Front diff cover.
Rear Diff: Rear diff cover.
Transmission: Passenger side halfway along its length.
Transfer Case: above the frame cross member at the rear of the case.

Look for a plug with a 1/2" square hole. You'll need a 1/2" drive extension and large breaker bar to loosen them.

As for gear oil, I use Mobil 1 synthetic.

How many miles on it ? I wouldn't recommend changing it for 30k.

See if you can purchase the Haynes Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder Repair Manual. It's not as good as the Nissan Service Manual but its alot cheaper!

Here it is on Amazon

Not as good and cheaper is correct. Anything by Haynes sucks, and often contains just flat out wrong info. Be wary of doing anything more difficult than an oil change if you are using a Haynes manual. Just my .02

Ian wrote


As of right now, I'm not worried about changing anything (only at 7.5K), but I just want to check to make sure my oil levels are all good (which they probably are).
I just (also) like to know how to work on my vehicles...I just wish the Nissan Manual didn't cost so much

Umm, yeah. I have used a Haynes manual for both my Civic and my Xterra and both were correct and helpful. Sure they are not as detailed as the ESM but 20 bucks or 200+ bucks for work people can actually do themselves, Ill take the Haynes.

Complete instructions for changing the diff oil here: http://home.us.net/~stimpy/xterra/misc/Diff_fluid_change.txt

Brent

Um yeah, you probably weren't doing anything difficult either. Haynes are like the Cliff's Notes of shop manuals. Their diagrams are often wrong, the tools they say you need are often wrong or not listed, the parts/specs are often out of date, etc. Just adding more info to the Haynes suggestion, that's all. Relax.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help, I appreciate it.

So what parts of the Xterra Haynes manual are wrong or out of date, etc.?