Posted: Feb 14 2010 at 9:56pm | IP Logged

I am considering buying a 4x4 Nissan Frontier, possibly one of the Pro-4X models, but have been hearing about issues in the past with failures on the locking differentials in the Titans and some Frontiers.

Does anybody know any details on this or if Nissan has corrected the issue in recent years?

Thanks

Posted: Feb 15 2010 at 7:19pm | IP Logged

Thanks for the information on the vent.  Repair tip sounds like the way to go.

What I had heard about was that differentials with the locking feature, NISMO which is now the Pro-4x, were failing in the gear set, ultimately leaving the driver stranded and costing "big bucks" to repair.  Most of the information I saw was around approximately 2005 models.  One theory that I saw was on a split pin use where probably a threaded pin should have been used.

Anybody ever hear anything on failures like this in recent year Frontiers?

Thanks again

Posted: Feb 17 2010 at 7:33pm | IP Logged

Below are a couple of posts from the past on this subject covering 2005 and 2007 models.  I am not sure on years more recent than 2007 but hope the issue has been solved and someone can say that.

I have a 2005 Frontier quad cab 4.0L automatic 2WD Nismo packaged locking rear end 65K miles. The problem is the rear diff started making crunching sounds. I pulled the inspection cover and found metal chunks which appear to have come from inside the spool where the axle gears are. I had changed the rear end oil at 40K and used the Nissan lubricate. The dealer says to change the whole rear end completely. I understand parts are available for this rear end but cant seem to find anyone who will do the work. I cant find a reman unit anywhere and a new OEM unit is $2,750.00. Can a non locking regular rear end be fitted? Less expensive? If so does anyone know which one, part #?