after reading several post on this, i have decide to change mine as well. i have never done this before, so i need to know how? (sorry for the newb question!) im assuming its VERY easy! what brand do you guys recomend? redline seems to be the most popular i found while searching. if someone with experence in this has some free time, im sure a DIY (mabey with a pic or 2) would benifit a few of us. i was also reading in the fsm that you cannot reuse the gaskets on the plugs? should i get new ones from nissan, or a local store?? i couldnt find anything on this in the repair/maint section? thanks.

 

Nissan always says never reuse the gaskets. In this case, though, I really wouldn't reuse it. The gasket is only a couple of bucks at the dealer and my local dealer carries them in stock at all times.

If you have the FSM, it's pretty straightforward. I don't know how to change the diff fluid, but there's got to be a filler hole and a drain plug just like on the tranny. All you have to do is fill it up to the bottom of the filler hole.

The only two fluids I've heard of are Redline and that Royal Purple stuff. I haven't had much experience with the second one but Redline stuff is good.

 

This is a 350Z Track model diff about to go into a G35 Sedan (the 350Z got a NISMO limited slip). You don't have to remove the diff to change the oil... we just had this one out and thought it was a good thing to do.

The Z diff had 13,300 miles and the oil was very used up. And, the magnetic drain plug had metal shavings all over it. In the pic, Don in adding Mobil 1 75wt gear oil to the diff.

When it's on the car, you want to lift the front a little (to help drain all the oil). The oil wil drain forever, so at some point you just call it done and put the plug back in. Clean the metal shavings off the drain plug befre you put it back in. Lower the front of the car. Then open the plug on the side and pour the oil in... up to the level of the filler plug. Some people use a hose to help direct the oil into the filler.

PeteH

 

sweet! thanks guys. when i change my oil next time, ill be doing all of these. fsm is great, but its lacking on good pics. you guys have been very helpful.

 

What tool is used for the plugs?

 

a big hex socket.... don't know the size but maybe 8mm or 9mm ?

 

Thanks for the pic... So basically, you know that it's full when oil starts pouring back out of the filler opening?

 

You don't need to remove the differential as the pic shows. They had it out to install a LSD. You drain it out the bottom and then plug it back up then take the upper plug out and use a hose at connected to the fluid bottle and squeeze/pour it in. When you can stick your finger in the hole and feel fluid on the bottom of your finger, you know you are successful and also the project is over. You can safely plug the hole.

 

Excellent thread. I'm gonna do this soon. Wheres a good place to get some redline fluid?

 

Someone from another thread suggested http://www.summitracing.com/ I will probably end up getting mine from them if I can't find it locally.

 

I have yet to change mine, but I am 99 percent certain the service manual says it's a 10mm.

 

Yes, its a 3/8" Drive 10mm Hex Bit Socket.

 

i would also suggest cracking the fill plug loose first, to release pressure and then remove the drain plug to ensure you are get all of the fluid out.

 

Am I seeing/reading this right that the fill plug is on the side? I figured it'd be at the top. Seems weird to not be filled with fluid but what do I know.
So is the fill plug on the passenger side?

 

What weight oil is recommended for the Diff?

 

Corsair: Agreed. You can even remove the fill plug alltogether if you like.


350ed: Yes the fill plug is on the side of the tranny and the diff. It is located towards the end. Look at the pic above of the diff and you will see the fill point.

spf4000: 75w-90 is recommended by the manual. I would suggest using Red Line 75w90 gear oil. Don't get the 75w90 non-slip, just the regular one for limited slip diffs.

 

i could have sworn the manual says 80/90...

how much quarts did it take?

i plan on doing this with royal purple tomorrow,ill take pics and post them as well.

 

Capacity: (3 US pt, 2 - 1/2 lmp pt)
But Performance Nissan said 2qt. Maybe 1 qt is left inside during change. I'd buy 3 just in case.

Drain plug:
30 - 39 N·m (3.1 - 3.9 kg-m, 55 - 61 ft-lb)

Oil: API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90
I don't know if the synthetics come in 80W...

www.pitstopusa.com has good pricing.

 

i did it last night. i used mobil 1 75-90. didnt take pics tho, it totally slipped my mind.

the noise i had went away. so thats good, and its probably just my imagination but the ride seems to be quieter and smoother. But its prob. all in my head.

 

My 2 Cents, I always loosen the filler plug first, just in case you can't get the filler loose once the oil is drained.