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How to: Transfer Case Fluid Change (with pics)

35K views 23 replies 14 participants last post by  Bonz 
#1 · (Edited)
Disclaimer: This is not professional advice or official procedure, just something I tried. I am not responsible for any damage or loss, direct or indirect to you or property resulting from someone following these steps.

This was done on a 2013 Juke S AWD that has about 19,000 miles. Nissan recommends replacing every 30,000 miles or 24 months only if towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads. For normal use they recommend inspecting every 15,000 miles and no specific interval for replacing.

My opinion: These gears work hard. The gear oil is not expensive - under $7 for 1qt. Same oil is used in rear differential as well. 1 Qt is more than enough to fill transfer case and rear differential. If you take time to open the filler plugs to check the oil, you might as well replace it. Filler plug is not easy to get to and you need to replace the Aluminum gasket anyway. You'll be throwing away less than a Quart total for both.

So, my plan is to replace both oils every 15,000 miles (or no later than 30,000 miles)

I was able to replace the fluid without jacking up the Juke. I could slide in with my head, neck and shoulders, that’s it. It wasn’t far enough to see the fill plug. But I did by feel and taking pictures ahead of time.

If jacks are used, four are needed so the vehicle is level in order to fill the fluid to correct level.

Material:

  • Gear oil API GL-5 service 80W-90 (370ml / 3/4pt). I used Valvoline Gear oil from Walmart. The label said Limited Slip. However, it can be used on conventional and limited slip differentials.
  • 2 Drain/Fill plug gaskets. These are made of Aluminum. Nissan part# 11026-1CA0A. Also, Dorman M18 095-149 ($1.99 ea @ Napa# 7041390. Amazon has a pack of 10 for under $9)
  • Both rear diff and transfer case use same oil and gaskets. If you buy 1Qt oil, it's mor than enough for both. If you do them together, total material cost per change would be less than $11 ($7 oil +$4 for four gaskets)

Tools

  • Fluid pump that fits narrow neck on 1 Qt. Gear Oil bottles ($9.99 from Oreillys)
  • 10mm hex L wrench with a long handle (I used Harbor Freight #69084)
  • 10mm S-type wrench. (I used Harbor Freight #99699). 10mm combination wrench will work, but I found the S-Type gave me that extra angle for turning
  • 10mm hex bit socket
  • Torque wrench
  • Breaker bar
  • 3/4” steel pipe for extra leverage




How to apply the S-type (or combination) wrench. Wrench is applied on the hex bit.




Steps:

0. Located the Transfer Case: Three power-train components meet at the transfer case on the AWD model - left and right front drive shafts, and propeller shaft. Locate the rear end of the propeller shaft on the rear differential. Follow the shaft to the front of the car. The other end of the propeller shaft is connected to the transfer case. In the below picture the circled part is the engine oil drain plug. Transfer case drain plug is in the square. And the arrow is pointing to the front end of the propeller shaft where it connects to the transfer case.



Another way is to locate one of the front drive shafts, say the passenger side, and follow that to where it meets the transfer case.

1. Warmed up the fluid by driving around until Juke reached normal operating temperature.
Wear chemical resistant gloves and watch for hot surfaces!

2. First removed the fill plug. Oil was not too dark. But It looked like it is time to change
Unexpected: Space in front of fill hole is only about 2”. It was not enough for a drain plug socket on a ratchet. I had to use the L-wrench, turn the plug some, and then turn it some more with hex-plug on S-type wrench alternatively.



When using the S-Type Wrench



When using the combination wrench



3. Nissan insists never to re-use the drain plug or fill plug gasket. Here’s why. The inner edge of the aluminum gasket is pressed into the hole forming a ridge/ contour. If it is reused, the contour lines could be different. This could cause tiny cuts on the gasket surface where fluid can leak from. These are about $4 a piece. I think it is worth the price rather than having a leak.





4. Placed an oil collector pan under the drain plug and loosened the plug using 10mm drain plug socket and breaker bar. Then removed the plug by hand. There is no magnet inside of drain plug. Both plugs looked identical. I left the drain open for 10-15 minutes.




5. Inserted a new gasket on the drain plug and tightened it to 26 ft lb.

6. Screwed-in the fluid pump on gear oil bottle. Inserted plastic tube into the fill hole. Slowly pumped for a couple of minutes, waited for a couple minutes to allow the oil to settle. Repeated this until oil started oozing out of the hole. Waited a few minutes and checked to make sure oil level is right at the fill hole.




7. Inserted another gasket on the fill plug. Tightened the fill plug to 26 ft lb.

8. Took the Juke on a test drive.

9. Checked both plugs again to make sure there is no leak.
 

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#4 · (Edited)
Excellent write up. Is there a generally accepted mileage that this service should be performed at?
Thank you.

Nissan recommends replacing every 30,000 miles or 24 months only if towing a trailer, using a camper or
car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads. For normal use they recommend inspecting every 15,000 miles and no specific interval for replacing.

My opinion: These gears work hard. The gear oil is not expensive - under $7 for 1qt. Same oil is used in rear differential as well. 1 Qt is more than enough to fill transfer case and rear differential. If you take time to open the filler plugs to check the oil, you might as well replace it. Filler plug is not easy to get to and you need to replace the Aluminum gasket anyway. You'll be throwing away less than a Quart total for both.

So, my plan is to replace both oils every 15,000 miles (or no later than 30,000 miles). That's $7 oil + $8 for two gaskets = $15. I will look in hardware stores for those gaskets, then I may be able to get them even cheaper.
 
#3 ·
Excellent write up. Is there a generally accepted mileage that this service should be performed at?
 
#8 ·
Thank you for this tutorial, I finally was able to change both the rear and transfer case today on my 2013 Nismo Juke with 25,000 miles. The rear diff was not that bad however the transfer case fluid was completely black. I would recommend people to this get this done.
 
#9 ·
Disclaimer: This is not professional advice or official procedure, just something I tried. I am not responsible for any damage or loss, direct or indirect to you or property resulting from someone following these steps.

This was done on a 2013 Juke S AWD that has about 19,000 miles. Nissan recommends replacing every 30,000 miles or 24 months only if towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads. For normal use they recommend inspecting every 15,000 miles and no specific interval for replacing.

My opinion: These gears work hard. The gear oil is not expensive - under $7 for 1qt. Same oil is used in rear differential as well. 1 Qt is more than enough to fill transfer case and rear differential. If you take time to open the filler plugs to check the oil, you might as well replace it. Filler plug is not easy to get to and you need to replace the Aluminum gasket anyway. You'll be throwing away less than a Quart total for both.

So, my plan is to replace both oils every 15,000 miles (or no later than 30,000 miles)

I was able to replace the fluid without jacking up the Juke. I could slide in with my head, neck and shoulders, that’s it. It wasn’t far enough to see the fill plug. But I did by feel and taking pictures ahead of time.

If jacks are used, four are needed so the vehicle is level in order to fill the fluid to correct level.

Material:

  • Gear oil API GL-5 service 80W-90 (370ml / 3/4pt). I used Valvoline Gear oil from Walmart. The label said Limited Slip. However, it can be used on conventional and limited slip differentials.
  • 2 Drain/Fill plug gaskets. These are made of Aluminum. Nissan part# 11026-1CA0A. Also, Dorman M18 095-149 ($1.99 ea @ Napa# 7041390. Amazon has a pack of 10 for under $9)
  • Both rear diff and transfer case use same oil and gaskets. If you buy 1Qt oil, it's mor than enough for both. If you do them together, total material cost per change would be less than $11 ($7 oil +$4 for four gaskets)

Tools

  • Fluid pump that fits narrow neck on 1 Qt. Gear Oil bottles ($9.99 from Oreillys)
  • 10mm hex L wrench with a long handle (I used Harbor Freight #69084)
  • 10mm S-type wrench. (I used Harbor Freight #99699). 10mm combination wrench will work, but I found the S-Type gave me that extra angle for turning
  • 10mm hex bit socket
  • Torque wrench
  • Breaker bar
  • 3/4” steel pipe for extra leverage




How to apply the S-type (or combination) wrench. Wrench is applied on the hex bit.




Steps:

1. Warmed up the fluid by driving around until Juke reached normal operating temperature.
Wear chemical resistant gloves and watch for hot surfaces!

2. First removed the fill plug. Oil was not too dark. But It looked like it is time to change
Unexpected: Space in front of fill hole is only about 2”. It was not enough for a drain plug socket on a ratchet. I had to use the L-wrench, turn the plug some, and then turn it some more with hex-plug on S-type wrench alternatively.



When using the S-Type Wrench



When using the combination wrench



3. Nissan insists never to re-use the drain plug or fill plug gasket. Here’s why. The inner edge of the aluminum gasket is pressed into the hole forming a ridge/ contour. If it is reused, the contour lines could be different. This could cause tiny cuts on the gasket surface where fluid can leak from. These are about $4 a piece. I think it is worth the price rather than having a leak.





4. Placed an oil collector pan under the drain plug and loosened the plug using 10mm drain plug socket and breaker bar. Then removed the plug by hand. There is no magnet inside of drain plug. Both plugs looked identical. I left the drain open for 10-15 minutes.




5. Inserted a new gasket on the drain plug and tightened it to 26 ft lb.

6. Screwed-in the fluid pump on gear oil bottle. Inserted plastic tube into the fill hole. Slowly pumped for a couple of minutes, waited for a couple minutes to allow the oil to settle. Repeated this until oil started oozing out of the hole. Waited a few minutes and checked to make sure oil level is right at the fill hole.




7. Inserted another gasket on the fill plug. Tightened the fill plug to 26 ft lb.

8. Took the Juke on a test drive.

9. Checked both plugs again to make sure there is no leak.
Well done!
Thank you for putting that together for everyone.
 
#12 ·
It looks like you have a 2016 RS.
You may need to put the Juke on stands so you can use a longer pipe. If the fill plug is the same way on your Juke, there is not enough clearance to get a breaker bar in there. "Low profile" socket is another option. Those are usually sold in kits and are quite expensive.

- Are the fill plug and drain plug located the same as in my pictures? (taken on a 2013 S AWD)
- Are you using the Allen wrench or the box wrench? How long is the handle?
 
#11 ·
Longer Breaking bar with a steel pipe. Break Free or Liquid Wrench. Soak it for 24 hours.
 
#13 ·
Here is something that worked for me. I took a deep well 10MM socket and a fairly long extension and placed it on the end of the 10mm L-wrench, essentially creating a longer handle.
 
#14 ·
thanks for the recommendations guys. Well i was able to finally get the fill and drain plug off using a stubby hex and a 15 inch breaker bar. drained and fill the transfer case, tomorrow the rear diff. hopefully i can get rid of the "wine" i hear. though i suspect that could be from my intake and i am a bit paranoid.
 
#18 · (Edited)
hopefully i can get rid of the "wine" i hear. though i suspect that could be from my intake and i am a bit paranoid.
Over the years several Juke owners with the CVT transmission have reported hearing a "whine". Without actually hearing the sound and under what conditions it occurs, it's hard to tell if it's the classic CVT whine. Some who had the CVT whine report a CVT fluid change eliminated it. Some members, including a couple Nissan techs here, have recommended CVT fluid change at 15 to 30K mile intervals.
 
#16 ·
Perfect! I didn't think your write up could be any better, I stand corrected.

I did the trans case fluid maintenance last fall along with the rear dif. Your write ups with pics made the job familiar prior to getting under the car and thus much easier. Thanks

Now, how is it that your Juke is so clean underneath...?
 
#20 · (Edited)
#21 ·
#22 ·
Disclaimer: This is not professional advice or official procedure, just something I tried. I am not responsible for any damage or loss, direct or indirect to you or property resulting from someone following these steps.

This was done on a 2013 Juke S AWD that has about 19,000 miles. Nissan recommends replacing every 30,000 miles or 24 months only if towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads. For normal use they recommend inspecting every 15,000 miles and no specific interval for replacing.

My opinion: These gears work hard. The gear oil is not expensive - under $7 for 1qt. Same oil is used in rear differential as well. 1 Qt is more than enough to fill transfer case and rear differential. If you take time to open the filler plugs to check the oil, you might as well replace it. Filler plug is not easy to get to and you need to replace the Aluminum gasket anyway. You'll be throwing away less than a Quart total for both.

So, my plan is to replace both oils every 15,000 miles (or no later than 30,000 miles)

I was able to replace the fluid without jacking up the Juke. I could slide in with my head, neck and shoulders, that’s it. It wasn’t far enough to see the fill plug. But I did by feel and taking pictures ahead of time.

If jacks are used, four are needed so the vehicle is level in order to fill the fluid to correct level.

Material:

  • Gear oil API GL-5 service 80W-90 (370ml / 3/4pt). I used Valvoline Gear oil from Walmart. The label said Limited Slip. However, it can be used on conventional and limited slip differentials.
  • 2 Drain/Fill plug gaskets. These are made of Aluminum. Nissan part# 11026-1CA0A. Also, Dorman M18 095-149 ($1.99 ea @ Napa# 7041390. Amazon has a pack of 10 for under $9)
  • Both rear diff and transfer case use same oil and gaskets. If you buy 1Qt oil, it's mor than enough for both. If you do them together, total material cost per change would be less than $11 ($7 oil +$4 for four gaskets)

Tools

  • Fluid pump that fits narrow neck on 1 Qt. Gear Oil bottles ($9.99 from Oreillys)
  • 10mm hex L wrench with a long handle (I used Harbor Freight #69084)
  • 10mm S-type wrench. (I used Harbor Freight #99699). 10mm combination wrench will work, but I found the S-Type gave me that extra angle for turning
  • 10mm hex bit socket
  • Torque wrench
  • Breaker bar
  • 3/4” steel pipe for extra leverage




How to apply the S-type (or combination) wrench. Wrench is applied on the hex bit.




Steps:

0. Located the Transfer Case:
Three power-train components meet at the transfer case on the AWD model - left and right front drive shafts, and propeller shaft. Locate the rear end of the propeller shaft on the rear differential. Follow the shaft to the front of the car. The other end of the propeller shaft is connected to the transfer case. In the below picture the circled part is the engine oil drain plug. Transfer case drain plug is in the square. And the arrow is pointing to the front end of the propeller shaft where it connects to the transfer case.



Another way is to locate one of the front drive shafts, say the passenger side, and follow that to where it meets the transfer case.

1. Warmed up the fluid by driving around until Juke reached normal operating temperature.
Wear chemical resistant gloves and watch for hot surfaces!

2. First removed the fill plug. Oil was not too dark. But It looked like it is time to change
Unexpected: Space in front of fill hole is only about 2”. It was not enough for a drain plug socket on a ratchet. I had to use the L-wrench, turn the plug some, and then turn it some more with hex-plug on S-type wrench alternatively.
When using the S-Type Wrench​
When using the combination wrench​

3. Nissan insists never to re-use the drain plug or fill plug gasket. Here’s why. The inner edge of the aluminum gasket is pressed into the hole forming a ridge/ contour. If it is reused, the contour lines could be different. This could cause tiny cuts on the gasket surface where fluid can leak from. These are about $4 a piece. I think it is worth the price rather than having a leak.





4. Placed an oil collector pan under the drain plug and loosened the plug using 10mm drain plug socket and breaker bar. Then removed the plug by hand. There is no magnet inside of drain plug. Both plugs looked identical. I left the drain open for 10-15 minutes.




5. Inserted a new gasket on the drain plug and tightened it to 26 ft lb.

6. Screwed-in the fluid pump on gear oil bottle. Inserted plastic tube into the fill hole. Slowly pumped for a couple of minutes, waited for a couple minutes to allow the oil to settle. Repeated this until oil started oozing out of the hole. Waited a few minutes and checked to make sure oil level is right at the fill hole.




7. Inserted another gasket on the fill plug. Tightened the fill plug to 26 ft lb.

8. Took the Juke on a test drive.

9. Checked both plugs again to make sure there is no leak.
This was a big help.. I appreciate guy's like you who take the time to post this kinda of stuff.. Some of the fluids are expensive Like CVT, But it is totally worth it. to keep these fluids new.. Cars are made so cheaply now, even Japanese cars too and they need this kind of over kill maintenance, if you want it to last for the 4 or 5 year loan.. Nissan Got Me.. I hadn't bought a car from a dealer in over 15 years and I wanted an AWD car. I looked at the Rugue and then they finally brought this crossover out the Juke.. I like it immediately.. It was faster than the Rogue and looked better to Mine is the SL heated leather, Back up camera and the nines.. But I had no Idea what I really Bought.. I had no clue what a CVT was and the Issues with DI cars and carbon.. I have more money in replacement and performance parts in the car than it is worth.. Full Bolt On's from turbo back, FM Mishimoto Inner cooler, 3 Port OCC, 2J pulley, TS BOV, and Waste Gate, FR Feed line.. Going to get her tuned in a month.. Anyway these cars are money pits. I Realized it after it was to late.. I'm all in now..
 
#23 ·
All cars are money pits.
 
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