[JaCkaL829]

Hello,

I just noticed my 2012 Frontier 6 speed, has a good amount of what appears oil seepage around the seal of the rear differential cover. My truck has about 80k miles on it, and I purchased it with 50k, so it's probably due for a diff oil change anyway. After reading on this forum a little bit, it appears the breather vent is easily prone to getting clogged/stuck, allowing the diff not to vent properly. I have already ordered the parts in order to do the vent mod with the toyota union and the fuel filter mounted higher up. I would like to reseal the rear diff cover to ensure I have a good seal. Now, from what I understand my truck is manual, so I have the m266 differential. I plan on draining and refilling the diff with 75w-140, but while I'm at it would like to remove the cover and put a new gasket on it. I'm going to reuse the stock rear diff cover. I found the Mag-Hytec gasket that is made for Titans, but it seems like certain frontiers and xterras have been using them too. I was ready to order one, but the price was 28 plus another 13 for shipping which seems a little high. I really have no need to have a reusable gasket as I don't off road or do any mods. I'm just wondering whats the alternative to the gasket? I guess the red rtv and you make a bead around the cover? I would like to complete this all in the next 2 weeks since I'll have some time off, and my truck is due for an oil change and tire rotation. I like the idea of a gasket, but I'm somewhat tight on money and almost $45 seems a bit much for a gasket. If anyone knows of a cheaper alternative or a better place to order I would appreciate it.

Btw I attached a photo for reference. I need to get my truck washed with the undercarriage cleaned before I start this. They salt like crazy in the Garden State.

Any feedback or info would be greatly appreciated. I was planning on using Valvoline Synpower 75w-140 as it's the cheapest and I can get it locally. Again I don't do any towing with my truck, just occasionally haul outdoor power equipment in the bed. Thanks!

 

[whistler]

I just used RTV without any problems.

 

[JaCkaL829]

I just used RTV without any problems.

Can I ask what kind of RTV did you use? Is it a pain to scrap off the old gasket, or should I use that gasket remove spray stuff?
Thanks

 

[whistler]

I really can’t remember for sure but I believe it was Permatex.
No, I just used a gasket scraper to clean the surface and may have hit it with some sandpaper.
I done it a few times and will be doing it again soon. Installing new gears and a ARB cover.

 

[Boomer32]

At 80K miles, wonder if the rear diff fluid had been previously changed? I'd check for metal chunks vs. metal shavings when changing out the fluid.

I too had grievances about the Mag-Hytec gasket shipping costs, but since I was replacing my diff cover (also ARB), figured a $50 part was worth the piece of mind.

The breather vent mod probably helped fix my leak too.

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

I noticed my rear diff was seeping pretty badly at around 10k miles. Of course the dealer said that was “normal”, so obviously I went ahead and changed it. I used RTV and it has held up perfectly since then. I used Permatex ‘grey’ rtv that is rated for torquing. I believe that is the color you want for rtv that is not in contact with gas and needs to be torqued. Super easy to use, just take your time and make sure you practice lining your diff cover up a few times before you put your bead on and stick it onto the diff.

 

[JaCkaL829]

I have been thinking about the job, and I'm not sure if I will have the time to let the permatex cure, and if in the next 2 weeks will be warm enough for it to dry. I have a daughter and my wife is working so it will be hard for me to complete the job, and have to run to pick her up. All of those factors pushed me towards the gasket from mag hytec. I'm now pretty sure after thinking about it, I will just take the plunge and order the complete mag hytec cover kit from amazon. It comes with everything, and I hope it will last a long time. It seems like a well made cover with added benefits. I'm not trying to spend more money on this, but it is a time is money to me. Spending the money on the parts and not the labor is better to me, rather than bringing it to the dealer. Thanks!

 

[whistler]

Sounds like you made up your mind about the Mag-Hytec cover.
I would suggest you look at the ARB cover before you buy.
I will take a steel cover over a cast aluminum one anytime.
It also strengthens the whole case.
That is what I will be installing after I finish my gear change.Yeah, I know tons of other junk.

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

Cool, let us know how it fits and the overall quality. If you do decide to not buy that the RTV is a really easy solution. Put it on in the evening, let it set for an hour, torque it to spec, and then fill it in the morning.

 

[Boomer32]

All of those factors pushed me towards the gasket from mag hytec. I'm now pretty sure after thinking about it, I will just take the plunge and order the complete mag hytec cover kit from amazon.

Sounds like you made up your mind about the Mag-Hytec cover.
I would suggest you look at the ARB cover before you buy.
I will take a steel cover over a cast aluminum one anytime.
It also strengthens the whole case.
That is what I will be installing after I finish my gear change.Yeah, I know tons of other junk.

Agree with Whistler here..........If interested, here's the ARB. I got mine with a coupon code from 4 Wheel Parts but had to call it in (I say I'm cheap, wife calls me frugal). Think it comes in black too.

Post a pic with whichever you decide on when it is installed.

 

[phatB]

Those Mag-Hytec's look super awesome.. make sure to post up some pics of that beauty!
my two cents about permatex vs gaskets ...
on my ranger i had the choice of a gasket or the permatex too. one of the big auto parts stores said there was no gasket for my ranger and to use permatex. Wrong... another parts store in town had the gasket on the shelf. the gasket is a million times easier, just stick it on and you're done. sure, permatex is handier and you can use it again later, but it's more time and effort. good in a pinch but not ideal for me. I can never get a nice clean bead of ANYTHING that comes out of a tube, and then you have to let it cure a bit, re-torque it, etc... I don't have patience for that. I will always vote to go with a proper gasket that's meant for the diff and be done.

what's the upside to the ARB cover? just higher strength? no additional capacity it looks like, and may even hold less fluid than factory since it appears to be compact?

 

[whistler]

Differential Cover
More time and effort? I have thousands of hours of design,labor in my truck, Putting on a differential cover is nothing.
I look at it as ,Good enough for Nissan, good enough for me (no gasket).

 

[Nissan4Life]

There is nothing wrong with with using RTV. That is how it is done from the factory. I have resealed the diff with RTV and it works fine. One thing to note however is the method in which you apply the RTV. Apply it paper thin and around the bolt holes. Next tighten the diff cover down but only finger tight. Wait 24 hours to let the RTV cure. Then torque to spec. The waiting to cure is the important step that is often left out. And I agree with the mag tech gasket being over priced Their diff cover is over priced IMO as well. It also does not offer any additional protection over stock (but you don't offroad). The stock Titan diff cover is what you should be running if want better cooling IMO.

Since I peeled my diff cover open a couple of times I went with the PRG (rebranded) diff cover. It is made of Aluminum, but it is very thick. The bottom lip is 1" thick. I have only dragged it lightly over some rocks but it has held up great. Looks good too.

 

[teecro]

If your too time crunched to use RTV go buy a piece of 1/32" thick gasket material and make your own... It aint that hard to do...