[sincraft]

All, I need some insight here. My Vehicle: Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, 2006 - 6 cyl SE edition, 4x4. 150k miles. Last Diff change was at 100k miles.

Other than a UV joint here and there, and a faulty driver side window - this truck has been solid.

In the past year I noticed a resistance while in 4x4 mode, and within the last 6 months a bit of a vibration/rub noise just driving in rear wheel drive. The truck is rarely driven lately so I really didn't do anything about it until recently when I was picking up some lawn furniture and heard a loud clunk when I shifted from reverse to drive.....Then I heard grinding. Not horrible but enough for me to worry that I had a bad UV and decided to take it in.

The garage said its the rear diff, and needs replaced. $2800.

Looking at some of the threads here, this doesn't appear to be a very common issue.

So what would be some questions I could ask a garage to verify that work is needed?

My young kids ride in this vehicle when in use as the family schoolbus basically 3 days a week otherwise I would have taken a crack at diagnosing and fixing myself.

Suggestions?

 

[sonora]

While I can't respond to whether your axle is bad or not I can tell you to check Ebay for a replacement axle. I just did a search and I see a 2015 axle with 100 miles on it for $400.00. You will need to know your gear ratio to find one that will work for you.

 

[The other Sean]

Did they give a reason it was bad?

Also, the $2800 bill is for a new rear diff or they are overcharging you for swapping in a used OR, they are pricing out rebuilding your unit. Have them price out swapping in a used unit. If they won't price out used, find another shop. I wouldn't put a $2800 diff in a 10 year old truck. You should be able to drive back out of the shop with a "new" used differential for under $1000.

 

[jkon]

Not that uncommon Sincraft and that's right from the horse's mouth. My rear end went in my 2013 at 75k miles. $3500 to replace it but luckily Nissan covered it for me even though I was out of warranty. When I say rear end I mean they replaced the entire thing including the axles. The rear ends are not vented like they were years ago where they ran an actual vent hose from the rear axle. Today there is basically a one way little cheesy pressure relief valve that can fail due to road grime, dust and corrosion. If you do get your rear end replaced I suggest that you do the rear axle vent mod as described on this forum. I did it right away after Nissan replaced my rear end. Nissan shttp://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=3025122ervice manager told me that's the way Nissan used to vent them years ago but tried to save some $$ by doing it the cheesy way.

 

[bobus8]

Coincidentally, BORNGEARHEAD has just bumped the C200 that he has had for sale. You might try dropping him a line to see if that rear will match what you need.