| Burnt Copper |
i have an '03 AWD w/ 169,000 kms, and live in Ontario CA
like others, i agree it's an incredible vehicle (solid, safe, good mileage, tows well, easy use interior, etc)
my father had leased it for the first 4 years of its life, babied it, and did proper service - i couldn't pass up the buyout, and i continue to maintain it very well (Mobil1 etc)
now, in the month of my 1st yr anniversary with it, i have a transfer case leak ... i have no other signs of wear, damage, or change in performance - i'm looking at about $1500 to change the seals on the transfer case and axles at a top notch tranny shop nearby
last summer (2007) i think i had the same burnt oil smell, but now it seems to be missing the exhaust and leaves 3, 1 inch spots in the driveway in a perfect triangle about every other day
my two local Nissan dealerships aren't much help - they're vague, claim it's rare, and say its probably unrepairable so it has to be replaced, but will cost me $50 for an estimate before a big bill!
sooo, i'm wondering whats first.... a cracked or damaged transfer case which has caused the leaks, OR, a couple bad seals which could have already begun damaging the transfer case
i'm concerned i'll take the obvious, simple route & replace the seals at a reasonable cost, stopping the leaks, just to have the case crack in two this coming winter when i go from a snowy patch to a dry one (because Nissan built one weak link in an otherwise great string of parts - and won't recall it)
any ideas what comes first, cracking or seals?!
i'd hate to sell a great vehicle because of one part that may (or inevitably will) explode, are you guys taking the chance, or deciding to cut your losses?
side note: one idea i heard is the hot cold hot cold of the exhaust below dries out the seals, causing the leaks - anyone else?
sorry if i rambled, take care |
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| BikerJohn |
B C; Hello there from another Ontario MO owner.
I understand your concern with the leak however; I'm not too clear about your issue with " think i had the same burnt oil smell, but now it seems to be missing the exhaust and leaves 3, 1 inch spots in the driveway in a perfect triangle about every other day"....
Where under your car are you find the 3, 1" spots? Is the fluid engine oil or is it caused by your initial T-case leak?
I would spend the $50 to get an estimate from Nissan. Get it printed out (since you have paid for that service) and take it to your Tranny Guy and see if he thinks it makes sense.
I've got 140,000 km on my '03 with no issues (knock-knock-knock; that's me knocking on my wooden head:D ).
The $50 spent now should be able to shed some light on the issue.
Good luck and keep us posted.
John. |
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| Eric L. |
| From my understanding, first the seals leak, and this causes a pool of gear oil on the ground or the burning smell if it is near an exhaust component. Once enough fluid has leaked out (the transfer case holds less than 1L, very little oil), the internal components can be damaged, leading to failure/cracked case. If only your seals are leaking, get them replaced asap! |
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