Just found out that TC's demise started with a leaking seal. Dealer says once it starts leaking, it can empty out in a week. My car is garage parked and I never saw any leaks on the floor. But then this problem had been there for a while. Who knows when it leaked.
Anyway, as of now there are chunks of metal inside the TC. (there are about 10 pieces and each is worth about $200 ).

Any comments as to what to be aware about and what more to ask during this repair process will be appreciated.

The only silver lining is thanks to this forum and this car, I know a lot more about repairs but the irony is that I will probably never live without an extended warranty anymore.

 

I cringe everytime I see a Murano driving down the street (bad memories)...sorry to see Murano owners still getting screwed by Nissan...glad I got rid of ours.

 

I have a 2003 AWD Murano and I just had my SECOND transfer case failure. The first one happened in 2008 at ~60K, the second now (2010) at 100K. The first was replaced under warranty but this one will not be.

 

Chalk me up for a Transfer Case failure, 130k. Dealers estimate is $4,300 with tax on a 2004 SL that blackbooks at 10k. Not impressed, and clearly we have recourse. I did have warranty work done on it around 89k and replaced CVT axle seals, but i'm sure that won't have mattered.

 

I just noticed the leak on the drivers side axle to the transfer case. Should I buy a seal and reaplce it or be worried about replacing the transfer case?

 

Transfer case cracked in half

Ok, since no one has done it yet, I'm starting a poll to see how widespread this AWD transfer case failure is.

Vote in this thread ONLY if you have an AWD Murano, since FWD does not apply for the transfer case. Also add a text post below telling us how many miles you had at the time of failure and the model year. No need to list mileage if you haven't had this problem.

If you originally voted no, but subsequently had a transfer case leak or failure, PM one of the moderators and they can adjust your vote to the other category.

"My transfer case (2005 Murano SE) went out at just over 66,000 miles. I had it replaced at an independent auto repair shop for about $2500, including a used transfer case for $1400.

Once repaired, I took the transfer case to a local dealership who said it was defective (remember it was cracked in half). However, Nissan will not cover the cost of the repair. In fact, they said that had I taken it into a an authorized dealer, they would have paid for the repair. If I had done the repair at the dealership, they would have given me some relief.

I may have to take this to a lawyer!

 

My transfer case blew yesterday 74,000 km, dealer said it would have cost over $4k but luckily under power-train warranty for 3 more months! I'm unloading this Murano 2006 AWD SL. Was a great vehicle for first 4 years but last month put in $1,500 for throttle body and maintenance so this would have been too much if an additional $4 grand on top. I'll go re-lease a new vehicle before power-train warranty runs out.

 

transfer case 2003 AWD

My transfer case failed. I have about 149,000 miles on this 2003 AWD Murano.

2 months ago it was the differential - $3K.
1 month ago catalytic converters failed - $3K

FYI.

 

My transfer case failed. I have about 149,000 miles on this 2003 AWD Murano.

Did you put all 149K on it, or did you buy it used?

 

2003 AWD Murano, 60,000.Transfer case Just repaired for $3500. Borough brand new from dealer!!!

 

2004 SE. 124,340 miles. Transfer case and transmission replaced. $5,800.00. Transfer case failed, I opted to do the transmission also since the labor's the same for one or both. Independent shop performed the work. Dealer quoted me $8,500.

 

I am "somewhat" encouraged to see people getting around 150k miles out of their MO's. I sometimes regret ever buying an AWD version. It snows in KY for about 1-2 weeks out of the year.

To the owner that had an independent shop do the repair, how did they get the part and guides for the installation. I thought Nissan that service on lock down for the CVT. Did your independent shop use a salvaged CVT and TC, brand new, remanufactured, etc.

 

The independent shop had access to a rebuild transmission and new transfer case through the regional parts warehouse. Only took him 2 days to get the parts once I gave him the ok to do the work. As far as how he got the info on how to do the repairs, I'm not sure although he wasn't the least bit afraid to do the work. He did say it was necessary to drop the entire engine and transmission out the bottom of the car which explains why it's a 2 day job. They did an excellent job and I would not hesitate for a moment to go back to him.

This is the first time I've put any money into the vehicle other than normal maintenance such as oil/fluid changes, tires, brakes, belts. Not bad for 124,000 miles. We debated whether to put $5,800 into the car or just dump it and get something else. With today's economy we weren't ready to take on a car payment again and figured we couldn't replace the MO with a like vehicle for $5,800. So far we have not regretted our decision.

 

What are your thoughts on factory-refurbished CVTs and transfer cases? Are they just as good as brand new ones?

I originally thought I was getting a new CVT after this car accident, but recently discovered that only the TC was new, the CVT was factory-refurbished. My old "new" CVT was replaced 30,000 miles ago. Should I go back to the insurance company and demand a brand new one?

 

My understanding is all transfer cases are "new". Nissan does not refurbish them. Transmissions are reburbished although when I replaced mine the mechanic said sometimes Nissan sends a refurbished tranny and sometimes they send new. You never know which you'll get.

 

2010 Murano AWD leaky transfer case

Mine only had about 3000 miles on it, and I noticed a leak in garage, oil smell and service engine light. I took it in, they said the transfer case seals were crimped during install, so they replaced them all, and sent me on my way. Took it home, checked for leaks, and sure enough, it is leaking again. I called them, they said to bring it in. It is currently at dealer, hopefully will be repaired, but bottom of vehicle is not cleaned very well, still slimy, burned on oil, stinks..... I asked them to clean it better this time. We will see.....

Ok, since no one has done it yet, I'm starting a poll to see how widespread this AWD transfer case failure is.

Vote in this thread ONLY if you have an AWD Murano, since FWD does not apply for the transfer case. Also add a text post below telling us how many miles you had at the time of failure and the model year. No need to list mileage if you haven't had this problem.

If you originally voted no, but subsequently had a transfer case leak or failure, PM one of the moderators and they can adjust your vote to the other category.

 

2003 AWD SL - 93k miles. Transfer case and transmission failed at the same time. Had replaced the transfer case seal a month before the failure. Transmission covered under their "extended" warranty. Transfer Case ($2,150usd plus tax) Called Nissan USA (1800-NISSAN1) and after 2 days they said the failures were unrelated they would not cover the transfer case.
My 1st and last Nissan. Never had a car with so many problems since I own a Ford in the 1980s.

 

Transfer case and transmission failed at the same time. Had replaced the transfer case seal a month before the failure. Transmission covered under their "extended" warranty. Transfer Case ($2,150usd plus tax) Called Nissan USA (1800-NISSAN1) and after 2 days they said the failures were unrelated they would not cover the transfer case.

Let me see if I understand this correctly. The transfer case seal was replaced one month ago by the dealer, right? So that would mean the repair is warranted for 1-year/12,000 miles. Now the recently-repaired transfer case and the CVT both fail at the same time, and we are supposed to believe it is all a coincidence?? Who are they kidding. Do they really believe the failures were mutually exclusive events?

There have been numerous instances where the dealer replaced a seal only to have it leak within days. The post just prior to yours is an example of a faulty seal installation. If mnmo2010 had not checked his transfer case for leaks the oil would have leaked out, the gears and bearings would run dry, the transfer case would fail, and he would be facing the same $2,150 repair job.

Is there any evidence of gear oil on your driveway or garage floor?

If it were my MO, I would reach out to Nissan North America and escalate the issue. I am sure there is a procedure in place for challenging a regional reps ruling.

Good luck.

-njjoe

 

They are very good in warrantying only the part they replaced even if they damaged another in the process. I had them replaced my belts 2 years back and they overtighten and damage the idler pulley. Said it was a different problem. I had to argue the guy and ask to talked to the manager before anything was done my way. 10 months later, the idler pulley bracket splits into 2. Had no recourse on that one.--but still the same job practically. I am not surprised with your experience. However, if you checked the work after, or monitored it for leaks then you may have had a recourse for the TC. Highly probable it leaked again after repairs. But some members report failure of TC and CVT with no leaks right after replacement. I believe that once the TC goes the CVT will be damaged simultaneously. It sucks and is the fear of all AWD MO owners, me included.

 

TC failed TWICE on my 2005, once at 39000 and again at 49000. Both occasions were preceeded by a hot gear lube smell for a day or so (but no oil on the garage floor), and then a sudden and total sieze-up of the drive train. I'm glad it happened on side streets, and with me driving rather than my wife.

I brought the car into the dealer yesterday for some routine maint at 57000, and I figured it might be wise to check TC seals despite the absence of any smell. Sure enough, an axle seal was leaking,,,again. I didn't get the car back today, so I can only guess what else might be taking them 2+ days to fix.

The extended warranty is up in 12 months. Guess I'll need to go shopping this summer, for something other than a Nissan.

Shift_ to VW GTI

 

Shift_ to VW GTI

:2:

-njjoe

 

It's sad how this "issue" is starting to creep up on alot of unsuspecting Murano owners. As I've stated before, I mention this "issue" to every Murano owner I encounter...you would not believe how many thank me after they discover that they've had a leak that their dealer never discovered prior to them mentioning it to them.

I'm happy for those that have not had to deal with this "issue"...

 

Cost is $3-4k to fix...I have 110k on my car. If this is a known issue it should be covered under warranty with the CVT transmission. It has something to do with the AWD. Totally BITES!

 

I pulled the connector to the rear AWD clutch, effectively making it a 2WD Murano. This is fine for 99.9% of the driving I do.

With a little more time, I'll wire a switch to the console that does the same thing without having to reach under the car.

I figure this is a lot easier on the transfer case (assuming it has fluid, of course), as my research on the AWD system suggest it does send some power to the rear wheels under many different conditions, not just when slip is detected in the front.

My car seems to lock up the rear clutch more than it used to- leading to some drivetrain binding on u-turns that it didn't have before. Many drivers would not notice this (I used to have a race car with a rear spool so it's a familiar feeling)

I've been waiting to figure which one wire in the rear AWD connector I can add a switch too to deactivate the AWD completely from the dash. (The AWD lock would still work as usual if the system was active).

James

 

i read a good deal of this thread. I just purchased a used 04 sl with 70000 miles. recently i been hearing a drone like sound from the front wheels. I just thought i would need to change the wheelhubs/bearings, but this thread is starting to scare me. I am a student and definately can not afford 3k for a transfer lol.........

is there a way to differentiate the sounds of a bad wheelhub/bearing and failed transfer?

the car runs fine in snow, i dont smell anyburning unless i drive it real hard in the snow....accelerates fine etc etc......i was planning on getting the fluids for the transfer and diff changed, called pepboys he said 100 bucks plus fluids, but well have to test drive it and if we hear a noise we wont touch it, etc etc........

anyways do let me know......also i just tried to go out and see if i can see if theres any oil, but i couldnt see anything through the wheel well, any hints on how to get a look at the transfer or tranny without a lift or jacking it up?

 

also i just tried it......the noise persists when in neutral.....it doesnt sound as loud at 110 or over 80....any ideas?

 

Yeah I just started hearing the "drone" sound on my 2007 Murano SL AWD. It sounds like its coming from the front wheel area or right under the peddles. I can feel a slight vibation when I hear the noise. Mostly in the gas peddle.

The Murano has just over 100,000 miles on it and its been pretty trouble free so far. I've noticed its using a litttle oil and I'm noticing I'm losing coolant from the reserve. No leaks of any kind that I can see anyway. Slight oil smell on occasions and a sweet anti freeze smell but thats mostly in the summer.

Everytime I get the CVT fluid checked at Nissan they say it looks fine. Hopin its not the TC making the "drone" noise. Gonna have Nissan check it soon. Any ideas?

 

Yeah I just started hearing the "drone" sound on my 2007 Murano SL AWD. It sounds like its coming from the front wheel area or right under the peddles.

Any ideas?

My guess would first be a wheel bearing. But since I've never had a wheel bearing fail on any of my Nissans, I really haven't experienced what that sounds or feels like first hand. I think others here have described symptoms similar to what you are having when wheel bearings failed on their Mos, however.

And I have ridden in other cars with wheel bearings going bad, and I'm pretty sure those are what the symptoms were.

 

My 05 AWD Mo Transfer Case failed Catastrophically at 94,000 miles at a cost of almost $3800. Nissan did pickup part of the labor and the dealer discounted parts, reducing the cost to jst over $1900. Mo is in Mint Condition. Fully maintained. Never a leak. Only noise sounded like a slipping belt. Had the belts replaced and the Transfer Case failed a week later. Dealer had no explaination and didn't really want to talk about it...

 

How much did it cost you? I had the same exact issue a few days ago

 

2003 Nissan Murano transfer case

On March 2, 2011, my 2003 Murano AWD started making a strange clicking noise under the hood. It sounded like there was a rock in the tire or a loose part under the front end. By March 3, 2001, the noise was upgraded to a loud banging, with the whole front end of the vehicle shaking. I took the Murano to my mechanic Touchette Auto in Ottawa on March 4, 2010 for a diagnostic and was later contacted March 7, 2010 and told that the noise was a transmission issue and that I had to take it to a transmission specialist. I started my search online for problems of this nature and was astounded to find that the CVT transmission issue is a huge problem in the 2003 Nissan Murano....so much so that I am surprised that a class action lawsuit has not been taken up with Nissan!

I contacted my warranty company and they advised me that the transmission issue would be covered by Nissan because of the Extended Warranty related to the CVT tranmission for up to 10 years/120,000 km. I was relieved to hear this and promptly took my Murano to receive attention at 417 Nissan, 1599 Star Top, Gloucester, Ontario (613)749-9417. Today, March 8, 2010, I received a call from John GOOD of 417 Nissan with my diagnostic results. I was told that the problem was NOT the transmission but gave me a list of problems as follows:
-cracked transfer case
-transmission seals (x2--apparently for each end of the transmission.)
-catalytic converter
-O2 sensor
-switch control unit

The quote for this repair? $6333.00 plus diagnostic cost! Mr. GOOD said that none of this was covered by the extended warranty!! I went back to A-Protect Warranty Corporation and was advised that the Nissan quote was ridiculous and that all of those issues are related to the transmission. They said that they could direct me to another transmission mechanic who would repair the vehicle for much cheaper and that they would only cover $400.00 of the repairs.

I just now got a second quote...it's still about $6000.00! This mechanic is adding now adding a subframe to the mix. Has anyone had luck with having Nissan pay for their faulty transfer case problem?? I have been getting the runaround with the Nissan customer service and the 417 Nissan location.?