In his case it was a leaky seal.

No it was cracked, which is why they've taken the bite out of the AWD with the new controller and switch. It's underdesigned.

Not only is that an issue, when it cracks, it can stress the transmission case and damage it as well.

The dealer told me how they preferred to change both, but Nissan was backing off and only changing the transfer case, then waiting to see if that cured it.

For mine, it still leaked after the transfer case replacement and controller downgrade to the newer one.

I traded it in after a month and a half of waiting. The Nissan Dealer called me another month or so after that to tell me the parts were in. I told them to call the Dodge dealer that had it up for sale.

 

.

 

Well as it turned out I had a seal leak at the transfer case and the left axle. Thank goodness it was covered under warranty. I have 89000km. They did a thorough inspection of the transfer case and found no problems.

 

Well as it turned out I had a seal leak at the transfer case and the left axle. Thank goodness it was covered under warranty. I have 89000km. They did a thorough inspection of the transfer case and found no problems.

57-

Hmmm.... The left-front axle does not connect to the transfer case. It's actually the trans-axle assembly.

-njjoe

 

I'm looking at the invoice "Moderate oil leak at the transfer case to the transmission area and slight leak at the front left axle output seal. They removed the transfer case assembly and replaced left side t/c input seal and transmission side axle output seal.
I had to have them show me pix to explain what they were doing. All I heard was Warranty, no charge.
Then they said the left axle seal was leaking.
Again all I heard was Warranty, no charge. When it comes to cars it's sad to say I'm very naive.

 

57-

Yeah, it looks like you had two separate leaks. That's odd, very odd. My guess is that the guy at the factory who was responsible for the final transmission assembly was probably having a bad day.

-njjoe

 

ya wonder eh?

 

ya wonder eh?

You must be from Canada, eh?

 

Yup, I'm 50km west of Edmonton. The Murano is great in the snow, but the -30 to -35 really stiffens it up. Thank goodness for heated garages and block heaters. Does any one use synthetic oil?

 

Transfer Case failure

My transfer "cases" failed 3 times. The front end went one at about 5000 miles, another time at about 35-40000 miles and the rear end went at about 45000. when the rear went the diff cover was cracked in half right down the center. If the resale value wasnt so terrible i would get rid of this heap asap.

 

Hi guys - long time no post. It's been a great car - and still is. At 46,000 miles, though - time for new rear brakes. A good friend and even better mechanic buddy of mine did the job and sighted a leaking TC. So, it's at the dealer now getting checked up. He told me it was leaking ON TOP of the exhaust - therefore it's gone undetected (no drips in the garage).

My buddy also noted I need a new serpantine belt - however the other belt (didn't know I had two) looked brand new.

I'll repost when I hear something. It's been over at the dealer now since 11 a.m. EST today.

Later - Jim

 

Bad seal. One on order. It's going to be a huge job - would have been approx $2K parts and labor - so the ext. warranty just paid for itself - unless they're going to (I think they should - I will ask) cover this under a drivetrain warranty - therefore - no deductible. I did have both belts replaced today - $129

 

I've had 2 transfer cases crack on me. Felt like the car was going to shake itself to pieces. I am picking it up tonight - damn thing better at least be washed.

Luckily, still under warranty.

 

Bad seal. One on order. It's going to be a huge job - would have been approx $2K parts and labor - so the ext. warranty just paid for itself - unless they're going to (I think they should - I will ask) cover this under a drivetrain warranty - therefore - no deductible. I did have both belts replaced today - $129

Sure it's just a bad seal? That's what mine looked like, when it had a cracked case...

 

Hi Jaack
I just had all the transfer case seals replaced (under warranty) both axle seals done (under warranty) and for a week no leaks on the floor,,,,,but,,,,,,,,just yesterday I could smell the faint oder and it was very faint of transmission fluid off the exhaust. The dealer swears the TC is fine,,,,,what was the give away that confirmed the TC was cracked?
Thanks
Marty

 

Trans fluid smell

Well,,,,, after 2 weeks of not having to visit the dealer to correct the problem of transmission fluid smell off the exhaust,,,,I will be back there on Tues to have them look at it again. Sometimes no smell,,,,,then sometimes there is. It's a very faint smell,,,,,,,very frustrating. All the seals have been replaced with in 30 days.The dealer swears the TC is fine. The funny thing is I have no deposits on the floor. Any suggestions??
Anyone gone through this? The vehicle runs great.
One other thing. There's a lot in central Alberta that gets all their vehicles from Arizona. Odessa??? something like that. They had a 07 Mo SE AWD with 20k on it. They would have to install block heater and seat warmers, all for the low price of $37,000. They say all the paperwork is in order and have been doing this for many years.
Opinions any one. I know if it's too good to be true it is. By the way the same vehicle here in Edmonton Ab is approx $47k tax in.
Thanks
Marty

 

Re: Trans fluid smell

Well,,,,, after 2 weeks of not having to visit the dealer to correct the problem of transmission fluid smell off the exhaust,,,,I will be back there on Tues to have them look at it again. Sometimes no smell,,,,,then sometimes there is. It's a very faint smell,,,,,,,very frustrating. All the seals have been replaced with in 30 days.The dealer swears the TC is fine. The funny thing is I have no deposits on the floor. Any suggestions??
Anyone gone through this? The vehicle runs great.
One other thing. There's a lot in central Alberta that gets all their vehicles from Arizona. Odessa??? something like that. They had a 07 Mo SE AWD with 20k on it. They would have to install block heater and seat warmers, all for the low price of $37,000. They say all the paperwork is in order and have been doing this for many years.
Opinions any one. I know if it's too good to be true it is. By the way the same vehicle here in Edmonton Ab is approx $47k tax in.
Thanks
Marty

Jaak posted a nice picture here somewhere (and reposted several times by njjoe in subsequent posts) which show burnt fluid on the side of the CVT/transfer case.

 

I saw the pix,,,,mine looked the same and when I pointed it out to the service manager he agreed that there was a problem. That's when the seals were replaced. I've since checked the TC and It's dry.
I don't get frustrated easily , but this is bothering me.
Sorry don't mean to rant
thanks
Marty

 

This may sound dumb, but does the TC get hot and the transfer fluid burn of it or the exhaust. I thought it was the exhaust only.
Thanks
Marty

 

So - has this issue been resolved on the newer ('06-'07) models??? THANKS!

 

So - has this issue been resolved on the newer ('06-'07) models??? THANKS!

Intruder-

There is no evidence to suggest that any changes have been made to the transfer case since it's introduction in 2003.

-njjoe

 

So - has this issue been resolved on the newer ('06-'07) models??? THANKS!

Thanks for the quick reply Joe.

I'm trying to decide if I want to buy "She Who Must Be Obeyed" a Murano. I like the looks and the ride. My guess is that this problem is NOT real wide-spread. Any thoughts on preventive measures???

 

My guess is that this problem is NOT real wide-spread. Any thoughts on preventive measures???

The transfer case is definitely the Achilles' Heel on the Murano. All indications are that it is not robust enough for the application. However, failures are few.

Logic dictates that most failures occur when excessive shock loads are applied to the transfer case. This would occur when the rear wheels are spinning on a low-traction surface and then abruptly gain traction. I simply avoid large applications of throttle when encountering slippery surfaces.

-njjoe

 

Personally i would prefer...

To either not have it there to break ( meaning get the sl) without any AWD or they should go to a 4 Motion full time system (like the Tourage) OR make the dang thing properly ( meaning strong enough to not require the driver to to drive is some overly cautious way as you just may not be able to tell when things are going from slippery to grippy)

The transfer case sucks and the CVT is a bit marginal to tell the truth for the AWD application.

ALL IMO

 

Intruder-

There is no evidence to suggest that any changes have been made to the transfer case since it's introduction in 2003.

-njjoe

NJ,

I would really like to see this poll inlcude the year to see if that is truly the case.

-BG