Nissan Pathfinder: Driveline - Rear Final Drive: R145

Nissan Pathfinder (R53) 2022-2025 Service Manual / Transmission & Driveline :: Driveline / Rear Final Drive: R145

Precautions
Preparation
System Description. Structure and Operation
Symptom Diagnosis. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (nvh) Troubleshooting
Periodic Maintenance. Rear Differential Gear Oil
Unit Removal and Installation. Rear Final Drive Assembly
Service Data and Specifications (SDS)

Precautions Nissan Pathfinder SUV

Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"

The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collisions.

Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the “SRS AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT” sections of this Service Manual.

WARNING:

Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation:

To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in the event of a collision that would result in air bag inflation, it is recommended that all maintenance and repair be performed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.

Improper repair, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air Bag Module, see “SRS AIR BAG”.

Never use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness connectors.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS

WARNING:

Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation:

When working near the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Air Bag System sensors with the ignition/power switch ON or engine running, never use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with a hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor(s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing serious injury.

When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always switch the ignition/power switch OFF, disconnect the 12V battery or batteries, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service.

Service Notice or Precautions for Rear Final Drive

Use recommended gear oil only, refer to Fluids and Lubricants (For USA and Canada) or Fluids and Lubricants (For Mexico).
Use only genuine NISSAN parts for electro-hydraulic coupling oil.
Check for the correct installation status prior to removal or disassembly. If matching marks are required, be certain they never interfere with the function of the parts when applied.
Overhaul should be done in a clean work area, it is preferable to work in dustproof area.
Before disassembly, using steam or white gasoline, completely remove sand and mud from the exterior of the unit, preventing them from entering into the unit during disassembly or assembly.
Check appearance of the disassembled parts for damage, deformation, and unusual wear. Replace them with a new one if necessary.
Seals should be replaced any time when the unit is disassembled.
In principle, tighten bolts or nuts gradually in several steps working diagonally from inside to outside. If tightening sequence is specified, observe it.
Clean and flush the parts sufficiently and blow-dry them.
Be careful not to damage sliding surfaces and mating surfaces.
When applying sealant, remove the old sealant from the mounting surface; then remove any moisture, oil, and foreign materials from the application and mounting surfaces.
Always use shop paper for cleaning the inside of components.
Avoid using cotton gloves or shop rags to prevent entering of lint.
During assembly, observe the specified tightening torque, and apply new gear oil, petroleum jelly, or multi-purpose grease as specified for each Nissan Pathfinder vehicle, if necessary.

Preparation Nissan Pathfinder 2022

Special Service Tools

The actual shape of the tools may differ from those illustrated here.

Tool number (TechMate No.) Tool name	Description
ST30720000 (NI-25405) Drift		Installing front oil seal a: 77 mm (3.03 in) dia. b: 55 mm (2.185 in) dia.
KV40105740 ( — ) Drift		Installing side oil seal (cover side) a: 57 mm (2.24 in) dia. b: 48 mm (1.89 in) dia.
KV31103000 (NI-38982) Drift		Installing side oil seal (carrier side) a: 70 mm (2.76 in) dia. b: 59 mm (2.32 in) dia. c: 49 mm (1.93 in) dia.
ST35325000 ( — ) Drift bar		Installing side oil seal (carrier side)
— (NI-53123) Park lock tool		Placing transaxle in neutral

Tool number

(TechMate No.)

Tool name

Description

ST30720000

(NI-25405)

Drift

Installing front oil seal

a: 77 mm (3.03 in) dia.

b: 55 mm (2.185 in) dia.

KV40105740

( — )

Drift

Installing side oil seal (cover side)

a: 57 mm (2.24 in) dia.

b: 48 mm (1.89 in) dia.

KV31103000

(NI-38982)

Drift

Installing side oil seal (carrier side)

a: 70 mm (2.76 in) dia.

b: 59 mm (2.32 in) dia.

c: 49 mm (1.93 in) dia.

ST35325000

( — )

Drift bar

Installing side oil seal (carrier side)

—

(NI-53123)

Park lock tool

Placing transaxle in neutral

Commercial Service Tools

Tool name		Description
Power tool		Loosening nuts, screws and bolts

Lubricant or/and Sealant

Item	Use
Electro-hydraulic coupling oil (Genuine NISSAN part)	Filling when the parts of electro-hydraulic coupling assembly and/or rear final drive assembly is disassembled
Red lead or equivalent	Checking tooth contact

Always Replace with New Parts

Never Reuse These Parts	Part # Prefix	For additional information:
Hose clamp	38322BA	REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY EXPLODED VIEW
Breather tube	38322A	REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY EXPLODED VIEW
O-ring	38250E	REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY EXPLODED VIEW
Nut	55011BC	REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY EXPLODED VIEW
Breather	38322	REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY EXPLODED VIEW
Companion flange lock nut	38351D	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Companion flange	38761	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Electro-hydraulic coupling oil seal	38765F	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
O-ring	38334	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Plug	38351F	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Side oil seal	38342	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Stud	38351C	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Filler plug	38351F	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW
Bolt	38300A	ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC COUPLING EXPLODED VIEW

System Description. Structure and Operation Nissan Pathfinder Fifth generation

Sectional View

1.	Side oil seal	2.	Differential case	3.	Drive pinion
4.	Electro-hydraulic coupling	5.	Companion flange	6.	Actuator assembly

Electro-Hydraulic Coupling

The electro-hydraulic coupling operates as the 4WD system. For the operation, refer to Operation Description.

Symptom Diagnosis. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (nvh) Troubleshooting Nissan Pathfinder 2022

NVH Troubleshooting Chart

Use the chart below to find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.

Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS	Symptom		Reference
Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS	Noise	Vibration	Reference
Gear tooth rough	X	—	Refer to Inspection
Gear contact improper	X	—	—
Tooth surfaces worn	X	—	Refer to Inspection
Backlash incorrect	X	—	—
Companion flange excessive runout	X	—	—
Gear oil improper	X	—	Refer to Inspection
PROPELLER SHAFT	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
AXLE AND SUSPENSION	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
TIRE	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
ROAD WHEEL	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
DRIVE SHAFT	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
BRAKE	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
STEERING	X	—	Refer to NVH Troubleshooting Chart
Electro-hydraulic coupling	X	X	Refer to Removal and Installation

×: Applicable

Periodic Maintenance. Rear Differential Gear Oil Nissan Pathfinder 5th Gen

Inspection

REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL LEAKS

Check that rear differential gear oil is not leaking from the final drive assembly or around it.

REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL LEVEL

CAUTION:

Do not start engine while checking rear differential gear oil level.

Remove and discard filler plug (1).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse filler plug.

: Front

Rear differential gear oil level should be level with the bottom of the filler plug hole. Add rear differential gear oil if necessary. Refer to Fluids and Lubricants (United States and Canada) or Fluids and Lubricants (Mexico).

Install filler plug (1) and tighten to the specified torque. Refer to Exploded View.

Draining

CAUTION:

Do not start engine while checking rear differential gear oil level.

Remove and discard drain plug (1), and drain rear differential gear oil.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse drain plug.

: Front

Install drain plug (1) and tighten to the specified torque. Refer to Exploded View.

Refilling

CAUTION:

Do not start engine while checking rear differential gear oil level.

Remove and discard filler plug (1).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse filler plug.

: Front

Fill with new rear differential gear oil to the specified level near the filler plug hole.

Rear differential gear oil grade and viscosity	: Refer to Fluids and Lubricants (United States and Canada) or Fluids and Lubricants (Mexico).
Rear differential gear oil capacity	: Refer to General Specification.

Install filler plug (1) and tighten to specified torque. Refer to Exploded View.

Unit Removal and Installation. Rear Final Drive Assembly Nissan Pathfinder 2025

Exploded View

1.	Plug	2.	Breather hose	3.	Hose clamp
4.	Breather tube	5.	O-ring	6.	Final drive assembly
7.	Breather	8.	Bolt	9.	Final drive assembly bracket
	Clip		Front

Removal and Installation

CAUTION:

If replacing rear final drive assembly, perform "ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY". Refer to Description.

NOTE:

When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc., cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling.

Before replacing, servicing, or repairing rear final drive assembly due to vibration and/or noise when making low speed turns, refer to TSB to assist in proper diagnosis.

REMOVAL

Drain rear differential gear oil. Refer to Draining.

Remove rear wheel hub (LH/RH). Refer to Removal and Installation.

Remove the rear propeller shaft from the final drive assembly and support the rear propeller shaft with suitable wire. Refer to Removal and Installation.

Remove the Nissan Pathfinder vehicle spare tire.

Remove rear stabilizer bar. Refer to Removal and Installation.

Remove 4WD harness bracket.

Disconnect the harness connector from 4WD control unit.

Remove breather hose from breather tube.

Support rear final drive assembly with a suitable jack.

CAUTION:

Two people are required for removal to prevent damage to rear final drive assembly.

Remove final drive bracket bolts.

Remove rear final drive nut ( ) at rear suspension member, and remove rear final drive from Nissan Pathfinder vehicle.

CAUTION:

Secure rear final drive assembly to a suitable jack while removing it.

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

When oil leaks while removing rear final drive assembly, check oil level after the installation. Refer to Inspection.
If replacing rear final drive assembly, perform "ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY". Refer to Description.

Service Data and Specifications (SDS) Nissan Pathfinder 5th Gen

General Specification

Applied model		4WD
		VQ35DD
		9AT
Final drive model		R145
Gear ratio		2.466
Number of teeth (Drive gear/Drive pinion)		37/15
Oil type		Refer to Fluids and Lubricants (United States and Canada) or Fluids and Lubricants (Mexico).
Final drive oil capacity (Approx.)	(US pt, lmp pt)	0.45 (1, 3/4)
Electro-hydraulic coupling oil capacity (Approx.)	(US pt, lmp pt)	0.69 (1–1/2, 1–1/4)
Number of pinion gears		2