Transfer case in Nissan Navara - a node that is often left unattended until it begins to act up. Meanwhile, the correct choice and timely change of oil in the transfer case directly affect the transmission life and smooth mode switching 2H/4H/4L and no noise when driving. In this article we will look at what kind of oil to put in the transfer case Navara different generations (D22, D40, NP300), how much is required, how often to change it, and what mistakes owners make during maintenance.

Features of transfer cases Nissan - sensitivity to lubricant quality. Using the wrong oil or ignoring the replacement instructions leads to accelerated wear of gears, bearings and synchronizers. At the same time, the symptoms of a “dying” transfer case (crunching when lowering the gearbox, vibration, leakage) appear gradually, and many attribute them to “features of the model.” We have collected data from manuals, service center reports and owner experience to help you avoid common problems.

Original oil for transfer case Nissan Navara: articles and specifications

Manufacturer recommends for transfer cases Navara (including models D22, D40 And NP300) use gear oils with approval API GL-5 and viscosity 75W-90. Official articles of original oils:

  • 🔹 KE908-99932 — Nissan Differential Gear Oil 75W-90 (1 l). Suitable for all generations Navara, including all-wheel drive versions with differential lock.
  • 🔹 KE900-99944 — Nissan Matic Fluid D (only for hydraulically driven transfer cases, e.g. NP300 with the system ALL MODE 4x4-i).
  • 🔹 KLE52-00004 — replacement kit (oil + drain plug gasket).

Original oil Nissan has high thermal stability and a package of additives that protect against wear under extreme loads (for example, when towing or off-road driving). However, its price (from 1,500 rubles/liter) forces many owners to look for analogues. Important: if you choose a non-original lubricant, it must match SAE 75W-90 and have clearance GL-5 or GL-4/5.

⚠️ Attention: In handouts Navara NP300 with electronic control (for example, with a system 4x4-i) special oil is used Matic Fluid D. Replacing it with a regular one GL-5 will lead to malfunctions of solenoids and interlocks!

Analogues of the original oil: what to choose for replacement

If the original oil Nissan unavailable or too expensive, you can use high-quality analogues from trusted brands. The main thing is to maintain viscosity 75W-90 and admission GL-5. Here is a list of reliable options:

Brand and name Article Features Price (1 l), rub.
Motul Gear 300 75W-90 105777 Synthetic, high anti-wear properties, suitable for harsh conditions 1 200–1 400
Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus 75W-90 156F1 Semi-synthetic, compatible with most seals 900–1 100
Liqui Moly Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil 75W-90 3941 100% synthetic, improved corrosion protection 1 300–1 500
Mobil Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 153659 Synthetic for extreme temperatures (-40°C to +150°C) 1 400–1 600

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to base oil composition: for Navara, operated in severe frost conditions (below -30°C), full synthetics are preferable. Semi-synthetics are also suitable for moderate climates. Avoid cheap mineral oils - they oxidize faster and lose their properties when heated.

📊 What oil do you use in the Nissan Navara transfer case?
  • Original Nissan
  • Motul Gear 300
  • Castrol Syntrax
  • Liqui Moly
  • Other

Oil volume in transfer case Nissan Navara: data by model

The amount of oil in the transfer case depends on the generation and type of drive Navara. Below is reference data (including the reserve for filter replacement, if provided for by the design):

  • 🔧 Nissan Navara D22 (1997–2005, part-time drive Part-Time 4WD): 0.9–1.1 l.
  • 🔧 Nissan Navara D40 (2005–2015, all-wheel drive Full-Time 4WD): 1.3–1.5 l (depending on the presence of differential lock).
  • 🔧 Nissan NP300 (2015–present, system ALL MODE 4x4-i): 1.6–1.8 l (requires special oil Matic Fluid D).

In handouts NP300 with electronic control, the oil volume is larger due to the hydraulic mode switching system. Not filling even 100–150 ml can lead to malfunctions of the solenoids! Before replacing, check the level using the control plug - oil should begin to flow out when it is unscrewed.

⚠️ Attention: In some versions D40 with a locking rear differential, the transfer case and differential share a common housing. In this case, the oil volume increases to 2.0–2.2 l!

Oil change intervals: when to change and why you shouldn’t delay

Official regulations Nissan requires changing the oil in the transfer case every 60,000 km or once every 4 years (whichever comes first). However, these terms are relevant for “ideal” operating conditions: moderate climate, smooth roads, no overloads. In reality, the replacement interval should be shortened:

  • 🌡️ When driving off-road or frequently traveling with a trailer: every 40,000–45,000 km.
  • ❄️ In regions with sudden temperature changes (from -30°C to +30°C): once every 3 years.
  • 🚜 For commercial use (taxi, trucking): every 30,000–35,000 km.

Signs that it’s time to change the oil in the transfer case immediately:

  • 🔊 The appearance of a hum or howl when driving at speeds over 60 km/h.
  • ⚙️ Difficulty turning on modes 4H or 4L (especially when cold).
  • 💧 Oil leaks on the transfer case or traces of emulsion on the dipstick.

Rumble or vibration when driving|Rough shifting of 4WD modes|Darkening of the oil on the dipstick|Metal shavings on the drain plug magnet-->

If these symptoms are ignored, the consequences can be serious: from bearing wear to differential locking. For example, in Navara D40 With a mileage of over 150,000 km, the transfer case drive chain often breaks down - replacing it costs 20,000–30,000 rubles.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in the transfer case yourself

Changing the oil in the transfer case Nissan Navara - a procedure that can be performed independently if there is an inspection hole or a lift. You will need:

  • 🔧 Key on 24 mm (for drain plug).
  • 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for control plug).
  • 🔧 Oil syringe (or funnel with flexible tube).
  • 🔧 New oil (see volume above).
  • 🔧 Drain plug gasket (article no. 11026-01M02).
  • 🔧 Rags and container for working out (minimum 2 l).

Procedure:

  1. Warm up the car (drive 5–10 km) so that the oil becomes less viscous.
  2. Install Navara onto a pit or lift, secure the wheels.
  3. Clean the drain and control plugs from dirt (they are located on the transfer case).
  4. Place the container and unscrew the drain plug with a key 24 mm.
  5. Wait until the oil is completely drained (10–15 minutes). Inspect the plug magnet for metal shavings.
  6. Screw on the drain plug with a new gasket.
  7. Pour new oil through the inspection hole until it begins to flow out.
  8. Tighten the control plug and check the level after 5–10 minutes (the oil should drain).
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If there are a lot of metal shavings in the drained oil, wash the transfer case with a special fluid (for example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger) before adding new oil. To do this, after draining the old oil, fill in the flush, let the transfer case run for 5–10 minutes at idle speed (in 4H), then drain and refill with fresh oil.

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan NP300 with the system ALL MODE 4x4-i After changing the oil, it is necessary to reset the transmission adaptations via the diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). Otherwise, there may be jerks when switching modes!

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when servicing the transfer case. Navara. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

  • 🚫 Overfilling or underfilling oil.
    Consequences: increased pressure (risk of leaks) or oil starvation (accelerated wear).
    Solution: add oil until it begins to flow out of the inspection hole.
  • 🚫 Using oil with the wrong viscosity.
    Consequences: difficult switching modes in winter (75W-140 too thick) or overheating in summer (80W-90 too runny).
    Solution: Stick with it 75W-90 for most regions of Russia.
  • 🚫 Ignoring replacement of the drain plug gasket.
    Consequences: oil leaks and loss of tightness.
    Solution: always install a new gasket (costs 50–100 rubles).
  • 🚫 Changing the oil without warming up.
    Consequences: up to 200–300 ml of old oil with wear products remains in the crankcase.
    Solution: Warm up the car before draining.
What happens if you mix different oils?

Mixing oils of different brands or types (for example, synthetic and semi-synthetic) can lead to additive separation and loss of lubricating properties. In the distribution box Navara this manifests itself as noise when driving and accelerated wear of synchronizers. If you had to add another oil, perform a complete change as soon as possible.

Another common mistake is using sealant on plug threads. In handouts Nissan The plugs have conical threads, and sealant can get inside, clogging the oil intake channels. If the plug “whistles”, it is enough to tighten it further (tightening torque - 35–40 Nm).

Frequent transfer case malfunctions Nissan Navara and their connection with oil

Many transfer case problems Navara directly related to low-quality or old oil. Let's look at typical malfunctions and their “oil” causes:

Symptom Possible reason Solution
Hum or howl when moving Bearing wear due to lack of lubrication or metal shavings in the oil Oil change + bearing diagnostics
Tight inclusion 4L Thickened oil (especially in winter) or worn synchronizers Changing the oil to 75W-90 + checking the switching mechanism
Vibrations at speeds of 80–100 km/h Oil foaming due to overflow or water ingress Adjusting the oil level + replacing oil seals
Oil leak from transfer case Wear of gaskets or seals due to aggressive additives in the oil Replacing gaskets + flushing the crankcase

B Navara D40 And NP300 a common problem with transfer case drive chain. Its stretching or wear occurs due to insufficient lubrication or the use of oil with low detergent properties. Symptoms: metallic knocking when switching to 4L or slippage. The solution is to replace the chain (a labor-intensive operation that requires disassembling the transfer case).

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Regular oil changes (every 40,000–60,000 km) and the use of high-quality synthetics 75W-90 GL-5 reduces the risk of wear on the transfer case drive chain by 60–70%.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about oil in the transfer case Nissan Navara

Is it possible to use oil 75W-140 instead of 75W-90?

No, in handouts Navara not recommended use oil with viscosity 75W-140. It is too thick for the synchronizers to work properly, especially in cold weather. The exception is extremely hot climates (for example, +40°C and above), but in this case it is better to give preference 75W-90 with high temperature additives.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the transfer case for 100,000 km?

With such mileage without replacement, the oil loses all its protective properties and accumulates metal shavings and oxidation products. This leads to:

  • 🔹 Accelerated wear of bearings and gears (repairs will cost 15,000–40,000 rubles).
  • 🔹 Jammed differential or drive chain (in D40/NP300).
  • 🔹 Loss of seal tightness due to aggressive deposits.

In critical cases, the transfer case may fail completely, and it will have to be replaced as an assembly (the price of a new one is from 80,000 rubles).

Do I need to flush the transfer case when changing the oil?

Flushing is required in three cases:

  1. If the drained oil contains a lot of metal shavings or looks like a dirty emulsion.
  2. If you are switching from mineral oil to synthetic oil.
  3. If the car was used in difficult conditions (off-road, towing).

For washing, use special compounds (for example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger) or fresh oil of the same viscosity. Fill in the flush, let the transfer case operate for 5–10 minutes in 4H, then drain and refill with new oil.

What kind of oil should I put in the transfer case? Navara with differential lock?

For models with a locking differential (e.g. D40 with option Diff Lock) an oil with improved extreme pressure properties is required. Optimal options:

  • 🔹 Original Nissan KE908-99932.
  • 🔹 Motul Gear 300 75W-90 (article 105777).
  • 🔹 Castrol Syntrax Long Life 75W-90 (article 156F1B).

In such distributors, the oil works under more difficult conditions, so it is better to reduce the replacement interval to 35,000–40,000 km.

Is it possible to pour automatic transmission oil into the transfer case? NP300?

In handouts Nissan NP300 with the system ALL MODE 4x4-i special oil is used Nissan Matic Fluid D (article KE900-99944). This not conventional transmission oil, but a hydraulic fluid compatible with the solenoids and clutches of the system. Replacing it with ATF for automatic transmission (for example, Dexron III) is allowed only as a last resort and for a short period of time. For full operation, the original fluid is required.