Nissan Patrol 1st generation (Y60): a legendary SUV with history

When it comes to true SUVs with body-on-frame construction and indomitable character, Nissan Patrol first generation (known as Y60) holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. This car, released in 1987, was the Japanese manufacturer's response to the growing demand for reliable and powerful off-road vehicles. Unlike modern SUVs, Patrol Y60 designed for extreme conditions - from the deserts of the Middle East to the mountain trails of Australia.

Over the 10 years of production (until 1997), the model managed to gain a reputation as a “tank” thanks to its durable frame, all-wheel drive with reduction gearing and diesel engines capable of running on fuel of dubious quality. But even such a legend has weak points - we will tell you about them, as well as how to choose an example with minimal wear and tear, in this material. If you are planning a purchase or already own Nissan Patrol Y60, this article will help you avoid common mistakes and extend the life of your SUV.

Technical characteristics of the Nissan Patrol Y60: engines and transmission

With my heart First generation Patrol steel two types of engines: gasoline series RB-series and diesel RD-series. Gasoline units (volume 2.8, 3.0 and 4.2 liters) were valued for their high power, but were inferior to diesel engines in terms of efficiency and reliability. Diesel engines - especially RD28T turbocharged - have become a real legend due to their “indestructibility” and ability to cover thousands of kilometers without major repairs.

Transmission Patrol Y60 was offered in three versions:

• 🔹 5-speed manual transmission — the most reliable and repairable option, loved by off-roaders.
• 🔹 4-speed automatic (only for petrol versions) - less reliable, but more comfortable in the city.
• 🔹 Transfer case with a reduction gear and a locking center differential - a must-have for serious off-road use.

A feature of the model was solid rear axle on springs and the front suspension is on double wishbones. This design provided excellent geometric cross-country ability (approach/departure angle - 36°/27°), but sacrificed comfort on asphalt. Off-road capabilities enhanced permanent all-wheel drive with the ability to disable the front axle at speeds above 30 km/h.

Weaknesses and typical problems of the Patrol Y60

Despite the reputation of an "indestructible" SUV, Nissan Patrol first generation has a number of vulnerabilities that every potential owner should be aware of. The main problem is frame and body corrosion. Due to the low quality of anti-corrosion treatment at the factory, as well as frequent use in aggressive conditions (salt, sand, moisture), the frame can rot to a critical state within 10-15 years. Particularly vulnerable:

• 🚗 Spars in the area where the springs are attached.
• 🚗 Thresholds and lower parts of doors.
• 🚗 Bumper mounts and suspension brackets.

The second "sore" topic - diesel engines RD28/RD28T. Despite their survivability, they suffer from:

• 🔧 Wear of injection pump (high pressure fuel pump) after 200-250 thousand km.
• 🔧 Position of piston rings when using low-quality fuel.
• 🔧 Oil leaks through the crankshaft and camshaft seals.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Patrol Y60 With a diesel engine, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders. Normal values ​​are not lower than 28-30 kg/cm². If at least one cylinder is below 24 kg/cm², get ready for a major overhaul.

There were also electrical problems. Most often, owners encounter:

• ⚡ Oxidation of contacts in the fuse block.
• ⚡ Generator failure (especially on cars with air conditioning).
• ⚡ Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor, which leads to startup problems.

How to choose a Nissan Patrol Y60: buyer's checklist

Upon purchase First generation Patrol It is important not to give in to emotions and carefully check the key nodes. Start with car history: Check whether it has been driven off-road or used as an "asphalt" SUV. Cars with a mileage of more than 300 thousand km, but with documentary evidence of regular maintenance, often turn out to be more reliable than “fresh” vehicles with a dubious past.

Mandatory inspection points:

Pay special attention suspension. Worn silent blocks, ball joints and stabilizer bushings can turn your ride into torture. Check the steering play - if it exceeds 10°, get ready to replace the steering rods and rack. A test drive off-road would also be a good idea: engage a downshift and check how the car behaves when overcoming obstacles.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the car for diagnostics on a lift or a service station, this is a reason to be wary. This is often how they hide serious problems with the frame or chassis.

Price range for Nissan Patrol Y60 varies from 300 to 1500 thousand rubles depending on the condition. The most expensive ones are those with diesel engines. RD28T and mechanical transmission. Gasoline versions are cheaper, but their operation is more expensive due to high fuel consumption (18-22 l/100 km versus 10-14 l for diesel engines).

Tuning and modernization of Patrol Y60: what is really needed?

Many owners First generation Patrol strive to improve its off-road performance or comfort. However, not all modifications are justified. For example, suspension lift (increased ground clearance) often leads to deterioration in controllability and accelerated wear of CV joints. Much more useful:

• 🔧 Install reinforced springs (for example, from Old Man Emu) for better load capacity.
• 🔧 Replace standard shock absorbers with oil or gas oil (For example, Bilstein).
• 🔧 Put crankcase and transfer case protection (required for serious offroading).

Relevant for diesel versions fuel system modernization:

• 🛢️ Replacing the standard fuel injection pump with Bosch VE (will increase resource and improve dynamics).
• 🛢️ Installation additional fuel filter heated (relevant for cold climates).
• 🛢️ Reflashing the ECU (if installed) to optimize fuel consumption.

Among the controversial modifications are motor replacement. Some owners put it instead of their native one RD28T more modern diesels, e.g. 1KZ-TE from Toyota or OM617 from Mercedes. However, such swaps require modifications to the mounts, electrics and transmission, which often costs more than a major overhaul of the original engine.

Operation and maintenance: how to extend the life of Patrol Y60

The Secret of Longevity Nissan Patrol first generation - regular and high-quality maintenance. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

Node/System	Recommended service interval	What to do
Engine (diesel)	Every 10,000 km	Changing oil (10W-40 or 15W-40) and filters (oil, fuel, air)
Transmission	Every 50,000 km	Changing the oil in the gearbox, transfer case and axles (use GL-5 80W-90)
Suspension	Every 30,000 km	Checking play in ball joints, silent blocks, CV joints. Wheel bearing lubrication
Brake system	Every 20,000 km	Replacing brake fluid (DOT-4), checking pads and discs
Cooling system	Every 2 years	Replacing antifreeze, checking pipes and pumps

Pay special attention fuel system of diesel versions. Use only high-quality diesel fuel with a cetane number of at least 48. In winter, add anti-gel or use “Arctic” diesel fuel. Never allow a diesel engine to idle for more than 10 minutes - this leads to coking of the injectors and turbine.

For gasoline engines RB-series It is critical to use oil with a high content of wear additives (e.g. Liqui Moly MoS2). These motors are prone to oil starvation during prolonged operation at high speeds, so monitor the oil level and the condition of the oil pump.

What to do if the Patrol Y60 does not start in cold weather?

1. Check the glow plugs (for diesel engines) - they should heat up to red in 5-7 seconds.

2. Make sure that the battery produces at least 12.5 V (at -20°C, at least 13.5 V is required for reliable starting).

3. If the engine still does not start, try heating the fuel filter with a hairdryer or pouring 100-200 ml of kerosene into the tank to reduce the viscosity of diesel fuel.

4. As a last resort, use a jump charger or “light it” from another car, but do not allow voltage surges above 14.5 V - this can damage the ECU (if installed).

Patrol Y60 vs competitors: comparison with Toyota Land Cruiser 80 and Mitsubishi Pajero

In the 90s Nissan Patrol Y60 competed with two other off-road legends: Toyota Land Cruiser 80 And Mitsubishi Pajero second generation. Each of these SUVs had their own strengths and weaknesses.

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 won in reliability and comfort, but lost Patrol in price and maintainability. Engines 1HD-T And 1HD-FT were more powerful, but their repairs were more expensive. Besides, Land Cruiser suffered more often from body corrosion, especially in the rear.

Mitsubishi Pajero offered a more modern suspension (independent at the front) and better handling on asphalt, but its frame was less robust and its diesel engines 4D56 conceded RD28T in the resource. But Pajero was lighter and more economical, making it more suitable for daily use.

Main advantages Nissan Patrol Y60:

• 🏆 The most durable frame among competitors (the thickness of the side members is 4 mm versus 3 mm for Land Cruiser).
• 🏆 A simpler and cheaper transmission to repair (transfer case and bridges Patrol are considered one of the most tenacious).
• 🏆 Best geometric cross-country ability thanks to short overhangs and high ground clearance (220 mm).

However Patrol lost to competitors in:

• 🚫 Comfort (hard suspension, noisy cabin).
• 🚫 Economical (even diesel versions consumed 12-14 l/100 km versus 10-12 l for Pajero).
• 🚫 Availability of spare parts (some parts, such as body panels, are more difficult to find than for Toyota).

Restoration and restoration: is it worth the investment?

Many owners Nissan Patrol Y60 are faced with a dilemma: restore an old car or sell it and buy something more modern. The answer depends on the condition of the particular instance and your goals.

If the frame and body are in good condition (no through corrosion), and the engine and transmission do not require major repairs, then restoration may be justified. The average cost of a complete restoration (including painting, suspension replacement and engine repair) is 500-800 thousand rubles. After this, the car will last another 10-15 years, and its market value will increase by 30-50%.

However, if the frame is rotten and the engine requires capital, then investments may exceed reasonable limits. In this case, it makes sense to look for another example in better condition or consider alternatives, e.g. Nissan Patrol Y61 (second generation), where many “childhood diseases” were eliminated.

When restoring, pay attention to:

• 🔨 Replacement of all rubber seals (they lose elasticity after 20-25 years).
• 🔨 Anticorrosive treatment of the frame (For example, ML-mastic or Dinitrol).
• 🔨 Modernization of the brake system (replacement of master brake cylinder and hoses).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Patrol Y60

❓ Is it possible to operate the Patrol Y60 on gas?

Technically yes, but it's not the best solution. Gasoline engines RB-series They do not tolerate working on gas due to the high combustion temperature, which leads to burnout of the valves. Diesel versions (RD28/RD28T) are not intended for gas at all. If you need savings, it is better to consider the installation option additional diesel heater (For example, Webasto), which will reduce fuel consumption for warming up.

❓ What is the maximum mileage of the RD28T engine?

With proper maintenance (regular oil changes, high-quality fuel, no overheating), the engine RD28T may pass 500,000 km or more without major repairs. Record copies in the Middle East have mileages of 800-900 thousand km. The main thing is to monitor the condition of the turbine and fuel injection pump, since their repair is expensive (30-50 thousand rubles for each unit).

❓ What kind of oil should I fill into the Patrol Y60 transfer case?

For transfer case and axles Nissan Patrol Y60 It is recommended to use gear oil of class GL-5 with viscosity 80W-90 or 85W-140 (for cold climates). Optimal brands: Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus, Mobil Mobilube HD or Liqui Moly Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL. The oil in the transfer case and axles should be changed every 50,000 km, even if the car is rarely used - over time the oil loses its properties.

❓ Is it possible to tow the Patrol Y60 on a flexible hitch?

No, towing Nissan Patrol Y60 on a flexible coupling (cable) is strictly not recommended due to the risk of damage to the transfer case and transmission. This vehicle is equipped permanent all-wheel drive, and when towing, the wheels rotate, which leads to dry friction in the differentials. If it is necessary to transport a defective Patrol, use only rigid coupling (for example, on a tow truck) or hang the drive wheels.

❓ Where can I find spare parts for Patrol Y60?

Spare parts for Nissan Patrol first generation can be found:

• 🛒 In specialized online stores (for example, Patrol4x4.ru, Nissan-Offroad.com).
• 🛒 At showdowns (especially in regions where the model was popular: Dagestan, Chechnya, Krasnodar Territory).
• 🛒 From official dealers Nissan (some parts, such as bearings or seals, are still available by part number).
• 🛒 In general auto parts stores (e.g. filters, brake pads, shock absorbers).

The hardest parts to find are body panels and interior elements (for example, original bumpers or interior trim). In this case, searching through owner forums or ordering replicas from third-party manufacturers will help.