Was out having a little play today and followed a standard prado up a small hill climb, tought I would be fine seems as though I have a lift and better tyres, was I wrong. Nearing the top I started to loose traction (as did the prado) so applied a little extra of the right pedal. I was still moving forward and the wheels had just started to loose traction when I heard this loud, snap, clunk, rattle, bang. Shut the car down and got out to find broken diff housing and oil on the track.
Called the local Nissan dealership and was told that the front diff would not be covered under warranty as the vehicle was being used in an off road scenario and as such falls under the same category as driver abuse/ miss use.
So basically no warranty when 4wding.
Nav is 10 months old, got 25,000km,s on the clock and has been off road 3 times. Once at Stradbroke Island, another at Glass House, a quick easy run to test suspension upgrade and this is the third time at a camp ground. I also had the clutch replaced under warranty at 20,00km's.
Had to have the car towed home, $220. I removed the front diff tonight to find the cause of the problem was the pinion gears have shattered causing them to jam in the crown wheel and then being ejected through the diff housing via a newly formed aftermarket drain hole.
New diff is going to cost just under $3000. I am going to take the old diff to Nissan tomorrow to see what they say as I feel there may have been an alignment issue with the gearing from day one. either that or the D40 gears are extremely weak.
So a word of warning to other Nav owners, no warranty off road and the diffs are weak, so expect a costly repair bill. I am lucky enough to be mechanically minded and can absorb the labour content.
It seems nearly every aspect of the Navara needs upgrading just so that it can perform simple tasks.
suspension lift because they are to low, rear springs are to weak and need upgrading if you plan on carrying a suitcase, clutch is to weak if you are planning to tow etc etc.
seriously thinking of a new dual cab cruiser, have to see what the accountant says.
here's some pics just to keep the story entertaining. enjoy
Called the local Nissan dealership and was told that the front diff would not be covered under warranty as the vehicle was being used in an off road scenario and as such falls under the same category as driver abuse/ miss use.
So basically no warranty when 4wding.
Nav is 10 months old, got 25,000km,s on the clock and has been off road 3 times. Once at Stradbroke Island, another at Glass House, a quick easy run to test suspension upgrade and this is the third time at a camp ground. I also had the clutch replaced under warranty at 20,00km's.
Had to have the car towed home, $220. I removed the front diff tonight to find the cause of the problem was the pinion gears have shattered causing them to jam in the crown wheel and then being ejected through the diff housing via a newly formed aftermarket drain hole.
New diff is going to cost just under $3000. I am going to take the old diff to Nissan tomorrow to see what they say as I feel there may have been an alignment issue with the gearing from day one. either that or the D40 gears are extremely weak.
So a word of warning to other Nav owners, no warranty off road and the diffs are weak, so expect a costly repair bill. I am lucky enough to be mechanically minded and can absorb the labour content.
It seems nearly every aspect of the Navara needs upgrading just so that it can perform simple tasks.
suspension lift because they are to low, rear springs are to weak and need upgrading if you plan on carrying a suitcase, clutch is to weak if you are planning to tow etc etc.
seriously thinking of a new dual cab cruiser, have to see what the accountant says.
here's some pics just to keep the story entertaining. enjoy