I had a post here asking how everyone's 4WD disengaged in the new frontiers because I had started having a problem where mine was not disengaging until I either threw it into reverse or took a real sharp turn.
Well I went to the dealer this morning. They told me they could find nothing wrong. So I went for a test drive with a mechanic to prove it was not acting as it was when I bought the truck. Heagreed and called Nissan in CA to get some answers. And when he returned, his first question to me was whether I had replaced any tires. And it just so happened that I have.
I had to replace one tire due to a hole near the sidewall that would not hold a plug. So when I did so, I took the spare along with the new tire and placed them both on the rear for added traction in the snow. The original tires wore quickly over the 17K miles on the truck.
So that all being said, the old tires had about 1/4" to 1/2" less diameter compared to the new ones. So according to Nissan, that is binding the 4WD slightly and keeping it from disengaging. Makes perfect sense, but also raises some concerns.
Does this mean everytime you need to replace a tire, you should replace all 4 because they will not have the same diameter? Seems awfully expensive. Also, what happens when you are towing a boat, or carrying a full load that is compressing the rear tires? Does that mean the 4WD will not disengage properly then either.
Also spoke to a friend at a chevy dealership, and he said that they are having the same issues, but to the extreme of snapping parts in the transfer case.
So now I guess I have to either buy 2 new tires for the truck, but will be left with one OEM that will no doubt wear quicker than the other three, or replace all 4. In the meantime I may try putting the new tires on the front to see if I get a different response from the 4WD.
2005 CC NISMO 4WD
Last edited by Slubgub : Feb 13th, 2006 at 02:48 PM.
I would guess that putting the new ones on the front will probably help with the issue.
This also illustrates the importance of rotating our tires as recommended to keep the wear even. If moving the tires to the front helps, I guess it's a lesson learned to always put new tires on the front.
Thanks for posting this helpful information. However, I'm like you -- this may in theory make sense, but it doesn't pass my funny look test. But, for Nissan to quickly diagnose it like that, I guess they've seen it quite a bit.
FWIW -- I've had several other 4x4 trucks (most recently a Ford Ranger), and I've never had a problem like you described.
__________________ msubullyfan 2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
Aztec Red NISMO
Yes I was convinced, but also scratching my head as well. Also see that the manual says that if you decide to use snow tires, to put snows on all 4 wheels, not just two. Amazing that little of a circumference difference effects it that much. Still wondering what could happen under compressed tires though. In essence, it could cause some serious damage under prolonged use.
Any suggestions for good aftermarket tires. I hated the OEM tires anyhow, they stink!
Any suggestions for good aftermarket tires. I hated the OEM tires anyhow, they stink!
LOL! I actually think the stock NISMO tires are pretty good for OEM tires! If you think yours stink, ask somebody with an SE or LE how they like theirs...
I've always had good success with the Goodyear Wrangler AT line of truck tires. Good tread wear life (50k mile warranty) and they ride pretty quiet, too. Can't comment about snow traction because I live in MS, but the reviewers at tirerack.com gave it pretty good marks all around.
Assuming you want an AT tire, I'd recommend the Wrangler AT. If you want off-road tires, a friend of mine bought some Bridgestone Dueler M/T D673 recently. He has 6,000 miles on them and they look brand new. They're loud as heck, though (although just about all offroad tires are).
__________________ msubullyfan 2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
Aztec Red NISMO
Last edited by msubullyfan : Feb 13th, 2006 at 05:55 PM.
Its Funny, I first stated offroading in a '94 pathfinder, which did require you to back out of your front hubs. I have done it on every 4WD I have driven since. I even do it on our '05 Xterra...I didnt even realize you didnt have too....
And yeah, if you hate those tires so much, send em over this way so I can dump these grabbers....
__________________
2005 Nissan Frontier
Aztec Red, KC, 2x4, 6-Speed, Roll Up windows, ALLOYS! aFe Stage II Intake, Helper Spring Mod.
15.759s @ 87.36MPH
2005 Nissan Xterra
Canteen Green, SE, 4x4, Auto.
I had the goodyear wranglers on my Rodeo, and loved them. Got a ton of miles out of them. May be a good choice. And the old guys will go to market.
Just plain sucks that one bad egg will ruin the whole bunch. Did not want to dump money in 4 new tires to begin with, which is why I bought just one before.
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