2002-Thump Sound on Gear Shift

ulysses_pk · Jun 24th, 2006, 07:30 AM

Hi Everyone

I acquired my Pathfinder 2002 (manual transmission) at 70,000 KM. My old and trusted mechanic advised me to change the Transmission and Differential oils along with engine oil on my Pathfinder's first visit to him. Everything went smoothly and for the differential, as per Owner's Manual, we replaced the oil with FUCHS GL-4 W140. There was no mention of LSD anywhere on the oil bottle and no one here knows anything about LSD. My mechanic says that the oil is suitable for LSD and it has the ingredients as required.

Now the problem: For the last one week or so after the oil change, whenever I change the gear and release the clutch, there is a small dull thump seems to be coming from the rear. I tolerated the noise for few days and then went to the same person. He checked the prop shaft for play. Rear shaft was in a very good condition while front prop shaft was loose a lot. He went for the replacement of the journal bearings and after replacement, the play has decreased but it is still there. Also, the thump sound is still there every time I change the gear or hit the accelerator pedal. Cannot remember clearly but I read from some post that this happens when you fail to replace the correct differential oil which is for LSD cars.

Can you please help me to find the real cause of this thump. Thanks.

johnebgoode · Jun 24th, 2006, 09:28 PM

First thing I would do is get gear oil from a Nissan dealer, change it and see if noise goes away. Diff may need an additive or modifier since it's an LSD, (check with dealer).You need to get back to a base line before diagnosing or guessing what problem may be.
Look at this thread.......it may help.
http://www.nissanforums.com/pathfind...il-change.html

ulysses_pk · Jun 25th, 2006, 08:17 AM

Thank you Johnbgood!! I appreciate your help.

Kay

harryjones · Jun 26th, 2006, 03:20 PM

I had the same problem after having my clutch swapped. The dealership hadnt bolted down the tranny after the install.

SRJesse · Jun 27th, 2006, 05:20 PM

Sounds like a similar problem I have when the truck is not warmed up. I can here a "clunk" when shifting into 2nd gear mostly from the rear. It seems to go away after driving for a while and the truck is warm. Not sure, but everything I have read, be sure to add the LSD modifier to see if that works. Please respond to let us know your results when you figure it out for future reference. Thanks!

ulysses_pk · Jun 29th, 2006, 01:13 PM

Thank you harryjones and SRJesse. I will post the results after I replace the Diff Oil with Friction Modifier.

Thanks again for the comments

Kay