98 Pathfinder Transmission Noise after Towing

BW3133 · Sep 25th, 2006, 03:45 PM

I ocassionaly tow with my 98 Pathfinder 4X4 SE w/ manual 5 speed. The next day there is a whirling noise when I depress or release the clutch for the first minute or so after starting. I figured it was the cluthch so I had everything replaced. Old clutch was used but in great condtion with a lot of life left in it at 105K miles. This also didn't solve the problem. Next time I towed the noise came back. Seems to last only a few days. At this point I'm thinking it's something else. Are there any other parts in the drive train that should be replaced over time? Would appreciate any help.

boogyman · Sep 25th, 2006, 03:53 PM

Did you replace the pilot bushing and the release bearing? It sounds like they may be worn. Did you check the gear oil in the pumpkin? Make sure it's full to the fill screw.

BW3133 · Sep 25th, 2006, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogyman

Did you replace the pilot bushing and the release bearing? It sounds like they may be worn. Did you check the gear oil in the pumpkin? Make sure it's full to the fill screw.

Thanks for the response. Service was done by a reputable clutch shop who I trust so I believe they replaced everything. I told him of the issue I was having and he thought it might be the throw back as well but he could not reproduce the issue. All oil levels were recently verified to be full. One other piece of info is that I usually engage 4WD when I pull trailer up the boat ramp. Then disengage and go on my way. I've been meaning to test a theory that's it not the towing that's doing this but the infrequent engagement of 4WD. Any thoughts?

**Asleep** · Sep 25th, 2006, 05:32 PM

arent the pathys like the 4runners in that you have to drive in reverse for a short distance to disengage the xfer case from 4wd? i know my ex father in laws toyota had to be done that way.

BW3133 · Sep 25th, 2006, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AsleepAltima

arent the pathys like the 4runners in that you have to drive in reverse for a short distance to disengage the xfer case from 4wd? i know my ex father in laws toyota had to be done that way.

I don't belive so. Manual doesn't say anything about doing this and somewhere on this form it was mentioned that the front hubs were locked all the time on '96 and newer Pathfinders

**Asleep** · Sep 25th, 2006, 06:51 PM

in that case, sounds like throwout bearing to me too...

boogyman · Sep 26th, 2006, 08:10 AM

I agree with sleepyhead up there. That is what the release bearing is. It's just nissan calls it a release bearing instead of a throwout bearing. Here is a reference Nissan Pathfinder Clutch Kit at Auto Parts Warehouse

Hope you get it resolved. Ask your mechanic to check the release fork for play also.