Nissan Murano 2005 Rear Final Drive (RFD) Service Manual

Precautions

• Check for correct installation status prior to removal or disassembly. If matching marks are required, ensure they do not interfere with part function.
• Overhaul should be performed in a clean, preferably dustproof, work area.
• Before disassembly, thoroughly clean the unit's exterior using steam or white gasoline to prevent sand and mud from entering.
• Inspect disassembled parts for damage, deformation, or unusual wear; replace if necessary.
• Always replace gaskets, seals, and O-rings when the unit is disassembled.
• Tighten bolts or nuts gradually in several steps, working diagonally from inside to outside. Observe specified tightening sequences.
• Clean and flush parts sufficiently, then blow dry them.
• Be careful not to damage sliding surfaces and mating surfaces.
• When applying sealant, remove old sealant from the mounting surface and ensure it is free of moisture, oil, and foreign materials.
• Use shop paper for cleaning internal components.
• Avoid using cotton gloves or shop rags that can leave lint.
• During assembly, observe specified tightening torques and apply new differential oil, petroleum jelly, or multi-purpose grease as required.

Preparation - Special Service Tools

The following tools are required for servicing the Rear Final Drive. Actual shapes may differ from illustrations.

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting

Use the NVH Troubleshooting Chart to identify causes of symptoms. Repair or replace parts as necessary.

Description - Cross-Sectional View

The Rear Final Drive assembly consists of the following main components:

• Differential case
• Drive gear
• Side gear
• Pinion mate gears
• Pinion mate shaft
• Pinion front bearing
• Pinion rear bearing
• Side bearings
• Drive pinion
• Collapsible spacer
• Companion flange
• Electronically controlled coupling
• Coupling front bearing

Diagram shows a cutaway view of the rear final drive, illustrating the arrangement of gears, bearings, pinion, and housing components.

Differential Gear Oil

Changing Differential Gear Oil

DRAINING

1. Stop the engine.
2. Remove the drain plug and drain the oil.
3. Install a new gasket on the drain plug and reinstall it to the final drive assembly, tightening to the specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS"). CAUTION: Do not reuse the gasket.

FILLING

1. Remove the filler plug. Fill with new oil until the oil level reaches the specified level near the filler plug mounting hole.
2. Oil grade and viscosity should conform to MA-10, "Fluids and Lubricants".
3. Oil capacity is approximately 0.55 ℓ (1-1/8 US pt, 1 Imp pt).
4. After refilling, check the oil level. Install a gasket to the filler plug and then install it to the final drive assembly (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS"). CAUTION: Do not reuse the gasket.

Checking Differential Gear Oil

OIL LEAKAGE AND OIL LEVEL

• Ensure there are no oil leaks from the final drive assembly or surrounding areas.
• Check the oil level through the filler plug mounting hole.
• CAUTION: Do not start the engine while checking the oil level.
• Install a gasket on the filler plug and install it on the final drive assembly (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS"). CAUTION: Do not reuse the gasket.

Front Oil Seal

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL

1. Remove the propeller shaft (Refer to PR-5, "Removal and Installation").
2. Mark the thread edge of the electric controlled coupling and the companion flange. These matching marks should be aligned. CAUTION: Use paint for matching marks; do not damage the electric controlled coupling.
3. Remove the companion flange lock nut using a flange wrench, then remove the companion flange.
4. Remove the front oil seal from the coupling cover using a flat-bladed screwdriver. CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the coupling cover.

INSTALLATION

1. Apply multi-purpose grease to the front oil seal lips.
2. Install the front oil seal until it is flush with the case end, using the appropriate drifts (Tool A: KV38100200, Tool B: ST27861000). CAUTION: Do not reuse the oil seal. Do not incline the oil seal during installation.
3. Align the matching marks on the electric controlled coupling and companion flange, then install the companion flange.
4. Install the companion flange lock nut with a flange wrench and tighten to the specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS"). CAUTION: Do not reuse the companion flange lock nut.
5. Install the propeller shaft (Refer to PR-5, "Removal and Installation").

Side Oil Seal

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL

1. Remove the rear drive shaft (Refer to RAX-7, "REAR DRIVE SHAFT").
2. Remove the side oil seal using a flat-bladed screwdriver. CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the gear carrier and rear cover.

INSTALLATION

1. Apply multi-purpose grease to the side oil seal lips.
2. Install the side oil seal until it is flush with the case end, using the drift (Tool number: KV38100200). CAUTION: Do not reuse the oil seal. Do not incline the oil seal during installation.
3. Install the rear drive shaft (Refer to RAX-7, "REAR DRIVE SHAFT").

Electric Controlled Coupling

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL

1. Remove the propeller shaft (Refer to PR-5, "Removal and Installation").
2. Mark the thread edge of the electric controlled coupling and the companion flange. These matching marks should be aligned. CAUTION: Use paint for matching marks; do not damage the electric controlled coupling. NOTE: Matching marks are not necessary when replacing the electric controlled coupling.
3. Remove the companion flange lock nut using a flange wrench.
4. Remove the companion flange.
5. Disconnect the AWD solenoid harness connector and remove the connector bracket.
6. Remove the electric controlled coupling breather hose from the coupling cover.
7. Remove the coupling cover with the electric controlled coupling from the gear carrier.
8. Remove the electric controlled coupling from the coupling cover.
9. Remove the coupling front bearing using pullers and take off the bearing shim from the electric controlled coupling.
10. Remove the center oil seal from the gear carrier.

INSTALLATION

1. Install the electric controlled coupling to the spline of the drive pinion inside the gear carrier. CAUTION: Align the pin on the electric controlled coupling with the groove of the gear carrier. Be careful not to damage the center oil seal.
2. Set the AWD solenoid harness guide to the gear carrier.
3. Apply liquid gasket to the mating surface of the coupling cover, overlapping both ends of the bead by at least 3 mm (0.12 in). Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent (Refer to GI-47, "RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS"). CAUTION: Remove old sealant and any moisture, oil, or foreign material from mounting surfaces.
4. Install the coupling cover to the gear carrier with the arrow facing upward, temporarily tightening reamer bolts.
5. Tighten reamer bolts and coupling cover mounting bolts to the specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS").
6. Install the electric controlled coupling breather hose to the coupling cover.
7. Install the connector bracket and connect the AWD solenoid harness connector.
8. Install the companion flange. NOTE: When reusing the electric controlled coupling, align the matching marks on the electric controlled coupling and companion flange.
9. Install the companion flange lock nut with a flange wrench and tighten to the specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS"). CAUTION: Do not reuse the companion flange lock nut.
10. Install the propeller shaft (Refer to PR-5, "Removal and Installation").

Rear Final Drive Assembly

Removal and Installation

COMPONENTS

Key components include:

• Final drive mounting bracket
• Washer
• Drive shaft
• Propeller shaft
• Rear final drive assembly
• Rear suspension member

REMOVAL

1. Remove propeller shaft (Refer to PR-5, "Removal and Installation").
2. Remove stabilizer bar (Refer to RSU-16, "Removal and Installation").
3. Remove drive shaft (Refer to RAX-7, "Removal and Installation").
4. Disconnect AWD solenoid harness connector.
5. Remove rear final drive breather hose and electric controlled coupling breather hose.
6. Support the rear final drive assembly with a suitable jack.
7. Remove the rear final drive mounting nut at the rear suspension member.
8. Remove rear final drive mounting bolts from the final drive mounting bracket using a power tool, then remove the rear final drive assembly. If necessary, remove the final drive mounting bracket. CAUTION: Secure the rear final drive assembly to a suitable jack while removing it.

INSTALLATION

Install in the reverse order of removal. Refer to RFD-14, "COMPONENTS" for tightening torques.

• Breather Hoses: Ensure breather hoses are not pinched or restricted. For the rear final drive breather hose, connect the vehicle side to the rear suspension member and the metal connector side to the rear cover, aligning the painted marking. CAUTION: Do not reuse breather connectors. For the electric controlled coupling breather hose, connect the vehicle side to the rear suspension member and the metal tube to the rear final drive assembly, directing the tube to the front of the vehicle.
• If oil leaks occurred during removal, check the oil level after installation (Refer to RFD-8, "Checking Differential Gear Oil"). CAUTION: Do not reuse breather connectors.

Rear Final Drive Assembly - Disassembly and Assembly

COMPONENTS

A detailed exploded view shows numerous parts, including:

• Companion flange lock nut, Companion flange, Front oil seal
• Coupling cover, Reamer bolt, Coupling front bearing
• Electric controlled coupling, AWD solenoid harness, Center oil seal
• Drive pinion nut, Pinion front bearing, Gear carrier
• Connector bracket, Collapsible spacer, Drive pinion
• Pinion rear bearing, Drive gear, Side oil seal
• Side bearing adjusting shim, Side bearing, Side gear thrust washer
• Differential case, Drive gear thrust washer, Side gear
• Pinion mate thrust washer, Pinion mate gear, Pinion mate shaft
• Rear cover, Lock pin, Gasket, Drain plug, Filler plug

Diagrams illustrate the arrangement and connection of these components during disassembly and assembly.

Assembly Inspection and Adjustment

Total Preload Torque

1. Remove the electric controlled coupling assembly (Refer to RFD-21, "Electric Controlled Coupling Assembly").
2. Rotate the drive pinion back and forth 2-3 times to check for unusual noise or rotation malfunctions.
3. Rotate the drive pinion at least 20 times to check for smooth bearing operation.
4. Fit a drive pinion socket onto the drive pinion spline. Measure the total preload using a preload gauge (Tool A: ST3127S000, Tool B: KV38108500).
5. Total preload torque specification: 1.33 - 2.16 N·m (0.14 - 0.22 kg-m, 12 - 19 in-lb).
6. NOTE: Total preload torque = Pinion bearing torque + Side bearing torque.
7. If the measured value is outside specifications, disassemble to check and adjust parts. Adjust pinion bearing preload first, then side bearing preload.
8. When preload torque is large: Replace the collapsible spacer (for pinion bearings); Use thinner side bearing adjusting shims (for side bearings, Refer to RFD-35, "Side Bearing Adjusting Shim").
9. When preload is small: Tighten the drive pinion nut (for pinion bearings); Use thicker side bearing adjusting shims (for side bearings, Refer to RFD-35, "Side Bearing Adjusting Shim").

Drive Gear Runout

1. Remove the rear cover (Refer to RFD-22, "Differential Assembly").
2. Install a dummy cover set to the gear carrier using the specified tool (Tool number: KV381086S1).
3. Set dummy cover shims, temporarily tighten the dummy cover, position the dummy cover spacer, and tighten rear cover mounting bolts.
4. Tighten dummy cover spacer mounting bolts to the specified torque: 5.9 N·m (0.6 kg-m, 52 in-lb).
5. Fit a dial indicator to the drive gear back face and rotate the drive gear to measure runout.
6. Runout limit: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in) or less.
7. If runout is excessive, check for foreign material or deformation. CAUTION: Replace drive gear and drive pinion gear as a set.

Tooth Contact

1. Remove the rear cover (Refer to RFD-22, "Differential Assembly").
2. Attach the dummy cover set (Refer to RFD-17, "Drive Gear Runout" for installation).
3. Apply red lead to 3-4 locations on the drive gear faces. CAUTION: Apply evenly.
4. Rotate the drive gear back and forth to check drive pinion gear to drive gear tooth contact. CAUTION: Check contact on drive and reverse sides.
5. If tooth contact is improper, adjust pinion height (dimension X) by changing drive pinion gear adjusting shims. If contact is near face/heel, thicken shims; if near flank/toe, thin shims (Refer to RFD-35, "Drive Pinion Adjusting Shim").

Backlash

1. Remove the rear cover (Refer to RFD-22, "Differential Assembly").
2. Attach the dummy cover set.
3. Fit a dial indicator to the drive gear face to measure backlash.
4. Backlash specification: 0.10 - 0.15 mm (0.0039 - 0.0059 in).
5. If backlash is outside specification, adjust side bearing adjusting shims. For large backlash, thicken rear shims and thin front shims. For small backlash, thin rear shims and thicken front shims (Refer to RFD-35, "Side Bearing Adjusting Shim").

Companion Flange Runout

1. Fit a dial indicator to the companion flange face (inner side of propeller shaft mounting bolt holes).
2. Rotate the companion flange to check runout. Runout limit: 0.13 mm (0.0051 in) or less.
3. Fit a test indicator to the inner side of the companion flange.
4. Rotate the companion flange to check runout. Runout limit: 0.19 mm (0.0075 in) or less.
5. If runout is excessive, check runout at 90° intervals. If still excessive, replace companion flange. If still excessive after replacement, suspect assembly issues with drive pinion, electric controlled coupling, or bearings.

Disassembly

Electric Controlled Coupling Assembly

1. Remove connector bracket.
2. Mark the electric controlled coupling and companion flange threads. CAUTION: Use paint; do not damage coupling. NOTE: Marks not needed for replacement.
3. Remove companion flange lock nut with a flange wrench.
4. Remove companion flange.
5. Remove coupling cover.
6. Remove front oil seal from coupling cover using a flat-bladed screwdriver. CAUTION: Do not damage coupling cover.
7. Remove electric controlled coupling assembly from drive pinion in gear carrier.
8. Remove AWD solenoid harness.
9. Remove coupling front bearing using pullers and take off bearing shim.
10. Remove center oil seal from gear carrier.

Differential Assembly

1. Remove side oil seal from gear carrier and rear cover using a flat-bladed screwdriver. CAUTION: Do not damage gear carrier and rear cover.
2. Remove rear cover mounting bolts.
3. Use drifts to press differential case assembly with side bearing to remove gear carrier and rear cover. Use minimal pressure (max 10 kN). NOTE: Components are compressed and integrated.
4. Remove drain plug and filler plug.
5. Remove side bearing adjusting shims and outer races. CAUTION: Mark shims for identification.
6. Remove drive gear mounting bolts and remove drive gear from differential case.
7. Remove side bearing inner races using pullers and drift (Tool: ST33052000).
8. Pull lock pin from pinion mate shaft using pin punch (Tool: ST23550000).
9. Remove pinion mate shaft, gears, thrust washers, side gears, and side gear thrust washers from differential case.

Drive Pinion Assembly

1. Remove electric controlled coupling assembly (Refer to RFD-21).
2. Remove differential case assembly (Refer to RFD-22).
3. Fit drive pinion socket onto drive pinion spline. Remove drive pinion nut using pinion nut wrench (Tool A: KV38108400, Tool B: KV38108500).
4. Press drive pinion assembly out of gear carrier. CAUTION: Do not drop assembly.
5. Remove pinion front bearing inner race.
6. Remove collapsible spacer.
7. Remove pinion rear bearing inner race from drive pinion using pullers.
8. Tap pinion front bearing outer race from gear carrier using a brass rod. CAUTION: Do not damage gear carrier.
9. Tap drive pinion adjusting shim evenly from gear carrier using a brass rod to remove shims and pinion rear bearing outer race. CAUTION: Do not damage gear carrier.

Inspection After Disassembly

Inspect all disassembled parts for wear or damage and follow the measures below:

Assembly

Drive Pinion Assembly

1. Install drive pinion adjusting shim of the same thickness as removed. Press pinion rear bearing outer race into gear carrier using drift (Tool: ST17130000). CAUTION: Tap outer race until flush; do not reuse.
2. Press pinion front bearing outer race into gear carrier using drift (Tool: ST33230000). CAUTION: Tap outer race until flush; do not reuse.
3. Press pinion rear bearing inner race to drive pinion using drift (Tool: ST23860000). CAUTION: Do not reuse inner race.
4. After checking tooth contact and backlash, apply gear oil to drive pinion rear bearing and assemble drive pinion to gear carrier. CAUTION: Do not assemble collapsible spacer.
5. Apply gear oil to drive pinion front bearing and assemble pinion front bearing inner race to drive pinion. Press inner race until drive pinion nut can be tightened (Tools A: KV40100610, B: ST38220000, C: ST23860000). CAUTION: Do not reuse inner race.
6. Temporarily tighten the removed drive pinion nut. NOTE: Use this nut only for preload measurement.
7. Fit drive pinion socket onto drive pinion spline. Using pinion nut wrench, tighten drive pinion nut to specified preload torque.
8. Drive pinion bearing preload: 0.69 - 1.18 N·m (0.07 - 0.12 kg-m, 7 - 10 in-lb). CAUTION: Adjust to the lower limit first. If preload exceeds specification, replace collapsible spacer and retighten. Never loosen nut to adjust preload. Rotate pinion to check for malfunctions.
9. Apply gear oil to side bearings and install new side bearing adjusting shims (or old ones) of the same thickness. Install differential case assembly to gear carrier (Tool: KV40100610). CAUTION: Place drifts on shim centers. Use minimal pressure. Avoid tapping.
10. Check and adjust tooth contact (Refer to RFD-18), backlash (Refer to RFD-20), and total preload torque (Refer to RFD-17).
11. Remove dummy cover set and differential case assembly.
12. Remove drive pinion nut and press drive pinion assembly out of gear carrier. CAUTION: Do not drop assembly.
13. Remove pinion front bearing inner race.

Differential Assembly

1. Install side gear thrust washers of the same thickness as removed (or reinstall old ones).
2. Install side gear and thrust washer into differential case.
3. Align 2 pinion mate gears diagonally opposite, install them with thrust washer to pinion mate gear.
4. Align lock pin holes on differential case with shaft and install pinion mate shaft.
5. Measure side gear end play. Place differential case straight up with side gear upward.
6. Using thickness gauges, measure clearance between side gear back and differential case at 3 positions. Average readings. Side gear back clearance specification: 0.2 mm (0.008 in) or less. Ensure smooth rotation. CAUTION: Use same thickness gauges from both sides to prevent tilting.
7. If back clearance is outside specification, adjust using thicker/thinner side gear thrust washer (Refer to RFD-34, "Side Gear Thrust Washer").
8. Drive lock pin into pinion mating shaft using pin punch (Tool: ST23550000). CAUTION: Do not reuse lock pin.
9. Press side bearing inner races to differential case using drift (Tool: KV40105020). CAUTION: Do not reuse inner race.
10. Apply thread locking sealant to drive gear thread hole. Use Genuine Medium Strength Thread Locking Sealant or equivalent. CAUTION: Clean threads and holes.
11. Install drive gear to differential case, apply anti-corrosive oil to threads and seats on mounting bolts, and tighten to specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS").
12. Apply gear oil to side bearings and install new side bearing adjusting shims (or old ones) of the same thickness. Install differential case assembly to gear carrier (Tool: KV40100610). CAUTION: Do not reuse side bearing outer race.
13. Set drifts to shims. Compress assembly to install gear carrier. CAUTION: Use minimal pressure. Avoid tapping.
14. Install dummy cover set, check runout, tooth contact, backlash, and preload torque (Refer to RFD-17, RFD-18, RFD-20).
15. Remove dummy cover set.
16. Apply liquid gasket to rear cover mating surface. Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent. CAUTION: Remove old sealant and contaminants.
17. Set drifts to shims. Compress assembly to install rear cover. CAUTION: Use minimal pressure. Avoid tapping.
18. Tighten rear cover mounting bolts to specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS").

Electric Controlled Coupling Assembly

1. Install center oil seal using drift (Tool: ST35271000). CAUTION: Do not reuse seal. Apply grease and gear oil.
2. Install bearing shim and coupling front bearing to electric controlled coupling using drift (Tool: ST22350000). CAUTION: Shim chamfer side should face coupling.
3. Connect AWD solenoid harness to electric controlled coupling.
4. Install electric controlled coupling to drive pinion. CAUTION: Align pin with gear carrier groove. Do not damage center oil seal.
5. Set AWD solenoid harness guide to gear carrier.
6. Drive front oil seal until flush with case end using drifts (Tool A: KV38100200, Tool B: ST27861000). CAUTION: Do not reuse seal. Apply grease and gear oil.
7. Apply liquid gasket to coupling cover mating surface. Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent. CAUTION: Remove old sealant and contaminants.
8. Install coupling cover to gear carrier with arrow upward, temporarily tighten reamer bolts.
9. Tighten reamer bolts and mounting bolts to specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS").
10. Install companion flange. NOTE: Align matching marks if reusing coupling.
11. Install companion flange lock nut with flange wrench and tighten to specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS"). CAUTION: Do not reuse lock nut.
12. Check companion flange runout (Refer to RFD-20).
13. Install connector bracket and tighten bolts to specified torque (Refer to RFD-16, "COMPONENTS").

Service Data and Specifications (SDS)

General Specifications

Inspection and Adjustment

DRIVE GEAR RUNOUT

DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE

PRELOAD TORQUE

BACKLASH

COMPANION FLANGE RUNOUT

Selective Parts

Side Gear Thrust Washer

*: Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.

Drive Pinion Adjusting Shim

*: Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.

Side Bearing Adjusting Shim

*: Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.