Classification:

Reference:

RA24-001

Date:

NTB24-036

July 11, 2024

VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE
APPLIED VEHICLES:
APPLIED DATES:
APPLIED DRIVETRAINS:

2022-2024 Pathfinder (R53)
Built on or before February 28, 2024
AWD

IF YOU CONFIRM
A binding feeling, vibration, and/or noise coming from the rear end when turning at low
speed or accelerating from a stop,
AND
The issue is resolved by unplugging the Actuator Assembly (AWD Actuator) on the rear
Final Drive Unit.

ACTION
Refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE below to:
1.

Remove the Electro-hydraulic Coupling Assembly (AWD Coupler).

2.

Clean the Coupling Oil Tank.

3.

Inspect the Breather Tube and Bolt.

4.

Replace the Electro-hydraulic Coupling Assembly (AWD Coupler).

IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you
will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it
contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.
Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
1/6

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Remove the AWD Coupler
1.

Remove the AWD Coupler.


Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > REAR FINAL
DRIVE: R145 > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC
COUPLING > Removal and Installation > REMOVAL

Clean the Coupling Oil Tank
2.

Remove the fill plug from the side of
the coupling oil tank cover.
Coupling oil tank cover
fill plug

Front of vehicle
Figure 1

3.

Spray brake cleaner into the coupling oil tank until clean solvent is running out of the
AWD Coupler fluid hole.
AWD Coupler
fluid hole

Coupling oil tank cover fluid fill hole

Brake cleaner
Figure 3

Figure 2

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NTB24-036

Breather Tube and Bolt Inspection
4.

Remove the two (2) front mounting bolts of the Final Drive (differential) to access the
top of the Final Drive.

Front mounting bolts

Final Drive
Figure 4

5.

Confirm the following:


The Breather is seated correctly into the Final Drive (Figure 5).



The Breather’s bolt is seated correctly and is not cross threaded (Figure 6).

Breather correctly
seated. No gap.

Breather’s bolt correctly
seated. No gap.
Figure 6

Figure 5

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NTB24-036

6.

Are both the Breather’s bolt and the Breather correctly seated?
YES:
a. Remove the Breather’s bolt and the Breather from the Final Drive.
b. Replace the Breather’s O-ring (lubricate with LSSC oil).
c. Reinstall the Breather and the Breather’s bolt.
 Breather bolt torque: 8 N•m (0.82 kg-m, 71 in-lb)
d. Skip to step 10 on page 5.
NO:
o If either the Breather’s bolt or the Breather are not correctly seated, proceed to
step 7.

7.

Is the Breather’s bolt correctly seated, but the Breather not correctly seated?
YES:
a. Remove the Breather’s bolt and the Breather from the Final Drive.

.

b. Clean the surface around the Breather, and then confirm if the Breather will
seat correctly.
c. Replace the Breather’s O-ring (lubricate with LSSC oil).
d. Reinstall the Breather and Breather’s bolt and confirm that it now seats
correctly.
 Breather bolt torque: 8 N•m (0.82 kg-m, 71 in-lb)
 If the Breather still will not seat correctly, replace the Breather tube
assembly.
HINT: Do not replace the attached rubber hose.
e. Proceed to step 10 on page 5.
NO:
o If the Breather’s bolt, or the Breather and its bolt, are not correctly seated,
proceed to step 8 on page 5.

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NTB24-036

8.

Confirm if the Breather’s bolt is loose.


If only loose:
a. Remove the Breather’s bolt and the Breather from the Final Drive.
b. Replace the Breather’s O-ring (lubricate with LSSC oil).
c. Reinstall the Breather and Breather’s bolt.
 Breather bolt torque: 8 N•m (0.82 kg-m, 71 in-lb)



9.

If the Breather’s bolt is not loose, refer to the ESM for further diagnostic
information, and then proceed to step 9.

Reinstall the front bolts of the Final Drive (differential).


Final Drive mounting bolt torque: 100 N•m (10.0 kg-m, 74 ft-lb)

Install the New AWD Coupler
10.

Install the new AWD Coupler.
IMPORTANT: Verify that the brake cleaner is fully evaporated from step 3 before
proceeding.


Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > REAR FINAL
DRIVE: R145 > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC
COUPLING > Removal and Installation > INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT: Only use the fluid listed in the PARTS INFORMATION. The fluid
has a tendency to have clutch additive separate during long storage, therefore it is
critical to shake the fluid for 30-60 seconds before using.

11.

Perform Adjustment of the AWD Coupler.


Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > DRIVELINE > REAR FINAL
DRIVE: R145 > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC
COUPLING > Adjustment
IMPORTANT: The AIR BLEEDING AND INITIALIZE OIL DETERIORATION
LEVEL process will need to be performed several times until there is no noise
from the Final Drive Unit.

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NTB24-036

PARTS INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION

PART NUMBER

QUANTITY

COUPLING ASSY-ELECTRICAL
LIMITED SLIP COUPLER TRANSMISSION FLUID
12-301 (1) (2)
SEAL – O RING (Breather O-ring)

38760-6TA2A

1

999MP-LSCTRF

As needed

31084-6RE0A

1

BOLT (Breather Bolt)

38798-6RE0B

1

BOLT (Coupler Bolt)

38321-6SB0A

4

BOLT (Propeller Shaft Bolt)

37120-JD00B

6

(1)

Order this item through the Nissan Maintenance Advantage program: Phone 877-NISNMA1 (877-647-6621). Website order via link on the dealer portal; www.NNAnet.com
and click on the “Maintenance Advantage-Tire/Battery/Chemical” link.

(2)

This fluid has a tendency to have clutch additive separate during long storage,
therefore it is critical to shake the fluid for 30-60 seconds before using.

CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
Replace AWD Electronic Coupling
Assembly & Clean Oil Tank
(1)

PFP

OP CODE

SYM

DIA

FRT

(1)

LX13AA

ZE

32

2.1

Reference the electronic parts catalog and use the Electric Coupling (38760-*****) as
the Primary Failed Part (PFP).

AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE REFERENCE
July 11, 2024

NTB24-036

DESCRIPTION
Original bulletin published

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NTB24-036