Dropped by the service dept and they had me worried. Please help to confirm

MacCool · 05-03-2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssmoked

I suppose you haven't changed anything that I listed, since the manual didn't state as a "requirement"?

I figure that the manufacturer, who is also on the hook for warranty claims, knows better. You're correct. I follow the recommendations in the manual. I see no reason to try to second guess Nissan, no matter how dirty the oil "looks".

SouthArk370Z · 05-03-2014, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i changed my G's at 9yrs 32k miles. it wasnt that dirty. some shavings on the magnetic plug but nothing of concern.

After that amount of time the lube was not performing up to spec, even if it looked good. Maybe still good enough for a grocery-getter (most trans/diff lubes are pretty tough) but not what I would want in a sports car, especially if driven hard.

It's a good idea to change all lubes after a short break-in period (say, 1000-1500 miles for motor oil, 10-20k for MT and diff).

But opinions on lubricants (and car audio) are like a**holes - everybody's got one.

Chuck33079 · 05-03-2014, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

After that amount of time the lube was not performing up to spec, even if it looked good. Maybe still good enough for a grocery-getter (most trans/diff lubes are pretty tough) but not what I would want in a sports car, especially if driven hard.

It's a good idea to change all lubes after a short break-in period (say, 1000-1500 miles for motor oil, 10-20k for MT and diff).

But opinions on lubricants (and car audio) are like a**holes - everybody's got one.

But the manual says different. It's obviously the final word on everything and you can't possibly do better and anyone who says anything different is just some jackass on the internet.

SouthArk370Z · 05-03-2014, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacCool

I figure that the manufacturer, who is also on the hook for warranty claims, knows better. You're correct. I follow the recommendations in the manual. I see no reason to try to second guess Nissan, no matter how dirty the oil "looks".

It's impossible to judge lubricants by any of our senses. I've seen good looking/feeling lubes test bad and vice versa.

Yes, manufacturer recommendations for specs and change intervals are usually good enough to get a vehicle past the warranty period. But they aren't gospel and they aren't the best plan if you like mechanical things and want to treat them right - especially if you like to run them hard.

You can't change lubes too often (after break-in). The worst you are going to do is waste a little money and you might end up saving a critical part. When in doubt, change it.

Fountainhead · 05-03-2014, 08:20 PM

I changed my diff oil at 12K or so. I knew it didn't "have" to be changed, I changed mine because it was fun! My diff oil had a lot of suspended material in it (was not clear as new), and the diff plug had ferrous material on it also. I've never changed the diff oil on any car I've owned (or truck) but I did so on the Z for the first time. The drained oil actually looked dirty when it came out. I didn't change the fluid to prevent damage.

kenchan · 05-03-2014, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

After that amount of time the lube was not performing up to spec, even if it looked good. Maybe still good enough for a grocery-getter (most trans/diff lubes are pretty tough) but not what I would want in a sports car, especially if driven hard.

It's a good idea to change all lubes after a short break-in period (say, 1000-1500 miles for motor oil, 10-20k for MT and diff).

But opinions on lubricants (and car audio) are like a**holes - everybody's got one.

How would u know? Oh yah, you're are the professional, unlike Nissan. Lol

Zerocool · 05-03-2014, 08:37 PM

Changed my diff oil at 5 miles... screw all of you I make my own rules and decisions!

The oil was so dirty that chewbacca himself poured out of the drain plug and onto the pan.

kenchan · 05-03-2014, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

It's impossible to judge lubricants by any of our senses. I've seen good looking/feeling lubes test bad and vice versa.

Yes, manufacturer recommendations for specs and change intervals are usually good enough to get a vehicle past the warranty period. But they aren't gospel and they aren't the best plan if you like mechanical things and want to treat them right - especially if you like to run them hard.

You can't change lubes too often (after break-in). The worst you are going to do is waste a little money and you might end up saving a critical part. When in doubt, change it.

Blah blah blah... I actually respect fountain's post cause he's honest
It was fun for him to do the work.

kenchan · 05-03-2014, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerocool

Changed my diff oil at 5 miles... screw all of you I make my own rules and decisions!

The oil was so dirty that chewbacca himself poured out of the drain plug and onto the pan.

Zerocool · 05-03-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

SouthArk370Z · 05-03-2014, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

How would u know? Oh yah, you're are the professional, unlike Nissan. Lol

If you will re-read my last sentence, you will see I am not claiming to be a professional, just stating my opinion. But I do have a lot of experience with lubricants in an industrial setting. I'm definitely not an expert but I do know a little bit more than the average bear.

kenchan · 05-03-2014, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

If you will re-read my last sentence, you will see I am not claiming to be a professional, just stating my opinion. But I do have a lot of experience with lubricants in an industrial setting. I'm definitely not an expert but I do know a little bit more than the average bear.

The only professional recommendation that really matters is nissan's. Not the dealer even, Nissan the manufacturer.

People will make up many unnecesary things to do on their cars. If they are having fun doing it, great.

JARblue · 05-03-2014, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

The only professional recommendation that really matters is nissan's. Not the dealer even, Nissan the manufacturer.

This is the same Nissan that issued a recall for steering lock unit to replace them with another faulty unit? And the same one that will not recognize a problem with a CSC with plastic internal components? It is? Ok just checking

onzedge · 05-03-2014, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

This is the same Nissan that issued a recall for steering lock unit to replace them with another faulty unit? And the same one that will not recognize a problem with a CSC with plastic internal components? It is? Ok just checking

kenchan · 05-03-2014, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

This is the same Nissan that issued a recall for steering lock unit to replace them with another faulty unit? And the same one that will not recognize a problem with a CSC with plastic internal components? It is? Ok just checking

05-03-2014, 08:20 PM	#50 (permalink)
Fountainhead Track Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: FL Posts: 834 Drives: 2019 Civic Type R Rep Power: 14	I changed my diff oil at 12K or so. I knew it didn't "have" to be changed, I changed mine because it was fun! My diff oil had a lot of suspended material in it (was not clear as new), and the diff plug had ferrous material on it also. I've never changed the diff oil on any car I've owned (or truck) but I did so on the Z for the first time. The drained oil actually looked dirty when it came out. I didn't change the fluid to prevent damage. kenchan likes this. Last edited by Fountainhead; 05-03-2014 at 08:21 PM. Reason: can't type

05-03-2014, 08:37 PM	#52 (permalink)
Zerocool Track Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: N.Y Posts: 548 Drives: '09 370z Rep Power: 15	Changed my diff oil at 5 miles... screw all of you I make my own rules and decisions! The oil was so dirty that chewbacca himself poured out of the drain plug and onto the pan. kenchan likes this. __________________ I like pizza

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