Drivetrain - Transfer Case Companion Flange Noise

Classification:
TF01-002A

Reference:
NTB01-085A

Date:
July 17, 2002

1996-2001 PATHFINDER "BEARING NOISE" FROM TRANSFER
CASE COMPANION FLANGE

This amended version of NTB01-085 updates information in the Applied Vehicle, Applied VIN, and Applied Date sections. It also updates and simplifies information in the Service Procedure section.

Please use this bulletin (NTB01-085A) for complete information, and discard earlier copies of NTB01-085.

APPLIED VEHICLES:
1996-2001 Pathfinder (R50) - With Part-time 4WD

APPLIED VIN:
Vehicles built before JN8DR09Y31W585675

APPLIED DATE:
Vehicles built before November 10, 2000

SERVICE INFORMATION

If a 1996-2001 Pathfinder has:

^ A "Bearing noise" (rumbling noise) coming from the bottom of the vehicle at low speed operation,

The original transfer case companion flange dust cover may be adding to (amplifying) the sound of the bearing. If it is, refer to the Service Procedure in this bulletin.





The Service Procedure will direct you to install a replacement companion flange to reduce the bearing noise, if it should it occur (see Figure 1).

The parts necessary for this Service Procedure are listed in the Parts Information section of this bulletin.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Put the vehicle up on a hoist and use "chassis ears" to determine where the "bearing noise" is coming from.

^ If the noise is not coming from the transfer case assembly's companion flange, this bulletin does not apply. Use the applicable 1996-2001 Pathfinder Service Manual to look for other causes for the noise.

^ If noise is coming from the transfer case assembly's companion flange, go to step 2.


2. Remove the original transfer case assembly companion flange. For all applied model years, refer to the 2001 Pathfinder Electronic Service Manual (ESM):

^ Section TF (Transfer)/TX10A/0N-VEHICLE SERVICE/page TF-12/Replacing Oil Seal/CENTER CASE OIL SEAL/Steps 1 through 4.

3. Install the new companion flange and new self-locking nut (see the PARTS INFORMATION section).

^ Replace the parts removed in step 2 in reverse order.

^ Torque the self-locking nut to 226-324 N-m (23.0-33.0 kg-m, 166-239 ft-lbs.)

4. Test drive the vehicle.





PARTS INFORMATION

CLAIMS INFORMATION





Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line claim using the claims coding shown.