2010 Nissan Xterra Offroad - without VDC

[US25]

I haven't got the car inspected yet, did test it myself though and seemed to work fine. Do you recommend that I do a thorough check up before the drive? Any workshop that you can recommend?

[Frederic]

1 hour ago, US25 said:

I haven't got the car inspected yet, did test it myself though and seemed to work fine. Do you recommend that I do a thorough check up before the drive? Any workshop that you can recommend?

We can't recommend workshops here. But i would simply recommend getting the following checked on the first time you take it for maintenance. The Xterra is not a complicated car, so any decent mechanic should be able to verify the following:

- Engine oil and filter - when was it last replaced ?

- Air filter

- Air intake hoses - no cracks or damage ?

- Coolant level 

- Differential front and rear fluids.

- Steering fluid level

- Brake fluid level

- Transmission oil - when was it last replaced ?

- Transfer case oil - when was it last replaced ?

- suspension, shocks, bushings, balljoints inspection

- spark plugs - when were they last replaced ?

- injectors - when were they last cleaned ?

- Tires - still in acceptable condition for off-roading ?

 

When we purchased our 2008 Xterra, we spent another 10-15k to get the car the way we wanted it (maintenance wise) because there was no service history at all and we did not want to take any risks. 

[US25]

Thank you very much, this very useful! 🙏

[Gilberto]

Wind noise is normal unfortunately...at 120 km/h, my music becomes inaudible. At 140 km/h, conversations with passengers are very hard. And at 160 km/h? I can’t even hear my own thoughts. 😆

Adding to Fred's list, I would do a compression test as well. This is the definitive test to verify the engine is in tip top condition. 

[US25]

Hello all,

I took the Xterra for my first drive with the club a couple of weeks ago, and ten minutes into the drive, the drive belt came off and I had to be exited. Took the car straight to a workshop, where it has been ever since. They have done a complete check up and have fixed a number of issues. But there is a clunking noise from the rear while taking a slow left turn, that they have been unable to accurately diagnose. They suspect it is coming from the rear differential and said I might have to replace it completely! Has anybody had a similar experience and any idea what could be causing the noise?

Thanks,

Uday

 

[Srikumar]

Have you checked the rear differential bushings?

Did they change the oil on the differential? If so, was it dirty with small pieces? Then it might need opening up to have a visual inspection?

[Gaurav]

21 minutes ago, Srikumar said:

Have you checked the rear differential bushings?

Did they change the oil on the differential? If so, was it dirty with small pieces? Then it might need opening up to have a visual inspection?

I totally agree with these three things to check before changing the whole diff: bushes, Oil level, and condition.

Also, noise is only coming while on the turn and what type of clanking noise, is it like metal tooth skipping or constant grinding noise.

If a metal tooth skipping, it means diff is locked and find a way to keep it open and lock only for recoveries.

If constant grinding, then diff internals are shot and worth replacing the whole unit.

[US25]

Thanks @Srikumar @Gaurav. They are checking the oil at the moment and will open the diffs as well. I hear the noise only when I take a slow, sharp turn - when I turn the steering completely to the left. And I think it is more of a skipping than grinding noise, although not entirely sure.

[Gaurav]

Is this Xterra came with rear diff lock?

Check if its stuck at lock position for some reason.

If its non-diff xterra, then check if X is using the same diff setup for standard and off-road version, and how to unlock it.

[US25]

This has the diff-lock. Let me check if it's locked, although there is no sign on the dashboard. Thanks