Help on Nissans

spigot

Member
Jan 18, 2004
120
0
76
A friend of mine has an '02 Nissan Xterra SE with 122k miles. So far it runs well, but I'm trying to put together a list of things she needs to have done to it with that many miles. I haven't been able to determine what all maintenance has been done to it yet. I'm trying to put together a solid list of things so I can help her prioritize, but I've never had a Nissan, much less an Xterra.

Did all the SE trim levels come with the 3.3L? That's a timing belt engine, correct? Does the water pump run on the timing belt as is standard for most timing belt engines?

I haven't been able to determine if it has the supercharger, but if it does, what extra maintenance needs to go along with that?

It's 4WD. Do these things have standard transfer cases? Anything special about the drain and refill on those?

I know about the usuals; plugs, wires, etc., but anything specific about these Nissans would be useful. Do they have a standard distributor/cap/rotor?

Are they CV joint, u-joint, or a combination? Anything else about the drivetrain?

Again, I've never had a Nissan, so any info on this thing is appreciated.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
I can't answer any of the Nissan-specific answers, but regarding the transfer case, it should have a drain hole and a fill hole. you will probably need a pump to get the oil in there (usually automatic transmission fluid). You should also replace the fluid in both differentials with differential oil using the pump, as well. Confirm if they have a LSD in either one and add any friction modifier if it is necessary.