Vibration at idle in drive & rear seal leak

[Flutie7NFL]

I am new owner of a 2001 Xterra SE with an auto trans and the VG33E V-6.. It has 50,000 miles appears well cared for. I LOVE IT! This forum was very useful to me in my research. Thanks! I would appreciate any insight on two things. First, when it is in drive and at idle, there is a noticable (to me anyway) low frequency vibration, like when the idle is set too low on a car. The tach reads about 700-750 rpms w/ the A/C on. I'm not being picky, but want to be mindful of anything while the warranty is still current. The X does have a hitch so somebody must have towed something. My son used to have a '91 Maxima with the VG30E engine and I thought it used to be a little like this. Second, I was just ready to drive away from the Nissan dealer after buying it when I noticed about six drops of fresh oil on the pavement. Previous inspection showed nothing under it (Murphy's Law?). They took it to the service department and figured it must be the rear main seal which they agreed to change under warranty if I take it back (50 miles away). I plan on doing this, yet other than a tiny 1/2 drop collecting on bottom of engine there is no more leakage and the driveway is dry (this being the third day). That puzzles me. I'm leaning on still going back as I keep vehicles about ten years when I get them. Opinions on either point? I thank you in advance!

[chubbybubba1]

If the rear main is leaking, get that taken care of for sure. As far as the vibration while in drive, that could be a few things of which I have no idea. What's the color of the trans fluid on the dipstick?

[Flutie7NFL]

Originally Posted by chubbybubba1

What's the color of the trans fluid on the dipstick?

Clear and red with no hint of unusual smell

[OffroadX]

Idle is supposed to be 750 RPM

[MCC Fan]

Originally Posted by Flutie7NFL

First, when it is in drive and at idle, there is a noticable (to me anyway) low frequency vibration, like when the idle is set too low on a car.

I just bought a 2000 XTerra with 86,000 miles. A week after I bought it it started vibrating when it's in drive and reverse but only at operating temperature and when you turn the steering wheel it gets worse. The dealer I bought it from has put a new exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, idle air control valve, and finally a "major" tune-up twice. None of these repairs stopped the vibrating. I thought it may have something to do with the power steering but the "tech" said no way it could be that. Now after all this they tell me there is nothing wrong with the truck that the noise I'm hearing is normal. If it was normal it would have been doing it when I test drove it. Anyway, does any one know anything about this? Please help.

Thanks,
Kris :O)