New Xterra - preventative maintenance

[William W. William]

Just replaced my 94 Pathfinder with an 08 Xterra. Looking for preventative maintenance suggestions. Things that need to be watched, cleaned regularly, oiled, greased, replaced since they will break anyway.

I.E. if you were doing it again what would you do to make ownership easier and the truck last longer.

Thanks for your help

Bill

[Schludwiller]

It depends on what you do with your truck. Wheel bearings need regreasing if you go through water much. Diff fluid should be changed more often if you offroad. You have an '08 so I don't know as much about their weaknesses. Some of the earlier next-gens have problems with the diffs grenading, but I think I read they changed some areas there so you're probably safe. If you offroad you might also want to consider some skid plates for the front diff as it's aluminum and prone to damage, the rear diff plate can peal back, but if you're a good driver you should be putting your tires over the rocks and not your diff. Other than that, some good AT or MT's and we always recommend rock sliders as an early mod to those who offroad.

Enjoy.

[skibum1111]

Pay attention to the fluid change intervals. On the early 2nd gens the rear diff was an issue, but that was changed half way through the 06 model year. The front diffs have been known to blow apart under extreme duress (spinning the wheels and having the front grab something solid), and the tpms can be difficult in the winter. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that is weak in the driveline right off the top of my head.