Thursday’s featured repair is replacement of the the Rear Differential Coupler on a 2006 Nissan Murano.
Our client’s all wheel drive vehicle arrived with a harsh thumping noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle which we diagnosed to be a faulty rear differential coupler.
This part is a self contained unit which allows the rear drive axles and differential to be engaged with the front wheel drive of the vehicle. It serves the function of allowing slippage so that the drivetrain doesn’t bind on corners like a traditional four-wheel drive truck would do.
Most all wheel drive vehicles contain a coupler unit between the front and rear drivetrains. This Nissan unit contains an electrical differential lock to provide extra traction in very slippery conditions.
For more on the Nissan Murano please view this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Murano