R32 ATTESA Pressure Line Replacement Help

[SGT Grumbles]

I need to replace the high pressure line from the pump to the transfer case since it's leaking (PN 41706), car was bucking under WOT acceleration and removing the AWD fuse resolved it.

I'm wondering if anyone knows the best way to replace the line without spilling fluid everywhere? Is there a way to fully drain the ATTESA system or do I just unbolt the line and hope I have enough brake kleen to get it all after?

Also, regarding fluid. I've poked around on the forum but haven't seen a solid answer. I can't seem to get my hands on Nissan Power Steering Fluid Special, so I was thinking I would just go for Nissan Matic D since others have had good luck with that, unless someone knows a place that will ship PSFS to Michigan, US?

I included pictures of the leaky line and the diagram I pulled the PN from in case I got the part number wrong.

 

Edited August 31, 2020 by SGT Grumbles
wrong image

[Duncan]

It's not exactly clear from the pics which line it is, so I can't confirm part#.  However, it is unusual for those hoses to leak (of course nothing is impossible). I'd undo and then nip up the banjo bolt at the each end of the hose, and also the flare fitting at the back of the transfer case. Then degrease everything and check again after some driving.

If there is a light leak there, it's not the cause of your 4wd problem, there is nothing major in those pics.

If you replace that line you will need to refill the boot reservoir and rebleed the system. You can use any  good auto trans fluid, I use Castrol Syntrans in the race car but I don't know if that's available where you are. You could use a syringe to pull fluid out of the boot before you undo the line if you want to minimise the fluid that runs through.

 

[SGT Grumbles]

Looking at it again last night with the top diagram, I'm pretty sure that's the right PN. I'll try loosening and re-tightening the banjo's just to see, but it looks like it's coming directly from the rubber portion of the line. You're right though a clean should help pin-point it.

Last night I tried topping up the system with some Castrol Dexron VI ATF. The AWD ran better but still felt like it was surging/slipping. I checked the reservoir and the fluid level was the same as when I filled it.

Is the surging/slipping when the AWD engages a typical sign of a different problem? I thought I lucked out with a leaky line. I'm hoping it's not the pump since those appear to be rather pricey.

In the meantime is it safe to cruise the car with the fuse pulled or does that risk wrecking the front/center diffs?

[TXSquirrel]

Your issue may also lie in the sensory side and not mechanical side.  What's the condition of your G-sensor?  Can you find another one nearby to test?

[SGT Grumbles]

I'll take a look at the sensor tonight after work, see if I can see anything up with it. I know there is one guy with a GTR nearby, may see if he'll let me borrow his for a day.

[BK]

Sounds like your transfer case is stuffed if it is slipping. Your friction plates are probably worn. It is completely possible to tear the material away from the plates due to incorrect or poor fluid.

On 01/09/2020 at 7:35 AM, Duncan said:

You can use any  good auto trans fluid, I use Castrol Syntrans.

Castrol Syntrans is a gearbox oil and is the correct oil for the gearbox, not the transfer or Attesa. Transmax Z is the ATF that should be used inside the transfers. Attesa fluid can be anything ATF basically dex iii upwards as it is just a hydraulic actuation fluid after all.

Also regarding any new Attesa hoses they are mostly all discontinued from Nissan and is now only available part of the Nismo heritage lineup.

[Duncan]

Thanks for correcting that, yes Transmax Z is the stuff for ATTESSA actuator, transfer case, power steering!

[SGT Grumbles]

22 hours ago, TXSquirrel said:

Your issue may also lie in the sensory side and not mechanical side.  What's the condition of your G-sensor?  Can you find another one nearby to test?

Just checked, one of the previous owners swapped it for a digital one. Looks pretty new, so I'm guessing that's not the issue.

14 hours ago, BK said:

Sounds like your transfer case is stuffed if it is slipping. Your friction plates are probably worn. It is completely possible to tear the material away from the plates due to incorrect or poor fluid.

Castrol Syntrans is a gearbox oil and is the correct oil for the gearbox, not the transfer or Attesa. Transmax Z is the ATF that should be used inside the transfers. Attesa fluid can be anything ATF basically dex iii upwards as it is just a hydraulic actuation fluid after all.

Also regarding any new Attesa hoses they are mostly all discontinued from Nissan and is now only available part of the Nismo heritage lineup.

Man that's a bummer if that's the issue. I'll drain and replace the trans/transfer fluids and see if there are any plate bits in there. Based on how the car feels when AWD engages I wouldn't be shocked if the clutch pack is worn out. Figured it had more life since there is only about 96k km's on it (assuming no rollback).

Are there any transfer case rebuild kits out there? I wasn't able to find anything when searching. Luckily there is a place nearby that rebuilds R32 GTR transfer cases if there aren't decent kits.

I'll let y'all know how the new fluids work out...and start budgeting for a transfer case rebuild lol. Oh well good excuse to swap clutch/fly wheel and get a new down pipe.

[TXSquirrel]

Yeah digital G sensor should be maintenance free.  Previous owner just saved you $400.

Your issue is mechanical then.  I was thinking, however, if the transfer case was slipping, why would it buck the car?  Because the rear wheels are still pushing, just the power not transmitted to the front.  So I would say do a quick check on the front diff. also, just make sure there is enough fluid and also the right fluid.  

[GTSBoy]

11 hours ago, SGT Grumbles said:

there is only about 96k km's on it (assuming no rollback).

Yeah. Nah. There is no such thing as an R32 with only 96 kkms. They all had at least that much 15 years ago.

[SGT Grumbles]

On 9/2/2020 at 9:40 PM, GTSBoy said:

Yeah. Nah. There is no such thing as an R32 with only 96 kkms. They all had at least that much 15 years ago.

a man can dream...lol