Ella Walter
The Nissan 350Z is a car that requires regular maintenance and repair, and one common issue is the gearbox pan drain plug. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission near the driveline, and it can be difficult to access. It is important to change the transmission fluid regularly, and this process involves removing the drain plug and allowing the fluid to drain. Some people recommend using a magnetic drain plug to catch any internal wear that may occur, while others suggest that this could be a liability if the magnet comes loose and causes transmission failure. There are also other methods to improve the process, such as using a suction gun to fill the transmission fluid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Somewhat difficult, but can be done at home |
| Tools required | 10mm allen wrench, gear oil pump, suction gun, wrench |
| Steps | 1. Block wheels and raise car. 2. Loosen drain plug and allow fluid to drain. 3. Wipe off excess oil from drain plug and remove old crush washer. 4. Reinstall drain plug. 5. Remove fill plug and old crush washer. 6. Install new washer onto the fill plug. 7. Fill diff/trans to lower level of fill plug. 8. Allow overflow of fluid to drain off. 9. Lower the car. |
| Plug type | Magnetic drain plugs are available and recommended by some, but not all. |
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What You'll Learn
Magnetic drain plugs: pros and cons
Although there is little information on the web specifically about fixing the gearbox pan drain plug on a Nissan 350Z, there is a forum where owners discuss using magnetic drain plugs for the transmission.
Magnetic drain plugs attract metal particles, reducing the amount of gunk on the oil filter. This decreases flow restriction, allowing oil to flow more easily through the engine, increasing its lifespan and health. Oil oxidation is also less likely to occur, as the particles that contribute to oxidation will adhere to the magnet.
Magnetic drain plugs can also help with engine diagnostics. If something goes wrong, samples can be taken from the plug to identify harmful particles. If there is a sudden increase in particles, this can indicate a problem.
However, magnetic drain plugs require proper cleaning and maintenance. If you are concerned about large particle clumps in your oil flow, or if you don't have access to the tools needed to clean the plug, it might be best to leave the standard oil drain plug in place.
Some manufacturers do not install magnetic drain bolts at the factory, which may indicate that they are not necessary for engine health. However, proponents of magnetic drain plugs argue that they provide an added layer of protection, especially for steel particles smaller than 30 microns, which can be highly destructive.
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Location of the drain plug
The location of the drain plug is important to know when changing the transmission fluid in your Nissan 350Z. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission, near the driveline. It is a hex bolt, specifically an external hexagon, and requires a 14mm socket to remove.
The fill plug, which is used to refill the transmission fluid, is located on the passenger side of the transmission, about midway. The fill plug and the drain plug look the same.
It is important to note that the size of the socket and bolt may vary depending on the model year and type of transmission in your 350Z. For example, one owner of a 2005 Nissan 350Z with an automatic transmission reported that the factory plug was too short to accommodate a magnetic drain plug.
When changing the transmission fluid, it is recommended to have the right size gear oil pump and to remove the fill plug before pulling the drain plug.
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Removing the drain plug
To remove the drain plug from your Nissan 350Z, you will first need to prepare your car. Block the wheels and raise the car, ensuring that it is as level as possible. It is also recommended to change the fluid when it is warm so that it flows easier.
The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission near the driveline. Before removing the plug, make sure you have the right size gear oil pump and that you can remove the fill plug. The fill plug is located on the passenger side of the transmission midway, and both the fill plug and the drain plug look the same.
To remove the drain plug, use a 10mm Allen wrench to loosen it and allow the fluid to drain. Once the fluid has drained, wipe off any excess oil from the drain plug along with any fine metal shavings. Remove the old crush washer and install a new one.
You may also want to consider upgrading to a magnetic drain plug, which can catch any internal wear that may occur over the years. These can be purchased from manufacturers or made at home by buying a strong, tiny magnet and drilling a shallow hole in the end of the stock drain plug to locate the magnet.
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Reinstalling the drain plug
Next, install a new washer onto the fill plug. At this point, you should also wipe off any excess oil from the drain plug, as well as any fine metal shavings that may be present. Now, you are ready to reinstall the drain plug. Ensure that the drain plug is snug and secure, but be careful not to over-tighten it, especially if it is made of aluminum, as this material cannot withstand excessive torque.
It is worth considering using a magnetic drain plug, which can help catch internal wear and tear debris. You can either purchase a magnetic drain plug from a manufacturer, which may offer some liability protection, or you can create your own by drilling a shallow hole in the stock drain plug and inserting a strong, tiny magnet secured with a dab of epoxy.
Before lowering the car, take advantage of the raised position to perform other maintenance checks, such as changing the engine oil, inspecting your tires for feathering, checking your exhaust for leaks, and examining your fuel lines for any damage or unusual appearances.
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Frequency of changing the fluid
The frequency with which you should change the fluid in your Nissan 350Z depends on several factors, including the type of oil used, the age of the car, the mileage, and the driving conditions.
Firstly, the type of oil is an important consideration. Synthetic oils can last longer than standard or regular oils, with some recommending intervals of up to 7,500 to 10,000 miles between changes. However, this also depends on driving conditions and the age of the car. For example, one source recommends changing synthetic oil every 5,000 miles in extremely dry, hot, and dusty conditions.
If you are using a standard or regular oil, you may need to change the oil more frequently, with some sources recommending an interval of 3,000 to 5,000 miles. One source mentions that standard or dino oil should be changed at least every 6 months, regardless of mileage, as it can deteriorate over time.
Additionally, the age of the car can play a role in the frequency of oil changes. For example, the factory service manual for older Nissan 350Z models from 2002-2008 recommends an oil change interval of 3,250 miles, while newer cars may be able to go longer without an oil change.
It's also important to consider your mileage and driving conditions. If you are putting few miles on the car, you may not need to change the oil as frequently. On the other hand, if you are driving in severe service conditions, such as short trips, dusty environments, and stop-and-go city driving, you may need to change the oil more frequently, regardless of the type of oil used.
Finally, it's recommended to get your car's oil changed after a year of usage, even if you haven't reached the mileage interval, as oil can deteriorate over time.
In summary, the frequency of changing the fluid in your Nissan 350Z can vary depending on several factors. For synthetic oils, an interval of 5,000 to 10,000 miles is generally recommended, while for standard or regular oils, an interval of 3,000 to 5,000 miles is more common. Other factors to consider include the age of the car, mileage, driving conditions, and the time since the last oil change.
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Frequently asked questions
The drain plug is located at the bottom of the gearbox near the driveline.
You will need a 10mm allen wrench to loosen the drain plug.
First, make sure the wheels are blocked and the car is raised and levelled. Then, loosen the drain plug using a 10mm allen wrench and allow the fluid to drain.
After the fluid has been drained, wipe off any excess oil from the drain plug along with any fine metal shavings. Then, remove the old crush washer and install a new one before reinstalling the drain plug.
