First Gear Gone at 115,000km !!!

My Brothers '07 ZD30 chewed out first gear at only 115,000km. Took off normally from the curb got to 2000rpm and then bang! Managed to drive to local mechanic. He advised him that the gear box is F@$ked! Mechanic stripped it down to find all the teeth gone on first gear. Gearbox oil in good nic. No other signs of wear in the box.

He has extended warranty on the vehicle but hasn't been getting it serviced by Nissan. Also the fact that the local mechanic has pulled it apart. Whats the chances that Nissan will come to the party and replace the box or get his box re-built??????

I think they should be replacing the box even if it was out of warranty. Extremely poor and expensive if they don't.

If they do cover it, it will more then likely be a new first gear and reuse the rest.

Its gotta take some serious force to do that to a gear unless its a manufacturing fault.

Has he owned it since new? If not does he know it's history?

Were the gear teeth worn or broken off? Ha sit had a new clutch?

Thanks for quick reply guys.

He bought it from a Nissan dealer in Adelaide. Has owned it since around 40,000km. One previous owner and that owner had all services done through same dealer. Gear teeth were defiantly broken / sheared off, all came out when mechanic dropped oil. The box according to the mechanic had never been removed thus original clutch.

Mechanic says it has to be a manufacturing fault as the rest of the box shows no signs of wear at all.

Trouble is with all those flying metal fragments its going to need a full bearing kit through it too. Bloody expensive rebuild. Around 4 to 5k with new clutch.

Might be worth sending some bits off for analysis if the warranty wont cover it. Comes down to risk versus reward.

There ia no chance Nissan will cover it. Especially second owner and no servicing for 75k at a dealer. Sorry to hear it dude..
It happens o the best of us. But it's just the luck of the drawer.
Best be going for a second hand box.

Sorry to hear that the box has lunched itself... & I agree that its bloody unlikely that nissan will cover it.

Get it rebuilt by someone who knows what they're doing with regards to 4x4s. Did you say your bro was in Adelaide? If so you might talk to the boys at Cross Country or Alltrac for some advice.