Nissan Terrano WD21 is a legendary SUV that has gained popularity in Russia and the CIS countries due to its reliability, easy repairs and excellent cross-country ability. Produced from 1993 to 2006, this car is still in demand on the secondary market. However, like any car of considerable age, WD21 requires special attention to technical condition.

In this article we will analyze all the key aspects: from technical characteristics and modifications to typical “diseases” and tips for extending the life of the car. We will pay special attention unique features of the transmission and engines that make the Terrano WD21 unlike other SUVs of the time. If you are an owner or planning a purchase, this material will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Technical characteristics and modifications of Nissan Terrano WD21

Base for Terrano WD21 served Nissan Mistral (European version Pathfinder R50), but with significant modifications to suit Russian realities. The car was offered in three main modifications:

  • 🚗 WD21 with gasoline engine — KA24E (2.4 l, 135 hp) and SR20Di (2.0 l, 115 hp) for the European market.
  • 🛢️ WD21 with diesel engine — TD27T (2.7 l, 125 hp) and TD27Ti (with intercooler, 145 hp).
  • 🔧 WD21 with all-wheel drive - system All Mode 4WD with reduction gear and center differential lock.

The gearboxes were installed mechanical (FS5R30A) and automatic (RE4R01A). The latter are considered less reliable, especially when paired with diesel engines. The suspension was dependent on springs (rear) and double-wishbone spring (front), which provided excellent geometric cross-country ability.

Characteristics Gasoline (KA24E) Diesel (TD27Ti)
Engine size 2.4 l 2.7 l
Power 135 hp 145 hp
Max. torque 194 Nm 314 Nm
Fuel consumption (combined) 12-14 l/100 km 9-11 l/100 km
⚠️ Attention: Diesel versions WD21 with engine TD27Ti after 2000 models often suffer from problems with the turbine Garrett T25. When purchasing, be sure to check for oil in the intercooler - this is a sign of turbine wear.

Weaknesses and typical problems of Nissan Terrano WD21

Despite the simple design, it has Terrano WD21 There are several “childhood diseases” that every owner should know about:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating - a common problem due to a clogged radiator or faulty thermostat. This is especially true for petrol versions.
  • 🛠️ Oil leaks — crankshaft and camshaft oil seals, rear gearbox oil seal. On diesel engines, the fuel pump often leaks Bosch VE.
  • 🔗 Wear of ball joints and silent blocks - require replacement every 50-60 thousand km. Symptom: knocking sound when driving over bumps.
  • ⚡ Electrics - oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, problems with the generator (especially on cars older than 2000).

Deserves special attention handout. Models before 1998 had a manual transfer case. PT180B, which, if used incorrectly (for example, engaging all-wheel drive on dry asphalt), quickly breaks down. After 1998, an improved version appeared PT180C with electronic control.

📊 What engine does your Terrano WD21 have?
  • Gasoline KA24E
  • Diesel TD27
  • Diesel TD27Ti
  • Other

Maintenance and repair: what the owner needs to know

Regular maintenance is the key to longevity WD21. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

  1. Changing the engine oil - every 7-8 thousand km (for diesel) or 10 thousand km (for gasoline). Use oil with viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 (For example, Mobil Delvac MX for diesel engines).
  2. Checking the timing belt - on gasoline engines KA24E the belt lasts 60-80 thousand km, on diesel engines TD27 - a chain, but it also needs to be controlled for tension.
  3. Transmission Service — change the oil in the transfer case and axles every 50 thousand km (recommended Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus 75W-90).

When replacing clutches on manual transmissions, pay attention to release bearing — its resource often does not exceed 100 thousand km. On automatic boxes RE4R01A It is critical to monitor the oil level and the condition of the solenoids.

Buy original consumables (filters, gaskets)|Check the level of all liquids|Prepare a tool for draining the oil|Clean the air filter housing from dust-->

⚠️ Attention: When replacing brake pads with WD21 Be sure to check the condition of the brake hoses - they often crack and cause loss of brake fluid. This is especially true for cars over 15 years old.

Tuning and modernization of Nissan Terrano WD21

Thanks to its simple design, Terrano WD21 lends itself well to modernization. Here are some popular destinations:

  • 🏔️ Raising ground clearance — installation of spacers for springs or replacement with springs from Nissan Patrol GR (+3-4 cm).
  • 🔧 Crankcase and transfer case protection — a mandatory upgrade for off-road use. Popular protections against Ironman 4x4 or ARB.
  • 🔥 Diesel chip tuning — ECU firmware allows you to increase power TD27Ti up to 160-170 hp, but requires strengthening the turbine.
  • 🎨 External tuning — bumpers from Terrano II, LED headlights, kenguryatniks.

When installing off-road tires larger than 235/75 R15 The arches may need modification. Popular option - 265/75 R16, but in this case you will have to trim the plastic fender liners.

How to increase the resource of diesel TD27Ti?

1. Install an additional fine fuel filter (for example, Mann WK 820/2).

2. Every 20 thousand km, flush the injection system with special additives (for example, Liqui Moly Diesel Spulung).

3. Monitor the condition of the intercooler - its contamination leads to loss of power and overheating of the engine.

4. Use only high-quality diesel fuel with a cetane number of at least 51.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

Original spare parts for WD21 They have not been produced for a long time, but there are many high-quality analogues on the market. Here's what the experts recommend:

Detail Original number (if any) Recommended analogue
Crankshaft oil seal (front) 15060-4M500 Corteco 15060015B or Elring 500.150
Fuel pump (TD27) 16600-4M600 Bosch 0 460 403 017 (new) or refurbished Denso
Clutch (set) 30500-4M000 Sachs 3000 951 008 or LUK 620 3161 10
Front arm silent blocks 54501-4M000 Febi 12345 or TRW JTC1044

When purchasing spare parts for pendants pay attention to the manufacturer: cheap Chinese analogues (for example, ASVA) often fail after 10-20 thousand km. The best option in terms of price/quality ratio - Sidem or Moog.

💡

When replacing wheel bearings on WD21, buy them in pairs - even if only one fails, the second will soon require replacement. Popular brands: SKF VKBA 3605 or NTN 4T-30305.

Operation in winter: tips for owners

Nissan Terrano WD21 perfectly adapted for winter use, but there are several nuances:

  • ❄️ Warming up the engine - diesel versions (TD27) require warming up for at least 5 minutes at temperatures below -15°C. Gasoline engines can be warmed up for 2-3 minutes.
  • 🔋 Battery — capacity of at least 70 Ah (recommended Varta Blue Dynamic D59 or Bosch S5 007).
  • 🛑 Brake system - In winter, pads and discs rust faster. After washing or driving through puddles, dry the brakes by lightly pressing the pedal.
  • 🚗 Tires — optimal size for winter: 215/75 R15 or 235/70 R16 (For example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9).

When starting a diesel engine in cold weather, use a pre-heater (for example, Webasto Thermo Top E) or autonomous heater. If the engine does not start, do not turn the starter for more than 10 seconds at a time - let the battery rest for 30 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On automatic boxes RE4R01A In winter, there may be a "kick" when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. This is due to thickened oil. The solution is to warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 5-10 km in gentle mode).

Buying a used Nissan Terrano WD21: what to look for

When inspecting a used WD21 pay attention to the following points:

  1. Body — check the sills, arches and bottom for through corrosion. The places where the springs are attached are especially vulnerable.
  2. Engine:
    • On diesels listen to work injection pump — extraneous sounds (knocking, whistling) indicate wear.
    • Check compression (normal for TD27 - 28-32 kg/cm²).
    • On gasoline engines, pay attention to the condition of the valve cover - oil leaks are a common occurrence here.
  • Transmission — check the operation of the transfer case in all modes (2H, 4H, 4L). When turned on 4L there should be no extraneous noise.
  • Documents — check if the car has been in an accident (especially check the frame geometry).

    • Average price for WD21 in good condition (2000-2005) is 300-500 thousand rubles. Diesel versions are usually 50-100 thousand rubles more expensive than gasoline ones. Automatic machines are cheaper than manual ones, but their repairs are more expensive.

    💡

    When purchasing a Terrano WD21 with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, be sure to check the condition of the turbine (on diesel engines), crankshaft seals and gearbox. These components most often require replacement after such a mileage.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Terrano WD21

    Which engine is better: KA24E petrol or TD27Ti diesel?

    The choice depends on the operating conditions:

    • 🚗 KA24E easier to repair, cheaper to maintain, but consumes more fuel (12-14 l/100 km). Suitable for the city and light off-road.
    • 🛢️ TD27Ti more economical (9-11 l/100 km), has high torque (314 Nm), but more expensive to repair. Optimal for constant off-road and long trips.

    Diesel requires higher quality fuel and regular maintenance, but with proper operation it can last up to 500 thousand km.

    Is it possible to install an engine from a Nissan Patrol on a Terrano WD21?

    Yes, but with modifications. Popular options:

    • 🔧 TD42 (4.2 l, 165 hp) - requires replacing the box with FS5R50A and improvements to fasteners.
    • 🔥 TB42 (4.2 l, gasoline, 200 hp) - a rare option, but it gives a significant increase in power.

    A swap costs 150-300 thousand rubles (depending on the condition of the donor). You will definitely need to reflash the ECU or install mechanical injection (on early diesel engines).

    What kind of oil should I put in the transfer case and axles?

    Transmission oil recommendations:

    • 🔗 Transfer case — GL-4 80W-90 or 75W-90 (For example, Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus).
    • 🚗 Front and rear axles — GL-5 85W-90 (For example, Mobil Mobilube HD 85W-90).

    Oil volume:

    • Transfer case - 1.8 l.
    • Front axle - 1.5 l.
    • Rear axle - 2.0 l.

    Change the oil every 50 thousand km or every 2 years (depending on operating conditions).

    How to eliminate vibration at speeds of 80-100 km/h?

    Vibration at high speeds is a common problem WD21. Causes and solutions:

    1. Wheel imbalance — check the balancing, especially if the tires have recently been changed.
    2. Wear of cardan shafts - Inspect the crosspieces and the suspension bearing. On WD21 The intermediate support bearing often wears out.
    3. Bent rims - even slight deformation can cause beating.
    4. Wear of silent blocks of jet rods - replace with polyurethane ones (for example, Powerflex).

    If vibration appears only at speeds above 100 km/h, check the balancing of the driveshaft - it also needs to be balanced after repair.

    Where can I find spare parts for Terrano WD21?

    Sources of spare parts for WD21:

    • 🛒 Official Nissan dealers - original spare parts (if still in stock).
    • 🌍 Online stores:
      • Exist.ru - large selection of analogues.
      • Autodoc.ru — convenient selection by VIN.
      • 4x4shop.ru — specializes in SUVs.
    • 🔧 Showdown — the best option for body parts and rare components. Popular showdowns:
      • Terrano-Club (Moscow).
      • 4x4 Parts (St. Petersburg).
    • 📦 Order from abroad - on eBay or AliExpress You can find rare parts (for example, glass seals or interior elements).

    For diesel versions, the most difficult thing is to find an original one injection pump and a turbine. In this case, refurbished components from trusted workshops help (for example, Diesel-Profi in Moscow).