Crazy Nissan Cube Transmission FAILURE That Might SURPRISE You

A Nissan with a bad CVT transmission? Say it ain't so... The 2009 Nissan Cube popped up for sale on the cheap. I jumped right on that and had it delivered to the warehouse sight unseen. Now that it's here I've fixed the driver window, detailed it, ceramic coated it, fixed the rear door latch, and the rearview mirror. Now it's time to pull the transmission... once we got it out the failure was super obvious and worse than I expected! I'm ready to put this thing back together and get it sold.
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#CheapCar #NissanCube #Jacuzzi

[@sirseriously]

Needs chrome rims so it can be an iced cube. I'll see my way out.

[@WatchJRGo]

Would be a good day if it was an iced cube 🤔

[@clifbradley]

@@WatchJRGo Would it be a Friday?

[@bearing_aficionado]

@@WatchJRGo only if you didn't have to use an AK.

[@clifbradley]

Maybe me and the Boyz in the Hood could come by Friday, or next Friday for a Ride Along and do some Triple X: Return of Xander Cage type stuff, swing by the Barber Shop off 21 Jump Street. It would be a Longshot and feel like I won on a Lottery Ticket on the First Sunday to hang out with you and the Wichita Crew. But I guess ain't nothing to it, just got to put my back into it

[@germineduhon51]

Classic 😂😂😂

[@Call_MeJD]

A transmission failing in a Nissan is not surprising at all.

[@jonathanj.4800]

No indeed.

[@markkrispin6944]

Nissans are a piece of shit cars. Datsun cars were equal to today's Toyota cars.

[@paulcarmi8130]

@@markkrispin6944 were* Keyword lol

[@johnwren3976]

Except for manuals

[@JoshuaBrown-is8fb]

Especially a CVT transmission. My local transmission shops won’t even touch them. They all say the fix is a replacement one from the factory.

[@josephatkins6581]

I've said it before I love people who don't just talk the talk but walk the walk, Thank you

[@peterdaniel66]

Its walk the talk. You don’t walk the walk

[@patsik182]

@@peterdaniel66 no

[@andrewhillman9632]

One of my favorite things about your channel is seeing so many people who share your passion coming over to lend a hand.

[@germineduhon51]

The price on those Jatco CVT Transmissions are ridiculous. I had a 2008 Nissan Rouge and to purchase a replacement for mine from Jatco was over 2200 bucks plus another 2100 to have it installed. Long story short, I been driving Toyotas since then 😂

[@B0xlife1]

For whatever reason rouges are notorious for bad cvts, especially 2008 , those are early cvts too so probably even worse.

[@larrybe2900]

Toyota started putting a launch gear in their CVTs to take the strain off at the most used time. Lead footers rejoice.

[@kevinm2025]

I’m sorry Toyota are tin cans ....junk just perceived fake quality ..... I don’t recall Nissan ever had stuck pedals slamming families into their deaths.

[@larrybe2900]

@@kevinm2025 The issue with the stuck pedals was not lack of quality but the interaction of the driver and floor mats. It was a problem, yes but not an overarching issue to slam Toyota for as a whole.

[@dustyc324]

@@kevinm2025 fake news.

[@FixingWithPassion]

I can only dream of having a shop and a lift like that to make my jobs less back breaking. Amazing shop you have, well deserved!

[@indyjones3287]

Bought an old Camry from auction once. It ran great, in forward. No reverse. Proceeded to jack it up in driveway and swap it out the bottom. Old rough and cracked driveway. Ah, the memories.

[@micksed4875]

Whatever wiped out that seal, is likely hanging out in the cooler lines and cooler/rad. Flush it out, or you’ll be sorry.

[@WatchJRGo]

Flushing it out for sure, the fluid was toast! 💯

[@lewiskemp5893]

@@WatchJRGo 😀

[@RazoE]

If John decided to go to a 70's themed disco club he'd be WatchJR'Fro

[@Tony__Tone]

WatchJRBlow

[@geopou4618]

You know John Ross most of the time I look at your video titles for videos like this and think "wow this is probably going to be a boring video" but nope, you end up keeping my attention throughout the video and make me eager to watch more. That's why I'm subbed and have notifications. Keep up the good work!

[@79shaggydog]

I've been waiting on this repair. I have a 2014 Nissan Juke with a CVT and 120k miles. I hope I never have to to this repair.. knock on wood. Love the content! Keep it up!

[@trbstang]

Have you changed the CVT fluid? I had my daughter get it done around 65k on her 14 Rogue so hopefully it lasts her another 100k miles. It is still in mint condition and paid for so she hopes it will last. Good luck with yours!

[@79shaggydog]

@@trbstang yes I did! I bought mine with 60k miles and drove the piss out of it till 80k and the CVT started whining. I didn't know about the fluid changes till then. I changed it at 80k and 90k and 110k for good measure. Ill change it again at 130k and then Every 20k till it's an issue. So far so good! Fyi Also check the fluid filter under the CVT pump.

[@benjiroberts4434]

Keep up with the intake cleaning, mas sensor cleaning, transfluid and pan

[@79shaggydog]

@Benji Roberts thanks you I have. I stay on top of maintenance. I replaced the noisy timing chain, front and rear main seal, and a CVT cooler. I'm not taking any chances! Love my Juke!

[@jamesjames3525]

Chances are, you will.

[@69Dartman]

I've done quite a few transmissions in my Dart till I finally gave up and put a big 727 in it and I broke it a few times as well. I always did them in my driveway with ramps and I'd always rent a transmission jack to put it back in. Having a huge warehouse with lifts, air, and all the tools would have made life so much easier and congrats for having all the cool toys to do it. I hate dealing with front drivers, so much more work. Should be a good flip or toy when finished.

[@cullenmiller8170]

I see Jared got Tom Sawyered into helping with that mess. 🤣🤣

[@andrewthomason3857]

It might have been a condition to getting the joyride in the Ariel Atom.

[@watchjaredwork1487]

Lol nah I was out riding and wanted to change brake fluid in my motorcycle which you should see in an upcoming episode so I stayed and helped since he gave me that Motul sauce!

[@chrislemaster2695]

I had a cube brought new in 2012 and the dealer told em to change the CVT fluid every 20k miles and it will last longer. So I changed mine at 17 miles and Nissan charged me 149.00 to do it so i did it every 17 miles and no problems from my CVT and at 38 miles I had them do the fill service change both selionds and filter cost was 289.00.

[@mikelyons9971]

Nissan's biggest problem with their newer cars is the CVT. Welcome to Nissan

[@slscamg]

Now that the new pathfinder is using a normal stepped automatic it will probably be a very good car.

[@mikelyons9971]

@@slscamg about time Nissan took the CVT out of the larger CUV and SUV

[@PaulBarwick]

John, I've been watching since before you left your job in IT, and I am just sitting here thinking what a great job you have done with this channel since. Congratulations! Not everyone could have picked up the ball and run with it like you have. Great job!

[@lewiskemp5893]

Me too. I remember the old girlfriend videos

[@unstablebobgable]

If I could help Watch JR Goes install the transmission in the Nissan Cube I would drink the cold Bartle Skeets and roll up the fat Woolford and get all schmoked up

[@jbrown6496]

Scotty.....

[@mani5446]

The famous PRNDL

[@westreadway6934]

Loved your version of DC Talk’s So Help Me God at the end!

[@jtr990]

The CVT swap on the Cube reminded me of what happened on the Nissan Versa when it came in to our workplace. Total catastrophic CVT failure. A fiscal nightmare.

[@eyesalooking]

My Versa went out at 180K. Otherwise it was a great car.

[@1Wayfix]

Hello. Did you have to reprogram. The tcm

[@jtr990]

@@1Wayfix At the time, we didn't have the equipment to reprogram the TCM. It was a simple swap back then.

[@1Wayfix]

@@jtr990 so did not need it. Because runs fine. Thank you. For the answer. 😀

[@robbusheay4258]

First time I noticed.......your brother sounds exactly like your Dad !!!! lol

[@watchjaredwork1487]

You’re the second person that’s said that...just today 😂😂 lol I get that a lot.

[@eg1885]

I had a friend who had one of these. The rippled ceiling was a cool design. I immediately think of it when I see this car.

[@porknbomb]

I had an 09 cube and went through 5 different transmissions in the car. Had a 12 year warrenty and the day it was up (with a 2 month old trans) it started going again and I traded it in.

[@steeveomcjameson8673]

They SMOKED that converter!! It was BLUE!

[@nickpapagiorgio2253]

Nissan CVT, say no more

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

JR and Jarod . Teamwork brother power right there !

[@zachmiller289]

Good job, JR! Definitely flush the trans cooler before hooking up the new unit or you’ll probably have to do the job again. May also be a good time to do the rear main seal if there any sign of leaks since you’re already there. Love your content and keeping up with the shop progress. The only thing that made me cringe was what looked to be the rubber brake lines supporting the spindles on both sides. Hopefully that wasn’t the case!! Keep up the great content!

[@drepar3359]

Nothing about a Nissan transmission failure surprises anyone .......now a Nissan transmission making it to 200000 miles untouched is a surprise

[@TheBrokenLife]

The Cube is getting squared away...

[@christopherwinfrey7758]

Audi Engineer: "NOBODY makes things more needlessly difficult for mechanics than us!" Nissan Engineer: "Hold my beer"

[@AndrewAMartin]

*Hold my sake...

[@chrismaplethorpe6781]

Had a 2003 nissan with a slight leak on the steering rack. Would have been a days work to replace it due to no room round. By time had paid for the rack and my mechanics labour it would have cost more than the car was worth. Needless to say it didn't get done. Didn't keep the car much longer.

[@lewiskemp5893]

Audi got it in bodywork. Lol. If youre trained and have factory paperwork is one thing but trying to take a vw audi apart without directions. Lol good luck

[@WaynePittenger]

Ford Aerostar has entered the chat.

[@3800scgp]

@@WaynePittenger I thought having to pull the doghouse on a Safari/Astro was bad, until I saw how little access the Aerostar has 😬

[@edfrawley4356]

In my experience a destroyed seal is usually a symptom of a bad bearing allowing the shaft to run out and take out the seal. Im curious to see if this is the case for this one as well.

[@gregh7457]

he probably won't be doing an autopsy on it but there are lots of cvt autopsies on youtube

[@CR7659]

I still think he should order up one of those kits that make these look like a mini C10 pickup, it's a grille and nose deal with a narrowed 67-72 Chevy truck grille (there are a couple of versions).

[@gato38]

OH a failed Nissan CVT , go figure...

[@jeremyTallen1]

I rode in one of these on a 2 hour drive in a thunderstorm one of the most terrifying things I have ever drove in a thunderstorm the handling was horrible

[@JoshuaBrown-is8fb]

I’ve seen on forums that lowering it 2 inches improves the ride quality and handling dramatically.

[@tirstanhiggs]

Is that a DC Talk song at the end???? And am I the only one who gets the reference?😂

[@WatchJRGo]

Hahah, I didn't think anyone would get it 🎶

[@HolyTerminator]

"So Help Me God" - DC TALK

[@HolyTerminator]

Wow, it is surprising that a few others already got it too! Good music, good times!

[@joshortgies]

Glad someone else on here got it too!

[@johnstonw1]

Came here to say this also. I was surprised to hear that.

[@anitatimothy8975]

Just replaced transmission on mine...I had 91,500 miles on it...still cheaper than a new car payment...now, I need to fix the rear passenger window (did the driver's window this spring..)...

[@thisnamesucksrealbad]

@9:00 lol Who wants Cream? ok no cream. OMG one of the best Supertrooper references!

[@P.Galore]

You are the only other person I have ever heard call it a PRINDLE.....excellent.

[@samgarcia5284]

I hope you get to a million subscribers.

[@Leebs]

What's it like to be the skinny brother? Asking for a friend 🤣

[@Charlie_Crown]

Doing all this work, to a Nissan cube, couldn't possibly be financially viable, surely not

[@bradgilpin9740]

Man me and my Nephew did some valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, and a couple other things on his 2014 WRX last night. That sucked!!! Took us like 5 hours 😂 for some valve cover gaskets and spark plugs!

[@watchjaredwork1487]

TBF nothing on a Subaru is easy lol

[@HelenWorthley2121]

I REALLY LOVE MY NISSAN CUBE 2009

[@HelenWorthley2121]

Mine needs alot of work. Wish I had a great mechanic that knows this car. 😕

[@ssom7291ify]

Nice job with your brother. His voice sounds just like your dad!!

[@ExtraFungus]

I have a Sentra with a bad CVT. It overheated and warped the valve body. I put a new one In and upgraded the cooler. It still just destroys the new valve body. I'm going to replace with a used transmission eventually.

[@ExtraFungus]

@@SpeCifiC0507 already replaced, the car is paid for years ago and sits until I fix it or scrap it. Manual swap isn't practical, especially on something with such a low value. If I fixed it, I have no plans on keeping it. But just in case you don't think I know about these transmissions. One of the points of failure on these was actually the cooler shown in the video. It's not efficient enough to cool the high pressure and high temperature CVT. There's a service bulletin about this, the dealer actually is supposed to be checking the glycol in the coolant with a refractometer because if it goes over 55% glycol, the bulletin warns that the transmission will be damaged. There's an updated cooler available at still transfers heat with the engine coolant but also has inlet outlet that allows you to install a second transmission cooler. When Nissan fixes these, this is their fix.

[@ExtraFungus]

@@SpeCifiC0507 there's no 2nd gear. It's clear you don't fully understand this transmission(neither does JR) and that's ok. Mine died at 180k and while I didn't hate it, I'm not comfortable with repair or rebuilds. I'd rather put a used and verified working trans in it before getting rid of it

[@davidpick1076]

@@SpeCifiC0507 Nissan merged with Renault in the early 2000s. Nissan as a brand quality has declined steadily ever since. And it's only going to get worse now that their part of Pugeot.

[@Theeosees]

Oh no.... my pops has to get his 2011 cube transmission replaced, I bet they'll charge like 3k, damn nissan transmissions...

[@rollerdragon]

the CVT is like the WORST... glorified golf cart trans...

[@markkrispin6944]

Not if they are built well. Toyota has the best CVT engines made to date.

[@marionelson3264]

The JATCO ones, because other transmission plants & facilities made better CVT's.

[@RealRickCox]

At least your transmission on KZbin is still working :D

[@ducknorris233]

May be the first time I’ve seen a ladder used on elevated car.

[@vspencer9764]

You can see this car was built at a time when Nissan went into alliance with Renault on the mechanical gubbins as it’s no K10 or K11 Micra under the bonnet that’s for sure.

[@michaelnedsmar9106]

2 neighbours buy a Nissan cube from new ,they both like to be heavy on the gas and like to boot their cars around , they both drive the same distance in similar traffic and they both service their cars not as often as its recommended , say every 2 years. Who's gearbox is more likely to fail first , neighbour A with his 4 speed auto or neighbour B with his CVT ? Is comparing a 4 speed auto with a CVT a bit like comparing the gears on a modern day road cycle with a 28 speed derailleur gears that are great but need a fair bit of attention compared to the old fashioned hub sturmey-archer gears ? Sure one is so much more efficient but the other needs far less maintenance . Would I be right or wrong to assume the CVT box with its smoother ride is far more fragile and need more TLC then the 4 speed auto?

[@jtw73160]

I had the dealership put a rebuilt cvt in my wife's versa for $3300 and it looked like the same engine and transmission. What I saw online said the TCM has to be reflashed after installation.

[@henrymull7386]

Nice 3dBn 9th Marines shirt!!

[@watchjaredwork1487]

Thanks! I deployed with them in 2010 to Marjeh.

[@henrymull7386]

@@watchjaredwork1487 3/9 was my first Bn back in '86. Hope to see you making JR look good in future video's.

[@nealkerner7592]

Top is easier then bottom?!? Lmfao! Pretty sure it's the other way around😂😂

[@ninjashawn9458]

Please could you suggest which model and brand of transmission oil (4 cvt?)and engine oil are most suitable for the cube?

[@stillliving5899]

I love milwaukee fuel product's, the impacts are better than running a compressor air supplied impact, and more powerful. Great video, reminds me of doing a 2008 mercury milan premiere, the thing is crammed so tight inside, you have to remove a lot of stuff to pull it from the top. You could drop the subframe, but I have heard that it's a pain to align the wheels afterward. Looking forward to seeing it cruise down in mexico to see how fast it is.

[@foxpuremage]

I have an epipen. My friend gave it to me as he was dying. It seemed really important to him that I have it.

[@Julian-do7bv]

Wow lol

[@crs290]

Never fails to make me laugh.

[@dirtyversa3165]

Only way to prevent bad Nissan transmissions is to get the 5 speed manual like my Versa.

[@daveross1595]

Almost got the Cube rollin'

[@TheMich36]

That's obviously the transmission mount right there. Yeah, obviously If you are JR.

[@chicoandtheman4112]

My 2010 cube drives but doesn't reverse do you know what causes that?

[@motoXcR]

looks like fun..cant wait to never do that...

[@sirsardine1]

You should flip an 06-10 Chevy Impala. It would be fun to see a cheap/beat up car get the works. The 07 impala that I inherited could certainly use that treatment!

[@ajw828]

That robot was giving them bolts the ugga duggas in the factory

[@tkskagen]

Epic fail of a Transmission Removal...

[@Dan-ot7tz]

torque test channel proved how much torque different length extensions and the types of extensions affects impacts. interesting stuff really. so can totally see why it wouldnt come out with an extension but would with it direct

[@hectorortiz5746]

I just installed one on my cube a used one and it worked for about ten miles then started throwing out all the fluid so it’s back out for a seven dollar seal. Is there a race that has to be changed behind the seal to prevent leaks?

[@shanvhere78]

Why not a rear main seal, youre right there

[@daviddennett2645]

What I said

[@bearing_aficionado]

What are thoughts on CVT transmissions? I know Nissan has had a bad reputation when it comes to their's. I had 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander and had one little issue that was resolved by a simple program by the dealer and it was flawless.

[@richieduck67]

Pathfinder had a lot of issues as well

[@maryjanesresurrection3309]

Alot of honda ones are trash also especially in the accords

[@murry001]

Subaru CVT's are also complete shit, i had 2 fail on my Forester.

[@bearing_aficionado]

@@murry001 I heard their 1st generation were shit but they made improvements.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

GM CVTs are trash too especially in the Saturns. The Saturn CVT was made by FIAT. The CVT Malibus are trash too. Ford CVTs in the 500 and Freestyle are junk too. When a Saturn CVT goes out, they put either a traditional automatic or a manual transmission. The Ford CVTs are made by ZF which is similar to the Audi CVT transmissions (Multitronic) and they are junk too.

[@Roy-oo8kf]

So to work on a Cube, first get tall ladder! 😂

[@1969camaro]

There’s a hose that connects to the Transmission. It looks like a vacuum line mines is disconnected in my transaction. Funny any idea where that and connect to

[@stoveguy2133]

I was wrong. No subframe?

[@JimLevine]

Is it still running?

[@1Wayfix]

Did you have to reprogram the tcm. Or it wast just. Removal and stalling back on? I will appreciate. You answer. Thank you

[@kickenitwithrhood]

Just put in a new transmission in 2010 cube and its stuck in low gear still please Help!!! And throwing a stepper motor code

[@jean-marcandjoshua-petsjournal]

There is always a bigger wrench.

[@5.7_Angel]

Where is the throttle cable located in the cube? I have a 2011 one and I’m just tryna learn more about cars and parts and stuff!

[@haroldboyer1174]

Alright JR...nice video keep them coming..

[@austenmoore9782]

Great video, again! Fingers down the chalk board with how Americans pronounce Nissan! Knee-sarn! 🤣

[@21Piloteer]

It's pronounced "Dat-Sun". lol

[@crs290]

Same as the Japanese. Nee-sawn

[@eddieforce3550]

Would it have been easier to pull the motor and trans together?

[@mustang35146]

Definitely should still change the rear main seal while everything is out.

[@daviddennett2645]

Same thing I said and got shit for it. I was only a mechanic for 18 plus years smh

[@mustang35146]

@@daviddennett2645 It makes no sense whatsoever not to change it. Only takes a few extra minutes. Once everything is back in it becomes a big job just for a seal that will leak eventually.

[@daviddennett2645]

@@mustang35146 yeah I agree, what like 6 bolts to remove flywheel and replace it guaranteeing no leaks for years. A real mechanic would have changed it to cover his ass

[@watchjaredwork1487]

Lol no way that’s getting changed. It’s bone dry behind the flexplate and this car will be looooong gone before that starts leaking. Don’t fix what ain’t broke.

[@mustang35146]

@@watchjaredwork1487 It’s called preventative maintenance. I don’t know a single mechanic that wouldn’t take the few minutes to just change the seal. If it isn’t leaking it’s only a matter of time before it does being a used car. And that’s exactly why you have to be careful who you buy a car from.

[@kevinokeefe8576]

Co-worker of mine's Cube dumped its CVT Transmission about 2 weeks ago. She need the car, $2500 for a replacement.

[@davidpick1076]

Honestly,I'd tell her put the $2500 in a different vehicle. But with used cars hyper inflated. She'd only find a hooptie at best that could be a big or worse money pit then her Cube. If she would consider an alternative,I'd say look for a Honda or Toyota if she ever decides to trade up her Nissan Cube.

[@kevinokeefe8576]

Day late and a Dollar short. Trans was already replaced and she is driving it again. She likes the car and needed the transportation. She does have plans to trade it in on another car in the near future.

[@davidpick1076]

@@kevinokeefe8576 Understood. Best of luck she'll have with the new transmission. May it be a winner that gets as many miles if not more than the old one.

[@tonycash2137]

Needs a depressed worker behind a computer so it can be a CUBICLE!

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Lol. Hehehe

[@tap0019]

The CVT transmissions are the weak point on all newer Nissans. Even Toyota and Ford have problems with CVTs. You definitely want to get that thing sold ASAP!

[@bbearhug]

your AC not working on your last 2 vids bro?

[@chrislemaster2695]

i meant 17k miles and 38k miles and changed my plugs every 30k mils and oil changes every 3000 miles and antifreeze every 25k miles. no such thing as lifetime fluids.

[@ThePinkpanther1963]

I was trying to sell my 2010 cube cheap. I didn't want to deal with it. Someone texted me and said don't sell it cheap. He have one with the same problem all he replaced is valve body. Is there any truth to that.

[@mjjr1000]

The only thing I couldn’t understand is why you didn’t just throw the box back in same day. It’s always a wiggle fit on a transverse lol

[@xtreker15]

Im disappointed you didn't rebuild the trans. 95% of jeep patriot issues is the CVT.

[@fredericrike5974]

JR , Nissan has been using a one piece rear main seal design that only needs removing the flex plate and the ring of bolts around the seal retainer plate- on just about everything from the L series to SOHC V6 I am sure. But your Cube is an automatic and usually those are kinder on the rear main seal. FR

[@colesmallengines2409]

Maybe replacing Trans on my 2010

[@gooondie]

I want to work on my beater in JR’s warehouse so bad

[@johngoodwyn8246]

What's the Dealer rate to do that job ? $$$$$$$

[@clifbradley]

Needs a Michael, Dwight, Pam, Jim, Stanley, Ryan, Angela and Phylis. Then it would be an Office Cube! I'll see my way out too.

[@longjohn77]

Please do.

[@markweissenbach196]

I really needed this, thank you 😅

[@TheBarberShopScott]

Oh yea!! Been looking forward to this one

[@95617]

are the transmissions on these nissans really that bad?

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Yes and it’s not just Nissans and Infinitis that uses JATCO CVTs. Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Suzuki also uses them as well.

[@ObsessedAuto]

He’s a cube, she’s a cube, cause we’re all cubes Hey!