Yukon Gear YK NM226 Complete Master Overhaul Kit for Nissan M226 Rear Differential
The YK NM226 is a complete differential rebuild kit engineered specifically for the Nissan M226 rear differential found in the Titan, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra. This YK NM226 master overhaul kit bundles every bearing, seal, shim, and hardware item you need into a single box, so your shop stays productive without chasing down individual components. Yukon Gear built the YK NM226 around genuine Timken bearings and races for the load capacity and durability demanded by truck and SUV applications.
Features and Benefits
- Genuine Timken bearings and races for superior load capacity and longevity
- Application-specific kit tailored to the Nissan M226 rear differential
- Complete shim set for precise carrier and pinion depth setting
- High-quality OEM-specification seals to prevent fluid contamination and leaks
- Crush sleeve and pinion nut included for new pinion preload setup
- Gear marking compound and brush for gear mesh pattern verification
- Cover gasket or silicone included for a clean, leak-free reassembly
- Backed by a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects
- Prop 65 compliant labeling for California residents
Vehicle Fitment
| Year | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2005 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2006 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2007 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2009 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2010 | Nissan | Titan | LE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2009 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2010 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2011 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2012 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2013 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2014 | Nissan | Titan | PRO-4X |
| 2011 | Nissan | Titan | S |
| 2012 | Nissan | Titan | S |
| 2013 | Nissan | Titan | S |
| 2014 | Nissan | Titan | S |
| 2004 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2005 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2006 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2007 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2009 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2010 | Nissan | Titan | SE |
| 2011 | Nissan | Titan | SL |
| 2012 | Nissan | Titan | SL |
| 2013 | Nissan | Titan | SL |
| 2014 | Nissan | Titan | SL |
| 2011 | Nissan | Titan | SV |
| 2012 | Nissan | Titan | SV |
| 2013 | Nissan | Titan | SV |
| 2014 | Nissan | Titan | SV |
| 2004 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2005 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2006 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2007 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2009 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2010 | Nissan | Titan | XE |
| 2003 | Nissan | Frontier | SVE |
| 2004 | Nissan | Frontier | SVE |
| 2003 | Nissan | Frontier | XE |
| 2004 | Nissan | Frontier | XE |
| 2005 | Nissan | Frontier | XE |
| 2003 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2004 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2005 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2006 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2007 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2009 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2010 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2011 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2012 | Nissan | Pathfinder | LE |
| 2003 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2004 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2005 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2006 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2007 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2009 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
| 2010 | Nissan | Xterra | SE |
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | YK NM226 |
| UPC | 883584141723 |
| Differential | Nissan M226 Rear |
| Ring Gear Size | 8.5 inches |
| Bearings Included | Timken carrier bearings and races, Timken pinion bearings and races |
| Seals Included | Pinion seal, axle seals |
| Shim Set | Complete carrier and pinion depth shim set |
| Warranty | 1 year against manufacturer defects |
What Is Included
- Timken carrier bearings and races (both sides)
- Timken pinion bearings and races (inner and outer)
- Pinion seal
- Axle seals
- Complete pinion depth shim set
- Complete carrier shim set
- Ring gear bolts
- Pinion nut
- Crush sleeve
- Thread-locking compound
- Gear marking compound with brush
- Differential cover gasket
Frequently Asked Questions
What differential does the YK NM226 fit?
The YK NM226 fits the Nissan M226 rear differential. This axle is found in 2004-2014 Nissan Titan, 2003-2014 Nissan Frontier, 2003-2012 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2003-2015 Nissan Xterra models equipped with the M226 rear axle.
Does the YK NM226 include Timken bearings?
Yes. Both the carrier bearings and pinion bearings in the YK NM226 are genuine Timken units, providing the load ratings and service life that demanding truck applications require.
Is a shim set included?
Yes. The YK NM226 includes a complete shim set for both carrier and pinion depth adjustment so you can establish the correct gear mesh pattern on the first attempt.
Does this kit work with aftermarket ring and pinion gears?
The YK NM226 is compatible with OEM and aftermarket ring and pinion sets designed for the Nissan M226 rear differential. Always confirm your gear ratio and spline count before ordering.
How does the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act apply?
Yukon Gear provides a written 1-year limited warranty on the YK NM226 under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Installing aftermarket components does not void your vehicle factory warranty, as federal law prohibits manufacturers from conditioning warranty coverage on the use of a specific brand of parts.
Do I need special tools to install this kit?
Yes. A differential rebuild requires a bearing press, torque wrench, dial indicator and magnetic base, and depth micrometer at minimum. Professional drivetrain installation is recommended.
What fluid should I use after rebuilding with the YK NM226?
Refer to your Nissan service manual for the correct gear oil specification and fill quantity for the M226 rear differential. Many applications require Nissan Matic S or equivalent GL-5 gear oil.
Is this product subject to Proposition 65?
Yes. The YK NM226 carries a California Proposition 65 warning. See the notice below for details.
Installation Instructions
- Lift and support the vehicle; drain differential fluid; mark driveshaft-to-yoke alignment before removal.
- Remove axle shafts, disconnect the driveshaft, and remove the differential carrier assembly.
- Press off old carrier bearings and clean all housing mating surfaces.
- Press new Timken carrier bearings onto the carrier using a bearing press.
- Remove the pinion and old bearings; measure pinion depth using a dial indicator and depth gauge.
- Select the correct pinion depth shims from the kit and press new Timken pinion bearings onto the pinion shaft.
- Install the pinion with a new crush sleeve; torque the pinion nut incrementally to achieve the correct rotational preload.
- Install the carrier with the new carrier shims and torque bearing caps to spec.
- Check backlash with a dial indicator and adjust carrier shims until within the manufacturer specification.
- Verify gear mesh pattern with marking compound; adjust shims as needed for centered contact.
- Apply thread locker to ring gear bolts and torque in a star pattern to spec.
- Install the new pinion seal and cover gasket, reinstall the cover, and torque cover bolts to spec.
- Reinstall axle shafts and reconnect the driveshaft in the marked orientation.
- Fill the differential with the correct fluid type and quantity; road test and inspect for leaks.
Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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