Nissan Leaf transmission

The Nissan Leaf gearbox uses a single gear reduction and differential for transmitting power from the motor to the drive shafts. The gearbox also houses an electronic parking break mechanism which locks the input shaft from spinning via a solenoid operated lever. There is no oil pump and lubrication is provided by a splash lubrication system.

Leaf gearbox with newer style sealed bearings in place

The input splines are the same on both the EM61 and EM57 motors, but the bolt pattern is different. This means that you cannot use an EM61 motor with a EM57 gear box and vice versa. For more details on bolt patterns see Nissan leaf motor couplers and adapter plates.

Gen2 gearbox with open bearings

A helical LSD is also available as an optional product for both Gen1 and Gen2 gearboxes from Nismo japan:

https://www.nismo.co.jp/products/nismo_parts/NEW_PARTS/index_2019.html#a2

Gen1 with EM61 motor

gear ratios

gen 2 gear box reductions gears and open diff

17:31 / 17:74

Gen2 with EM57 motor

gen2 leaf gear box, em57 motor and inverter

gear ratios

17:32 / 17:75

Input shaft bearings: 6207 C3 (35x72x17) and 62/32 C3 (32x65x17)

Center shaft bearings: 6306

EM57 gearboxes have been found to feature open bearings (probably earlier variants) as well as rubber sealed bearings. There has been reports of open bearings failing prematurely especially with prolonged running in reverse direction which causes the splash lubrication not to function properly. Therefore it in advisable to pay attention to regular oil changes and use good quality oil with the gearbox.

Nissan's specs for oil volumes are 1.35 and 1.4L depending on the variant of the gearbox.

Nissan recommends Genuine Nissan Matic S ATF. However many people have found that replacing Nissan's with a better quality oil allows for more efficiency and reduces the noise of the gearbox. Therefore something like Redline D6 Fully Synthetic ATF is a better recommendation.