Hood bumper <em>Nissan X-Trail T31</em>: how to select and replace without errors

Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) is one of the most popular crossovers on the Russian market, but even such a reliable car wears out little things over time. The hood bumper is a detail that many people forget about until they experience rattling, squeaking or damage to the paintwork. This article will help you figure out how to select and replace the bumper correctly. T31, avoiding typical mistakes and overpayments.

We analyzed owner reviews, technical documentation and market offers to collect up-to-date information. Here you will find article numbers for original and analog parts, step-by-step replacement instructions, as well as care tips. We will pay special attention to the nuances that even experienced car owners often miss - for example, the difference between bump stops for restyled and pre-restyled versions or the consequences of using low-quality analogues.

Why do you need a hood bumper and when to change it?

Hood bumper (aka hood buffer or shock absorber) is a rubber or polyurethane part that absorbs shock when the hood is closed. Without it, the hood hits the frame, which leads to:

• 🔊 Constant rattling - especially noticeable on rough roads.
• 🎨 Chips and scratches on the paint of the hood and side member.
• 🔧 Hinge deformations — over time, the hood may begin to close poorly.
• 💥 Damage to the hood lock - if the blow is too strong.

On Nissan X-Trail T31 bump stops are located on the sides under the hood (usually 2 pieces). Their resource is about 50–80 thousand km, but in practice they wear out faster due to:

• 🌡️ Temperature changes — rubber hardens in the cold and cracks.
• 🧴 Aggressive chemistry - Engine detergents corrode the material.
• ⚙️ Sloppy service — mechanical damage during repairs.

Signs that it's time to change the bump stops:

⚠️ Attention: If, when closing the hood, a metallic knock is heard, and not a dull thud, this is a signal that the buffers are completely worn out. You cannot delay replacement: each blow shortens the life of the hinges and lock.

Original vs analogues: what to choose for X-Trail T31

There are three types of fenders on the market for Nissan X-Trail T31:

Type	Article	Material	Average price (2026)	Pros	Cons
Original (Nissan)	55501-4M000 (left) 55501-4M001 (right)	High strength rubber	RUB 1,200–1,500/piece	Perfect fit, long service life (100+ thousand km)	High price, fakes on the market
Analogue (Sasic, Febi)	SAS-555014M000 22360 (Febi)	Rubber/PU	400–700 rub./pcs.	Budget alternative, wide range	May become tanned in the cold, shorter lifespan
Universal	Without article (by size)	Foam rubber	200–400 rub./pcs.	Low price, suitable for temporary replacement	Inaccurate fit, wear out quickly

Important nuance: On restyled X-Trail T31 (since 2010) bumpers have different seat diameter (18 mm instead of 16 mm). If you install a pre-restyle part, it will hang or require modification. Always check the article number by VIN!

Selection tips:

• 🔍 Buy only from trusted sellers - fake originals are often made from low-quality rubber.
• ❄️ For cold climates, choose polyurethane analogues (for example, Febi) - they tan less.
• 📏 If you take universal ones, measure the old bump stops: the height should be 40–45 mm, diameter - 30–35 mm.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing bump stops

Replacing bump stops with X-Trail T31 takes no more than 20 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver or plastic puller.
• 🧴 Silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett).
• 🧻 Rags and alcohol for cleaning seats.

Procedure:

1. Open the hood and secure it with the stop.
2. Clean the seats from dirt and old grease. Use alcohol - it leaves no residue.
3. Remove old bumpers:
   • Pry it up with a screwdriver plastic retainer (it may be hidden under the rubber).
   • Pull the bumper upward with force - it should come out of the groove.
4. Install new fenders:
   • Apply some silicone grease to the seat.
   • Insert the bumper until the latch clicks.
5. Check your work:
   • Close the hood and listen - there should be a dull sound without rattling.
   • Open/close the hood 5-6 times to distribute the lubricant.

Check part numbers by VIN

Buy silicone grease

Prepare a plastic puller (so as not to damage the paint)

Clean the seats from dirt -->

⚠️ Attention: Do not use WD-40 or Litol for lubricating bump stops! WD-40 corrodes rubber, but Litol attracts dirt and turns into an abrasive over time. Silicone only!

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even such a simple procedure as replacing bump stops can result in problems if the nuances are not taken into account. Here are the most common mistakes owners make X-Trail T31:

• 🔄 Left and right bump stops mixed up - they are symmetrical in shape, but may differ in rigidity. There are markings on the original parts L (left) and R (right).
• 🧲 The seat was not cleaned — sand and rust accelerate the wear of the new bumper.
• 🛠️ Used metal tools - Scratches on the spar will lead to corrosion.
• 🌡️ Installed fenders in cold weather - the rubber becomes brittle and the part may crack at the first load.

Consequences of incorrect replacement:

• The hood starts close lopsided - this leads to wear of the hinges.
• Appears squeak when opening/closing - a sign that the bump stop is rubbing against metal.
• New parts in 1–2 months crack - if no lubricant has been applied.

What to do if the bump stop does not stay in place?

If the new bump stop falls out or becomes loose, the problem may be:

1. Worn retainer — it needs to be replaced (article no. 01515-4M00A).

2. Deformed seat - try using a rubber gasket.

3. Wrong size — check the article again.

As a last resort, you can fix the bump stop glue-sealant (For example, ABRO ES-332), but this is a temporary solution.

How to extend the life of fenders: care tips

The service life of the fenders is X-Trail T31 can be increased by 1.5–2 times if you follow simple recommendations:

• 🧴 Lubricate the bump stops 2 times a year - before and after winter. Use only silicone grease (not to be confused with silicone spray!).
• 🚿 Avoid direct contact with water when washing the engine. If the bump stops get wet, wipe them dry.
• 🌞 When parking in the open sun use sun screen for the hood - UV rays destroy rubber.
• ❄️ In the cold Do the first 2-3 closures of the hood carefully, without force - cold rubber is less elastic.

What NOT to do:

• 🔥 Heating the bumpers with an open fire (lighter, blowtorch) - this violates the structure of the material.
• 🧹 Clean them with hard brushes or abrasive products.
• 🔧 Paint the bumpers - the paint will make them hard.

Where to buy fenders for Nissan X-Trail T31: verified sellers

When buying fenders, the main thing is to avoid counterfeits and overpayments. Here are reliable options:

Source	Pros	Cons	Average prices (2026)
Official Nissan dealers	100% original, guaranteed	Expensive, long delivery	RUB 1,200–1,500/piece
Exist.ru, Autodoc	Fast delivery, large selection of analogues	Risk of running into non-original packaging	400–1,000 rub./pcs.
Avito, Yula	You can find used originals in good condition	High risk of counterfeits, no guarantee	300–800 rub./pcs.
AliExpress	Low prices for universal parts	Long delivery, poor quality materials	150–400 rub./pcs.

Buying Tips:

• 🔍 Please check before ordering photo of packaging - the original must have a logo Nissan and a hologram.
• 📦 If you buy at the market, ask the seller to open the package - fakes often smell like chemicals.
• 💳 Pay by card (if you buy online) - it’s easier to dispute the purchase if you receive a low-quality part.

⚠️ Attention: On X-Trail T31 with diesel engines (M9R) bumpers may vary in rigidity! Check with the seller if your car has a motor 2.0 dCi.

Frequently asked questions from owners Nissan X-Trail T31

Is it possible to drive without hood bumpers?

Technically yes, but this will lead to:

• Rapid wear of the hood hinges and latch.
• The appearance of chips in the paint (especially at the junction of the hood and wings).
• Increased load on the hood gas struts.

If the bump stop breaks on the road, you can temporarily place a piece of thick rubber (for example, from an old inner tube).

What sealant should I use to fix the bump stop if it won't hold?

Best suited:

• ABRO ES-332 — elastic, does not destroy rubber.
• Loctite 5900 — professional glue for car seals.

Do not use superglue or Moment - they make the rubber brittle.

What is the difference between the bump stops for the restyled and pre-restyling T31?

Main differences:

Parameter	Dorestyle (2007–2010)	Restyle (2010–2013)
Seat diameter	16 mm	18 mm
Bumper height	40 mm	42 mm
Material	Soft rubber	Polyurethane (harder)

If you put the bump stop from the pre-restyled one on the restyled one T31, it will dangle and wear out quickly.

How many fenders should be replaced - both or only one?

It is recommended to change a couple, even if only one is worn out. Reasons:

• Different rigidity of the bump stops leads to hood distortion.
• New and old fenders wear out at different rates.
• The cost of replacing one or two fenders is almost the same.

The exception is if the second bumper is in perfect condition (for example, it was recently replaced).

Is it possible to make bumpers yourself from scrap materials?

A temporary option is possible, but not recommended for permanent use. Methods:

• 🔧 Cut from dense rubber (for example, from a conveyor belt) and glue it.
• 🧦 Use piece of bicycle tube, rolled into a roll.
• 🧽Apply cork seal (sold in construction stores).

Disadvantages of homemade bump stops:

• There is no shock absorption - shocks are transferred to the hood.
• They wear out quickly (maximum 1–2 months).
• May damage paint (if abrasive materials are used).