Internal constant velocity joint (CV joint) on Nissan Qashqai J11 - one of the key elements of the transmission, which often fails after 100-150 thousand kilometers. Unlike the external CV joint, the internal one is less noticeable during visual inspection, but its malfunction can lead to serious consequences: from vibrations at speed to complete immobilization of the car. Owners Kashkaya second generation (2013-2021) are often faced with characteristic crunching sound when accelerating or jerking in the transmission, not suspecting that the reason lies precisely in the internal CV joint.
In this article we will look at precise signs of wear internal CV joint on Qashqai J11 with engines HR16DE, MR20DD And R9M (diesel), let's look in detail at diagnostics without a lift, selection of original and analog spare parts, and also provide step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account the features of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (4WD) versions. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that even experienced craftsmen make - for example, incorrect installation of the retaining ring on the tripod bearing, which leads to its premature destruction.
Signs of a malfunctioning internal CV joint on Nissan Qashqai J11
Inner CV joint on Qashqai J11 wears out gradually, and its symptoms are often confused with gearbox or suspension problems. The main difference is manifestation of defects under load on the transmission: when accelerating, driving downhill or suddenly releasing the gas. Here are the key signs:
- 🔊 Crunching or clicking noise when starting off or changing gears (especially in 1st and reverse). The sound comes from the side of the faulty CV joint and intensifies when the wheels are turned.
- 🚗 Vibration at speed 60-90 km/h, which disappears during acceleration or braking. Often mistakenly attributed to wheel imbalance.
- ⚡ Jerks when acceleratingas if the car was “stumbling”. Especially noticeable on all-wheel drive versions with the system
ALL MODE 4x4-i. - 🔧 Backlash in the drive when checking by hand (if you hang the wheel). The inner CV joint should not have free play of more than 0.5 mm.
On Qashqai J11 with diesel engine R9M wear of the inner CV joint appears earlier due to increased torque. Critical moment - when a crunching sound is heard even with a smooth start. This means that the CV joint separator is already destroyed, and further operation may lead to jamming of the drive.
⚠️ Attention: If on your Qashqai a crunching sound appears when turning the wheels in place (for example, when parking), the problem is most likely external CV joint. The internal CV joint produces sounds mainly when moving in a straight line under load.
- Less than a month
- 1-3 months
- More than 6 months
- Haven't encountered it yet
The design of the internal CV joint: how it differs from the external one
Inner CV joint on Nissan Qashqai J11 has tripoid design (as opposed to a ball outer CV joint). It consists of:
- 🔄 Housings with three slots for rollers.
- 🛑 Tripod bearing with needle rollers (the most vulnerable element).
- 🔗 Retaining ring, fixing the bearing in the housing.
- 🛢️ Lubricants based on molybdenum (original
Nissan CV Joint Grease).
Feature of the internal CV joint Qashqai J11 - he compensates axial movements of the drive when the suspension is operating. That is why its wear is often accompanied play in the longitudinal direction. The outer CV joint, on the contrary, is responsible for transmitting torque during angular displacements (wheel turns).
| Characteristics | Inner CV joint | External CV joint |
|---|---|---|
| Construction type | Tripoid | Ball (Rtseppa) |
| Basic load | Axial movements | Angular offsets |
| Signs of wear | Crunch during acceleration, vibration | Clicking noises when turning |
| Service life (original) | 120-180 thousand km | 150-200 thousand km |
On all-wheel drive versions of the Qashqai J11, internal CV joints wear out 20-30% faster due to additional load from the system ALL MODE 4x4. In this case, the left and right sides may fail unevenly - it all depends on the driving style and the condition of the roads.
Diagnostics of the inner CV joint without a lift
Check the condition of the inner CV joint Nissan Qashqai J11 possible without visiting a service station, using simple tests. The main thing is rule out other possible causes (hub bearings, engine mounts, external CV joint). Here is a step-by-step algorithm:
- Crunch test under load:
- 🚗 Start the car and drive away slowly.
- 🔊 Listen to the sounds from the front wheels. There will be a crunching sound from the inner CV joint dull and rhythmic, intensifying when you press the gas.
- 🔄 Repeat the test in reverse gear - the sound should appear symmetrically.
- Backlash check:
- 🔧 Jack up the front wheel (be sure to secure the car!).
- 🖐️ Grasp the internal drive joint (next to the box) with your hands and try to move it along the axis.
- ⚠️ Play more than 0.5 mm is a sign tripoid bearing wear.
- Visual inspection:
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the boot. Even a small crack allows dirt and accelerated wear of the CV joint.
- 🛢️ If you can see under the dust cover black or gray grease (instead of the yellowish original) - the CV joint is already damaged.
On Qashqai J11 with engine MR20DD (2.0L) inner CV joints are more vulnerable due to increased torque. If during diagnostics you find play, but there is no crunch yet, this is "bell" about a quick replacement. You can operate a car in this condition for no more than 1-2 thousand km.
On all-wheel drive versions Qashqai J11 When diagnosing internal CV joints, be sure to check the condition transfer case (PTU). Wear of its bearings can give similar symptoms (vibration at speed).
Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues
When replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai J11 owners have three options: original parts, analogues from well-known brands and budget substitutes. Let's look at the pros and cons of each:
| Part type | Article | Pros | Cons | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (Nissan) | 39310-4M000 (right), 39310-4M001 (left) |
100% compatibility, high-quality lubricant, 2-year warranty | High price (from RUB 8,000 per side) | 150-200 thousand km |
| GKN (Loebro) | DS1139 (set) |
The quality is not inferior to the original, often delivered to the conveyor | Price ~6,500 rub. per side | 130-180 thousand km |
| SKF | VKJA 6610 |
Improved boots, good lubrication | Rarely found in stores | 120-160 thousand km |
| Budget analogues (Febi, Metelli) | Febi 39310, Metelli 18-39310 |
Price from 3,000 rub. | Low resource, often counterfeited | 50-100 thousand km |
For Qashqai J11 with all-wheel drive (ALL MODE 4x4) it is recommended to install only original CV joints or GKN. The fact is that the all-wheel drive system creates additional load on the tripod bearings, and budget analogues simply cannot withstand such conditions.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a CV joint, be sure to check thread direction on drive nut. On Qashqai J11 left and right sides have different threads (left - reverse)! Installing the wrong CV joint will cause it to unscrew itself while driving.
The part number must match the side (left/right)|Check the integrity of the boot and the presence of lubrication|Make sure that the retaining ring is included|Check the direction of the thread on the drive nut-->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the inner CV joint
Replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai J11 requires removal of the drive, so you can’t do without a pit or a lift. If you have a front-wheel drive version, the process will take ~3 hours; on all-wheel drive (4WD) you will need to additionally drain the oil from PTU (transfer case).
Required tools:
- 🔧 32 mm socket (for the hub nut).
- 🔧 14 mm head (CV joint bolts to the box).
- 🔧 Retaining ring remover.
- 🔧 Crowbar and hammer (for removing the drive).
- 🛠️ Torque wrench (hub nut tightening torque - 210-250 N m).
Work order:
- Removing the wheel and brake disc:
- 🚗 Jack up the car, remove the wheel.
- 🔧 Unscrew the two bolts securing the brake caliper (
17 mm) and hang it on a wire. - 🔧 Remove the brake disc (bolts
14 mm).
- Unscrewing the hub nut:
- 🔧 While the car is on its wheels, loosen the hub nut (
32 mm). - ⚠️ After removing the wheel, unscrew the nut completely. Be careful - the drive may fall out!
- 🔧 While the car is on its wheels, loosen the hub nut (
- Removing the drive:
- 🔧 Unscrew the three bolts securing the inner CV joint to the box (
14 mm). - 🔨 Carefully pry the drive with a pry bar and pull it out of the box. On all-wheel drive versions, first remove the driveshaft from
PTU.
- 🔧 Unscrew the three bolts securing the inner CV joint to the box (
- Replacing the CV joint:
- 🔧 Using a puller, remove the retaining ring from the tripoid bearing.
- 🔨 Use a hammer to knock down the old CV joint through a wooden spacer.
- 🛠️ Install a new CV joint, first applying grease to the tripoid bearing.
- 🔧 Secure with a locking ring (it should click!).
- Assembly:
- 🔧 Install the drive in place, tighten the mounting bolts to the box (torque 40-50 Nm).
- 🔧 Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (210-250 Nm).
- 🚗 Ride 10-15 km and check for absence of vibrations.
On all-wheel drive Qashqai J11, after replacing the CV joint, be sure to check the oil level in the transfer case (PTU). Insufficient filling or leakage through the drive seals can lead to failure of the entire system. ALL MODE 4x4.
What to do if the CV joint is not removed from the shaft?
If the inner CV joint is stuck to the shaft, do not hit it directly with a hammer - this will damage the tripoid bearing. Use a puller or heat the CV joint housing with a hair dryer (up to 100°C). After heating, gently knock it through the soft spacer.
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai J11, which leads to its premature failure. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Incorrect installation of the retaining ring:
If the ring does not snap into the groove, the tripoid bearing will play, which will lead to its destruction within 1-2 thousand km. Always check that the ring is secure after installation!
- 🛢️ Using the wrong lubricant:
Regular
Litol-24orCV joint-4don't fit! You need special lubricant for tripod CV joints (for example,Nissan CV Joint GreaseorMolykote BR2 Plus). - 🔩 Retightening the hub nut:
Tightening torque - 210-250 Nm. Exceeding will lead to destruction of the hub bearing, and under-tensioning will lead to wheel play.
- 🚗 Ignoring boot check:
Even a new CV joint will quickly fail if the boot is damaged or incorrectly installed. Check it for creases and microcracks!
On Qashqai J11 with engine HR16DE (1.6 l) a common problem self-unscrewing the nuts securing the CV joint to the box. This occurs due to engine vibrations. The solution is to use nuts with nylon inserts or apply Loctite 243 on the thread.
The most critical mistake is skimping on lubrication. Without proper lubrication, the tripod bearing of the inner CV joint wears out 3-5 times faster, even if the CV joint itself is new.
Cost of service replacement vs self-repair
The price of replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai J11 in service depends on the type of drive and region. Here are the approximate prices:
| Type of work | Front wheel drive (2WD) | Four-wheel drive (4WD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of spare parts (1 side) | from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles. | from 4,000 to 10,000 rubles. |
| Service work (1 side) | 2,500 - 4,000 rub. | 4,000 - 6,000 rub. |
| Drain/fill PTU oil (4WD only) | — | 1,500 - 2,500 rub. |
| Total (1 side) | 5,500 - 12,000 rub. | 9,500 - 18,500 rub. |
Replacing it yourself will cost less, but will require:
- 🛠️ Tools (torque wrench, circlip remover).
- 🕒 Time (~3-5 hours for a beginner).
- 🔧 Skills in working with transmissions (especially on 4WD versions).
On all-wheel drive Qashqai J11 Savings on service can turn out to be expensive PTU repairsif, when replacing the CV joint, the transfer case seals are damaged. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the inner CV joint Nissan Qashqai J11
Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?
For a short time (1-2 thousand km) - yes, but only if the crunching noise appears only during a sharp start. If the sound is constant or accompanied by vibration, the CV joint may jam on the move, which will lead to an accident. On all-wheel drive versions, driving with a faulty CV joint is also dangerous. transfer case damage.
Which CV joint fails more often - left or right?
On Qashqai J11 with right steering (e.g. Japanese versions) wears out more often left CV joint due to greater load when cornering. On European versions (left-hand drive) there is no difference, but on all-wheel drive models right CV joint may wear out faster due to the way the system operates ALL MODE 4x4.
Is it necessary to change the oil in the box after replacing the CV joint?
If the replacement took place without removing the box, no. But if during the repair process dirt or particles of an old CV joint get into the transmission (for example, when unscrewing the fastening bolts), it is recommended partial oil change (drain ~1.5 liters and add a new one). For Qashqai J11 with variator (JF016E) use NS-3, for mechanics (RS6F94R) — MT-XZ.
Is it possible to restore the inner CV joint (for example, replace the lubricant)?
Theoretically yes, but inappropriate. The tripod bearing and CV joint housing wear unevenly, and even after replacing the lubricant, the service life of the restored CV joint will not exceed 20-30 thousand km. The exception is if the boot has recently torn, and dirt has not had time to get into the CV joint. In this case, it is enough to wash the part with kerosene and apply new lubricant.
Why did vibration remain after replacing the CV joint?
The reasons may be as follows:
- 🔧 The hub nut is not tightened correctly (check the torque - 210-250 Nm).
- 🚗 The splines on the drive shaft are damaged (the shaft needs to be inspected for burrs).
- 🔄 Wheel imbalance (balance the wheel after replacing).
- 🛢️ In a box or
PTUoil with metal shavings has entered (flushing is required).