How to replace the inner CV joint on a Nissan Qashqai: step-by-step instructions with photos and videos

Internal CV joint (constant velocity joint) on Nissan Qashqai - one of the most loaded elements of the transmission, especially if the car is operated in urban mode with frequent turns or off-road. Wear of this part is manifested by a characteristic crunch when starting from a stop, vibrations at speed, or even jamming of the drive. Unlike the external CV joint, the internal one is located closer to the gearbox and requires more labor-intensive replacement.

If you notice the first symptoms of a malfunction, you cannot delay repairs: a damaged CV joint can block the drive wheel while driving, which can lead to an accident. In car services for replacing the internal CV joint with Qashqai they ask for from 8 to 15 thousand rubles (depending on the region and model), but if you have the tools and minimal skills, you can do the work yourself. This article contains detailed instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique nuances for Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) and J11 (2014–2021), which you will not find in standard manuals.

Signs of a faulty internal CV joint on a Nissan Qashqai

The inner CV joint fails less often than the outer one, but its wear is more dangerous. Main symptoms:

• 🔊 Crunching or clicking noise when starting off, especially under load (for example, when climbing a hill). The sound may disappear after overclocking.
• 🌀 Vibration on the body when driving at a speed of 60–90 km/h, which disappears when braking or accelerating.
• 🚗 Jerks when shifting gears (especially from 1st to 2nd), if the CV joint is already very worn.
• 🔧 Backlash in the drive, which can be felt by shaking the wheel with your hands (with the car hanging).

On Nissan Qashqai J11 with the system All Mode 4×4-i a faulty inner CV joint can cause false positive all-wheel drive error (code C1105 or C1110). This is due to the fact that a worn joint creates additional resistance, which the ECU perceives as a clutch failure.

⚠️ Attention! If the crunching noise is heard only when turning, the problem is most likely related to external CV joint. The inner hinge crunches when straight motion or small steering angles.

For an accurate diagnosis:

1. Raise the front of the car on a lift or jacks.
2. Start the engine, engage 1st gear and drive away slowly, observing the drive.
3. If the CV joint is faulty, you will see shaft runout or hear a metallic knock.

Tools and replacement parts

To replace the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai you will need:

The cost of the original CV joint for Qashqai - from 12 to 18 thousand rubles. Analogues from GKN or SKF will cost 6–10 thousand. Boot with clamps - about 1 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention! On Nissan Qashqai J11 with engines 1.6 dCi (R9M) And 2.0 (MR20DD) Inner CV joints have different shaft lengths. Check the article by VIN code!

Additionally you may need:

• 🔧 WD-40 or liquid key - for unscrewing stuck bolts.
• 🧴 Grease for CV joints (For example, Molykote BR2 Plus).
• 🛠️ Torque wrench — for correct tightening of the hub nut (torque 250–280 Nm).

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Before purchasing a CV joint, check it for play: take the joint by the shaft and swing it in different directions. Even minimal play is a reason to refuse the purchase.

Preparing the car for repair

It is more convenient to replace the inner CV joint on lift, but you can get by with jacks with reliable stops. The main thing is to provide access to the drive and gearbox.

Preparation procedure:

1. Place the car on a level surface, tighten the handbrake and place chocks under the rear wheels.
2. Loosen the hub nut before hanging the wheel (it is tightened with a large torque!).
3. Jack up the front end and remove the wheel.
4. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (for safety when working with the electrical connectors of the ABS sensors).

On Nissan Qashqai J11 with the system Around View Monitor Before removing the wheel, it is necessary to dismantle the camera in the wheel arch so as not to damage it. The camera is secured with two turnkey bolts T20.

Loosen the hub nut|Disconnect the battery terminal|Remove the wheel|Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped)|Mark the position of the ball joint bolts-->

Step-by-step replacement of the inner CV joint

The process of replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai includes several key steps. Let's look at them in detail.

1. Removing the drive shaft

To get to the inner CV joint, you need to remove the entire drive shaft:

1. Unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque: 250–280 Nm).
2. Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle (use a puller or pry bar).
3. Press the splined part of the shaft out of the hub. To do this, you can use a hammer with a wooden spacer.
4. Remove the shaft from the gearbox. On Qashqai with variator JF016E To do this, you will need to pry off the inner CV joint with a pry bar.

On Nissan Qashqai J10 with manual transmission FS6R31A The inner CV joint is secured with a retaining ring. To remove it, you will need a special puller or a flat-head screwdriver.

2. Disassembly and replacement of the CV joint

Once the shaft is removed, you can begin replacing the hinge:

1. Remove the clamps and cut off the old boot (if it is torn, it will still have to be replaced).
2. Clamp the shaft in a vice through soft spacers (so as not to damage the splines).
3. Knock down the inner CV joint retaining ring and remove it from the shaft.
4. Install a new CV joint, first applying lubricant to the splines and balls.
5. Put on the new boot and secure it with clamps.

Important! On Qashqai J11 the inner CV joint has plastic protective cover, which is easy to break if dismantled carelessly. If it is damaged, it also needs to be replaced (part number: 39327-4M000).

3. Reinstalling the shaft

Assembly is performed in reverse order, but there are several nuances:

• 🔧 Before installing the shaft into the box, check the integrity drive oil seal (item: 38345-4M000). If it leaks, replace it.
• 🛠️Tighten the hub nut only with the car lowered (otherwise the bearing will fail).
• 🔄 After replacing the CV joint, be sure to check wheel angle (wheel alignment).

What should I do if the shaft does not fit into the box?

If the drive shaft does not sit in place, check:

1. Correct installation of the retaining ring on the new CV joint.

2. Alignment of the splines of the shaft and box (sometimes a slight rocking of the shaft left and right helps).

3. Presence of dirt in the seat of the box (wipe with a rag).

If the problem remains, the box flange may be deformed (diagnostics at the service center is required).

Typical mistakes when replacing a CV joint

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to the rapid failure of a new CV joint. Here are the most common:

• 🔨 Improper torque of the hub nut — if you overtighten, the bearing will start to hum; If you don't tighten it enough, the wheel will play.
• 🧴 Saving on lubrication - without high-quality lubrication (for example, Molykote) The CV joint will last 2–3 times less.
• 🔧 Boot damage during installation, even a small crack will lead to dirt getting in and rapid wear.
• 🚗 Ignoring checking the box seal - if it leaks, oil will get onto the new CV joint and destroy it.

On Nissan Qashqai J11 with variator JF017E common mistake - incorrect installation of the plastic cover internal CV joint. If it is skewed, it will begin to rub against the shaft, making a squeaking sound when moving.

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the CV joint, avoid sudden starts and driving through deep puddles for the first 500 km - this will help the new parts “get used to” and prevent water from getting under the boot.

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The main rule when replacing a CV joint is cleanliness! Getting even fine dirt or sand inside the hinge reduces its service life by 5–10 times.

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

Prices for replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Qashqai vary depending on region and type of service:

Service type	Cost of work (rub.)	Cost of spare parts (RUB)	Total (RUB)
Official dealer	12 000–15 000	15,000–18,000 (original)	27 000–33 000
Independent service	6 000–8 000	8,000–12,000 (analog)	14 000–20 000
On your own	0	6 000–10 000	6 000–10 000

Self-replacement allows you to save up to 70% of the cost, but takes time (on average 4-6 hours for a beginner). If you do not have experience working with walkers and gearboxes, it is better to contact a service center - errors when replacing a CV joint can be more expensive.

On Nissan Qashqai J10 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, when replacing a CV joint, it is often recommended to simultaneously change wheel bearing (item: 40520-4M000) and drive seal, since their resource is approximately the same.

How to extend the life of a new CV joint

So that the inner CV joint is on Nissan Qashqai lasted longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🚗 Avoid abrupt starts with the wheels turned out (especially on ice or snow).
• 🔧 Check the anthers every 10–15 thousand km. Even a small crack is a reason for replacement.
• 🛣️ Don't ignore the vibrations - they can signal the beginning of wear.
• 🧴 Use quality lubricant (For example, Molykote BR2 Plus or Loctite LB 8106).

On Qashqai J11 with the system All Mode 4×4-i Internal CV joints experience increased load when all-wheel drive is activated. If you often drive off-road, reduce the interval for checking the joints to 60–70 thousand km.

It is also worth paying attention to condition of gearbox seals. If they leak oil, it will get to the CV joint and destroy it several thousand kilometers away. A sign of a problem is oil streaks on the boot or box.

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After replacing the CV joint, apply silicone grease to its boot (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett). This will protect the rubber from cracking and extend its service life.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a CV joint on a Nissan Qashqai

Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?

It’s possible for the short term, but it’s not worth the risk. A worn CV joint can lock up while driving, leading to loss of control. If the crunching noise is only heard when you touch it, you have 1-2 weeks to replace it. If it is permanent, change it immediately.

Which CV joint is better to install: original or analogue?

Original CV joints (Nissan) last longer (100–150 thousand km), but are expensive. Analogues from GKN or SKF cheaper, but their service life is 60–80 thousand km. For Qashqai J11 with a CVT it is better to take the original, since analog CV joints can cause vibrations.

Is it necessary to change the oil in the box after replacing the CV joint?

If the gearbox is manual or CVT, and the oil has not been changed for more than 60 thousand km, yes. When replacing the CV joint, some of the oil leaks out and its level drops. On Nissan Qashqai J10 with manual transmission FS6R31A after replacing the drive, it is recommended to check the oil level and add if necessary (volume - 2.3 l, type - API GL-4 75W-80).

Is it possible to replace only the boot without touching the CV joint?

Theoretically, it is possible, but only if the CV joint is in perfect condition (no play, crunching or corrosion). Practice shows that after depressurization of the boot, sand and moisture have already entered the hinge, so it is better to change the entire assembly.

Why did vibration appear after replacing the CV joint?

The reasons may be different:

• Improper balancing of the drive shaft (on Qashqai J11 this is a common problem).
• The hub bearing is damaged (it could have been touched when removing the shaft).
• Insufficient tightening of the hub nut.
• Defective new CV joint (found in cheap analogues).

You need to remove the wheel and check all the elements.