Inner CV joint (constant velocity joint) on Nissan X-Trail T31 - one of the most loaded elements of the transmission, especially if the car is operated in off-road conditions or with frequent sudden starts. Wear of this unit is manifested by a characteristic crunch when turning or starting, and ignoring the problem can lead to разрушению приводного вала and expensive repairs. In this article we will look at how to diagnose a malfunction, select a quality spare part and заменить внутренний ШРУС своими руками, saving on the service station.
Feature X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) is that its drive shafts have a unique design for attaching the inner CV joint to the gearbox - used here bolted connection, а не шлицевое, как на многих других автомобилях. This simplifies replacement, but requires precise tightening torques and the use of special tools. We will look at all stages in detail: from preparation to final inspection, and also reveal the secret of proper lubrication of the CV joint, which will extend its service life by 30–40%.
Признаки неисправности внутреннего ШРУСа на Nissan X-Trail T31
Unlike the outer CV joint, which crunches when turning, the inner joint T31 manifests itself differently. Main symptoms:
- 🔊 Crunching or clicking noise при трогании с места или резком ускорении (даже на прямой). The sound may come from the gearbox.
- 🌀 Vibration at speeds of 40–60 km/h, which disappears during acceleration or braking. Often confused with wheel imbalance.
- 🛑 Jerks when shifting gears (especially from 1st to 2nd), if the CV joint is already very worn.
- 💧 Lubricant leaks on the boot or near the place where the shaft is attached to the gearbox - a sign of damage to the protective cover.
On X-Trail T31 With all-wheel drive (4WD), the inner CV joints wear out faster due to the constant load on the front axle. Critical moment - when a crunching sound is heard even with a smooth start. In this case, replacement is required immediately, since bearing debris can damage the gearbox.
⚠️ Attention! If cracks appear on the CV boot, but there is no crunch yet, this does not mean that the unit is working properly. Dirt that gets inside will accelerate wear by 2-3 times. Boot necessarily менять вместе с ШРУСом, даже если он выглядит целым.
- Every 10,000 km
- Only when a crunch appears
- Never checked
- I trust service station diagnostics
What tools and spare parts will be needed
To replace the inner CV joint with Nissan X-Trail T31 you will need:
| Category | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | 17 mm head (deep) | To loosen the hub nut |
| Tools | 10 mm socket wrench | Для болтов крепления ШРУСа к КПП |
| Tools | Mount or puller | Для выпрессовки вала из ступицы |
| Consumables | New inner CV joint | Original Nissan 39310-4M000 or analogues GKN, Febi, SKF |
| Consumables | CV joint boot with clamps | The kit, for example, Nissan 39370-4M000 |
| Consumables | Grease for CV joints | Литол-24 или специализированная Molykote BR2 Plus |
При выборе ШРУСа обращайте внимание на number of splines - on X-Trail T31 a shaft with 26 splines (inner CV joint) and 27 splines (external). Also check availability retaining ring included - some non-original spare parts do not have it, which leads to play.
Before purchasing a CV joint, measure the length of the old shaft from the center of the inner joint to the center of the outer joint. On T31 she must be 580–585 mm. Даже небольшое отклонение приведёт к вибрациям.
Подготовка автомобиля: снятие приводного вала
Чтобы добраться до внутреннего ШРУСа, необходимо демонтировать приводной вал. Procedure:
- Jack up the car and remove the front wheel from the replacement side. Be sure to install chocks under the rear wheels and a safety stand under the sill.
- Unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque -
250–270 Nm). If it does not give in, use a wrench extension or heat the nut with a hair dryer. - Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle (2 bolts of 14 mm) and move the rack to the side.
- Press the shaft out of the hub using a mount. Be careful not to damage the gearbox seal!
- Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the inner CV joint to the gearbox differential (10 mm socket). It may be necessary to keep the shaft from turning.
After removing the shaft don't drop it - this may damage the spline joint. Also pay attention to the condition gearbox oil seal: if there are traces of grease on it, it also needs to be replaced (part number - Nissan 38345-4M000).
The wheel has been removed and the stops have been installed|The hub nut has been unscrewed (250–270 Nm)|The ball joint has been disconnected|A tool has been prepared for pressing out the shaft|The gearbox seal has been checked for leaks-->
Замена внутреннего ШРУСа: пошаговая инструкция
Now we move on to the main stage - replacing the hinge. It is important to be consistent and use only new clamps for the boot.
- Remove the old boot from the shaft by cutting the clamps. If the grease inside is black or contains metal particles, the CV joint must be replaced.
- Knock off the retaining ring from the shaft (use a chisel or a special puller). Be careful not to damage the splines.
- Put on a new boot onto the shaft and move it to the side. Don't forget to put on the small collar!
- Install a new CV joint onto the shaft until it stops, then secure it with the locking ring. Check that the hinge is not loose.
- Apply lubricant (about 80–100 g) inside the boot and on the hinge. Use only specialized lubricant — Litol or solid oil are not suitable!
- Secure the boot clamps, making sure that it is not twisted. Excess air inside must be squeezed out.
Critical point: when installing the CV joint on the shaft, do not use a hammer - only a press or a soft metal mandrel. Impacts can damage the hinge separator, which will lead to its rapid failure.
How to check the play of a new CV joint before installation?
Before installation, take the CV joint in your hand and swing it in different planes. Allowable play is no more than 0.5 mm. If the hinge “dangles” or makes clicking noises, it is defective. Also inspect the boot for microcracks (sometimes even new parts have them).
Shaft installation and final check
After replacing the CV joint, reassemble everything in the reverse order:
- Install the shaft into the gearbox and secure it with three bolts (tightening torque -
40–50 Nm). - Insert the splined end of the shaft into the hub and install the nut.
- Attach the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
- Tighten the hub nut only after lowering the car to the ground (moment -
250–270 Nm).
After assembly, take a test drive:
- 🚗 Drive in a straight line at a speed of 20–40 km/h, listening to extraneous sounds.
- 🔄 Drive sharply 2-3 times - there should be no crunch.
- 🌀 Make left-right turns at minimum speed (check the outer CV joint for comparison).
⚠️ Attention! If after replacement a vibration appears at a speed of 80+ km/h, most likely a CV joint with the wrong shaft length was installed or the balance was upset. In this case, repeated disassembly and checking of the drive shaft geometry is required.
The main rule after replacing the CV joint is to avoid sudden starts and off-road driving for the first 100 km. This will allow the new lubricant to be evenly distributed inside the joint.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when replacing a CV joint with Nissan X-Trail T31. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Using an old retaining ring — it is deformed when removed and does not fix the CV joint properly.
- 🛠️ Insufficient lubrication — saving 20–30 g of lubricant reduces the life of the CV joint by 20–30%.
- 🔩 Retightening the bolts for the gearbox - moment more
50 Nmmay strip the threads in the differential. - 🌀 Ignoring check of the gearbox seal - if it leaks, the new CV joint will quickly become clogged with dirt.
Another typical problem is mixed up right and left shafts. On X-Trail T31 they are visually similar, but have different lengths and bending angles. The right shaft (passenger side) is 10–15 mm shorter than the left one. Make sure you install the part on the correct side!
FAQ: answers to popular questions
Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint if it hasn't fallen apart?
No, it's dangerous. The crunch means that the hinge bearings are already being destroyed, and at any moment the CV joint can jam. On X-Trail T31 this can cause damage to the gearbox, as debris gets into the differential. The maximum mileage with such symptoms is 200–300 km (to the service station).
Which CV joint is better to choose: original or analogue?
Original Nissan 39310-4M000 lasts longer (100–150 thousand km), but costs 2–3 times more than analogues. Good alternatives:
- GKN (Loebro) 501543 — high quality, resource 80–100 thousand km.
- Febi 28365 - a budget option, but requires frequent checking.
- SKF VKJA 6635 — optimal price/quality balance.
Avoid cheap Chinese brands - their CV joints rarely last more than 30 thousand km.
Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil after replacing the CV joint?
If no dirt or metal particles got into the box during replacement, no. But if you removed the drive shaft and noticed that the gearbox oil is black or has metal shavings, oil change is required. For X-Trail T31 Suitable with manual transmission Nissan MT-XZ 75W-80 (3.2 l), for automatic transmission - Nissan Matic S (8–9 l depending on model).
Is it possible to replace only the boot without touching the CV joint?
Theoretically it is possible, but only if:
- The CV joint does not make a crunch and has no play;
- The grease inside is clean (no metal particles);
- The boot was damaged by less than 30% and it was possible to remove it without damaging the CV joint.
In practice, after depressurization of the boot, dirt gets inside, and even if the CV joint is now working normally, its service life is reduced by 2-3 times. We recommend replacing the hinge together with the boot.
How long does it take to replace a CV joint on a T31?
If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours to one side. Beginners may need 3-4 hours, especially if the hub nut is stuck. Advice: if you have never done such repairs, it is better to practice disassembling or watch a video with a specific model X-Trail T31, since there are nuances with attaching the shaft to the gearbox.