Fixing Nissan Leaf clicking noise / Nissan Leaf clunk noise

[@joehill-creative1574]

Thanks for posting this! Very methodical and clear. Was helpful to see the process for revealing all of the outer driveshaft splines to make sure they're well coated. Has got rid of the sound for me on my E-nv200 (same front axle as a Leaf) A couple of tips/observations from doing it myself to add to the hive mind: 1. You don't need to remove the track rod end from the hub carrier. You can pivot the hub carrier enough with just the lower control arm removed in order to slide the driveshaft end out of the hub. 2. Tip for getting the lower control arm ball joint out of the split part of the hub carrier, I found turning the wheel so the front end of the hub is pointing most away from the vehicle gives you best clearance to hammer a cold chisel, or large screwdriver in the gap that you need to wedge open before you can pull the control arm ball joint out. (It was still a wrestle though!) 3. I had seen on multiple forums about an updated reccomended torque spec of 200nm for these hub nuts since Nissan discovered the common issue with them. It seems like the nut cover and split pin setup also just allows for a bit too much slack on the nut that it could easily back off over time, so will try to remember to routinely check it. Hope these tips are helpful for folks but thanks again for making the vid, was super appreciated! 😊

[@kennethrobertson1733]

Fantastic video, thank you very much for going through the trouble of uploading this and showing the process. As a Nissan Leaf owner I'm very happy you're showing how to make these repairs.

[@AndrewFixes]

That's great to hear Kenneth, thank you very much for taking the time to say so.

[@naeemmisr]

​@@AndrewFixes hi andrew ,had a 2016 leaf for few years and getting that horrible clicking but also the steering wheel is kind of sticking ,catches and then releases .Got me worried now . What do you think ?

[@paulchurch3444]

Really impressed with how identified the problem, structured the repair and kept it clear and understandable Great job!

[@AndrewFixes]

That's great to hear Paul, thanks very much.

[@sweetiemcgee]

Comparing whats in the technical bulletin, it looks like you went above and beyond what's needed. Removing the lock nut is all that's needed. I would have no confidence I could put the parts back together if I followed your way lol. I can see how your way will probably keep the clicking from coming back sooner since you were able to see and lube the entire driveshaft evenly.

[@Rishhhahh]

Oh my god! Finally a video showing what has been on both my Nissans for years! My mechanic friend had no clue what the issue is and I finally have a solution and I can do it myself.

[@AndrewFixes]

Great to hear, very pleased it was useful for you!

[@Nibott]

Thank you for this video!! And Steve thank you for sharing the TSB. Just fixed my 2013 leaf front left wheel clicking noise - was so annoying! Click click click all day long every day - followed the TSB shared by Steve (so less work than the video)…put on a new nut and washer (didn’t have a washer 🤔 but tsb that Steve shared called for it) and the moly77 grease on both wheel side and inner side of hub after tapping the driveshaft out an inch or so. Ordered an ounce of the moly 77 grease and that was more than enough. No more clicks! I can’t tell you how relieved I am. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video.

[@AndrewFixes]

My pleasure, thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience. I'm glad you managed to get it fixed - It's really satisfying to get rid of the clicks!

[@ajcaine]

Confirming that I do have a bodging screwdriver! The end has been repeatedly modified and reshaped over the years to suit particular bodges as needed. Thank you for the super-informative content and meticulous care and attention to detail.

[@AndrewFixes]

Thank you for such great feedback, and of course I'm very pleased to hear about your bodging screwdriver 😁

[@aly-b884]

Had this problem on my 40kwh leaf which was repaired under warranty.Handy to see how this is done for future reference.Well done. Update,traded in my 40kwh for a 62kwh Leaf,low and behold the same problem arose. Had the dealer repair it under warranty,10 days later the problem has returned,will be three weeks before they can look at it.Some you win......

[@AndrewFixes]

Thanks very much 👍

[@timw1971]

Excellent video. I have to have this procedure on my Leaf (2021 e+, 26k miles). Still under warranty, so no cost to me, but I did wonder what they were going to do to my car. Now I know!

[@brunocerous]

Thank you for posting this repair. I’m planning to replace the control arms, but it’s always good to know what else I might need to do in the future.

[@markstevens2937]

Well done. I also had this problem and had it fixed under warranty.

[@AndrewFixes]

Thank you! Sorry to hear you had the same thing - it seems to be really common.

[@stevehackett6782]

Great video. Nissan TSB just says to remove pin and nut and knock driveshaft back a little, coat hub bearing surface with M77. Then new washer, nut, pin and torque down hub nut. Might be worth trying that first.

[@AndrewFixes]

Thanks for your comment and the information. I tried to find the TSB before doing the repair but could only find references to it rather than the original document. I suspect the noise will come back at some point as the lubricant spins away and the nut loosens, so I'll try this approach if/when it does. Cheers

[@stevehackett6782]

@@AndrewFixes yes it feels like maybe bi annual maintenance for this doesn't it? Do wonder if threadlock on hub nut would help, but if the slack is mainly caused by the exit of the grease as you say that might not help.

[@stevehackett6782]

Google ntb12-055g for TSB.

[@AndrewFixes]

Thanks Steve

[@Nibott]

Thank you for sharing the TSB, finally no more clicks on my 13 leaf.

[@Thorned_Rose]

FYI: here's the Nissan Service Bulletin for this issue: static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10199148-0001.pdf

[@giorgiorigo5193]

Grazie 🙏 per il tuo video.Ho una leaf 40kwh da 2 anni e mi fa lo stesso click . Al prossimo tagliando faccio fare il lavoro in concessionaria, sperando che me lo risolvano per sempre.Nissan non ha ancora risolto il problema sulle macchine nuove.😡😡

[@AndrewFixes]

No problem. Sorry to hear the newer Leafs / Leaves also have this problem. I hope the dealer manages to fix it for you when you take it for service.

[@videoswitch]

I have a 2020 Leaf SL Plus with only 8,000 miles on it, and we've started hearing this sound more and more lately. I'm going to bring it in to Nissan and hopefully get it covered under warranty.

[@benclark1423]

Just had mine done: 2018 with around 21,000 miles and I’m the second owner. Covered under Nissan’s powertrain warranty. Didn’t cost me a dime.

[@videoswitch]

@@benclark1423 Good deal -- same here. The repair seems trivial (new axle nuts and some grease), but it's quiet once again.

[@ercost60]

Nice! I gotta do this soon on my 2014. I like your suggestion at 2:16 to disconnect at the shock instead of messing with the pinch bolt.

[@thisislogout]

Great video. I would have liked more explanation of the hammering on the socket while performing that part. Thanks.

[@joshuaknight1748]

Agree on the pickle fork - never successfully used one. I put a drift on the top and hammered downwards with the arm supported from underneath.

[@AndrewFixes]

Thanks for sharing that tip 👍

[@kennycole8435]

Thanks This really fixed my problem I was wondering if it was going to really work that simple and didn't want to try it And it works. Cool thanks again.

[@kimbo1966]

Why did you take off the lower ball joint ? Drive shaft comes out with it still attached I find

[@coolrig]

I wonder if using loctite on the axle threads would solve the loosening axle nut issue.

[@rjsc]

All understood but one thing: why do we have to put a new nut? Does the old one get any kind of damage?

[@AndrewFixes]

A good question. The Nissan factory manual suggests a new nut should be used each time. A cynical viewpoint on this would be that it is to earn more money for the parts supply side of the business. Often where this is specified, it is because the original fastener will / may have become stretched or deformed during the first installation. The best example of this is cylinder head bolts, or maybe the driveshaft bolt on VWs, which in some cases is torqued and then angle tightened. Having done the job, my gut feel is that the Leaf driveshaft nut isn't tight enough to become deformed on installation, but maybe there's something else I'm not aware of that would warrant a new nut each time.

[@thisislogout]

How many hours were required to do this whole job? Great video! Thanks from California!

[@KjetilBalstad]

I would follow this procedure and not loosen at the shock absorber, but to loosen the suspension arm you'll just have to use brute force. A heavy crowbar or hammer, an ordinary light hammer usually won't do, and just give it several hard hits, and it'll loosen.

[@DD-gp4gs]

Hi Andrew, where did you get your axle nut etc? Thanks for the vid

[@ua420]

Had same issue with 2019 ZE1. Paid about 100EUR to dealer shop to fix it. They charged for nut about 10x of price it could be bought for online.

[@zactheking321]

Hi mate good video thanks have just brought a 2011 model has the click but also has a slight clink if you turn the steering wheel to the right slightly when stationary? Yours made the same noise at the end of the video just as you set off I think it might be top suspension mount so have ordered one?

[@stevefitzgeraldportfitter3954]

It was the top mount bearing in the end.

[@seethecityCLE]

Has the problem returned back to you?

[@williammain3247]

Agreed. I had a 2016 I put 35,000 miles on and never had this problem. My 2018 just started at 52,000 miles. I am wondering if a proper fix will last another 52,000 or does it need to be done every tire rotation after it starts (YIKES!). So much for saving on oil changes.

[@lookoutleo]

Very interesting if it happens on my LEAF then I'll know where to look. I look underneath my car and I'm not quite sure where I should jack it. Normally I would Jack on chassis points but leaf has the battery and cover over those. Can you post photos of the 4 corner jack points with my trolley jack. Also have you had any trouble with your wiper motor?

[@saitamabeach2200]

Awesome how-to video, cheers. I also have recently got a squeaky/creaking noise from the front whenever I slowly drive over a speed hump, anyone have any ideas? Sway bar bushes, or something?

[@johnspitta6725]

Great video! Thanks! Question to the inter webs... What if I just don't do this? I mean, my wife hasn't heard it yet. :)

[@stevehackett6782]

Check the video, 12:55. If you leave it loose chances are your driveshaft splines will start to progressively wear, probably meaning at best the noise will get worse over time at worst I don't know what it would eventually do to the driveshaft splines. FWIW Nissan only charged me one hours labour, about 100 GBP. Just take the TSB in with you (see my other post)

[@nicsyourbuddy6291]

So theoretically you could just tighten it it and live with the noise?

[@nicsyourbuddy6291]

So theoretically you could just tighten it it and live with the noise?

[@brianfordyce5346]

Not sure you should grease the splines this will permit the splints to move so the click will return. Recommend a locktite bearing fit to fix the splines in the hub. No click

[@AndrewFixes]

I see what you mean, I was trying to (more or less) follow the factory procedure, but that doesn't mean it is the best / only solution.

[@penfold357007]

Thanks for the video and sharing 😀

[@AndrewFixes]

No problem, thanks for your comment 👍

[@offmains]

My Leaf only clicks when its warm weather!

[@tomascermak9205]

Mine too. But only at start of the drive. So maybe different problem?

[@curtokay8046]

you know what the toque spec is on a 2019 I cnt seam to find it ,

[@AndrewFixes]

I'm sorry I don't know for the 2019. You could try calling your local Nissan garage and see if they'll tell you.

[@jamestompkins8617]

My brand new 2023 leaf does this I thought it was normal because its my first electric car it's quite annoying

[@wainwrights2744]

Hi, did this problem ever return since you did this repair 3 months ago?

[@AndrewFixes]

It hasn't, but I expect it will at some point. I say that because I guess the lubricant will gradually spin out and the nut will loosen slightly as it did before. I may be tempted to tighten it beyond the factory torque specification next time!

[@davidburgess943]

@@AndrewFixes Hi, how many miles did the car do before presenting the problem?

[@wallacegarciagarcia5557]

your battery is the original or was changed under warranty?

[@AndrewFixes]

Not sure if you mean the traction battery or the 12v battery but as far as I know both are original.

[@CarlosTorres-di5li]

dude i start the video and help me but didnt finished iwas really drinking my last beer bro but thats i think my problem no the drink jjajajajja the axel thanks for share this information vdry help me thanks tomorrow is another day

[@Phasterphaster]

Curious that they would have you lubricate the splines - that will only prevent them from corroding to the wheel hub. Instead, I’d skip all that hard disassembly, not lubricate the splines, but I’d replace the nut and washer, and I’d apply red lock-tite to the nut threads and then torque to correct amount. That should keep the nut from coming loose! I think lubricating the splines is to keep it from making an audible noise the next time it comes loose! And all this is to keep customers from being annoyed and then, in turn, contacting Nissan and annoying them. :) With a locking cotter pin, that nut isn’t coming off.

[@tharakawasala8782]

👍👍👍

[@nissanleaf795]

Всем привет👍

[@AndrewFixes]

Hi

[@terryvincent8405]

I just retorqued mine. Then restaked it in place......Problem solved. FYI mine is an 18.

[@AndrewFixes]

Pleased to hear tightening it up again fixed it, thanks for your comment.

[@thetrevcom]

great videos on this clicking, I just priced up new nuts, washer and retaining ring, £108 from Nissan, intresting the main dealer parts chap said they had not ever ordered in the hub nut, so intresting if they don't replace this as per the bulletin.