Xtrail Clutch and gearbox replacment

This is a description of the difficulties associated with replacing the clutch, flywheel and refitting the gearbox in the Xtrail T30 model
I have had experience in mechanical repairs having had raced all sorts of cars and restored many also.
This has been my most difficult project to date!

[@davidfowlie6458]

Just to update ive just been tackling a clutch change on an xtrail today best way is if you have access too a ramp you do think about doing it yourself you need to remove the subframe first then remove propshaft remove drive shafts remove gear linkages separate the front transfer box from the gearbox then remove starter then undo the bolts in the bell housing started about 11am this morning and gearbox was out on floor buy 5pm today the reverse job in morning

[@ustokos48]

...was it as difficult as its sound, when there is no timeframe? I'm retired, so have time to "fiddle", but of course I need to do the right things. Are there any special tools needed? What is the diameter to centralise the clatchplate? Did you change the oil seal behind the flywheel? So, the cost of the clutch is $500 and my qute is 2400. $1900 for work? Wow.. that is almost my full month pension.. !!

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you for posting this - A friend of mine has been trying to persuade me to change her Xtrail clutch - I can now tell her no way not in a million years and show her why!

[@tedr635]

I hear you mate. I am in the process of replacing the motor and figured out that it would be easier to drop the whole Motor & Box & Suspension & Frame ... All at once, and after what you have been through, I am glad that I did it. Still it took me a solid day to do this.Thank you for sharing your experience in video. You have done well :-)

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

Whilst the difficulty of replacing the clutch and gearbox was a huge effort I still must say the vehicle is a good one. I have thrashed mine its whole life from new with 250KG of tools permanently in the back and towing race cars and work trailers. My clutch went when we were pulling a Scissor lift out of a bog on site! It smoked up but still got another 15 months out of it, yes it started to shudder at take off and the pedal was higher but it continued to cope with heavy take offs and hill starts in that time. I still think it has been a good all round vehicle that has enabled me to do nearly everything a serious 4WD user (bar extreme mud) can do, but still with the comfort of a regular sedan style of driving.

[@MrMagistik]

iv got 2.2 dti with the nissan engine.i woulnt change it either,great offroad and good cruiser on the motorway etc.took the aircon belt off and on a run i can get 45/50 mpg.itl still do an indicated 110 mph cruise berween 60 and 90.its offroad on farm tracks 5 days a week.excelent motor.

[@paciencia0956]

Pretty sure the costumer on these kind of cars paying the repairs are gonna have a great day when they hear what it costs.

[@mrvegardeide]

Hi Ross! Highly appreciated advice! I was about to buy parts and start on this ordeal myself, but not anymore... Thanks a TON Ross!

[@brettdennison7211]

easiest way is to remove the entire sub frame gearbox suspension in one. just drops out the bottom, still takes a few hours but then it is out and easy to work on.

[@Booki89]

Thank you for posting this - I was considering a Xtrail but not anymore. I even have a 2 post lift and this just looks like a huge pain in the ass.

[@ThisFinalHandle]

Would like add a few points. X-Trails are a pain to work on but to make work easier the whole engine, gearbox and sub frame need to be removed out the bottom. Like you did with this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6q5pYpta8Skd68 The general order of removal goes: Remove bonnet, take radiator, airbox, power steering reservoir and lines to steering rack, battery and cradle, alternator, exhaust manifold, disconnect all wiring harness, air con condenser (detach and wire to car body), undo strutt bolts. do all this through the engine bay. Then underneath: Remove plastics, North South cross member, detach brakes and wire to car, detach drive shaft from transaxle, undo exhaust flange, undo steering column, undo bottom bell housing then remove fly wheel cover undo fly wheel bolts (remove spark plugs to make fly wheel easy to rotate), undo bolts conecting East West cross member to car body. Back to the engine bay: Support engine, gearbox, East West cross member (still with everything attached, steering rack, wishbone, strutts, drive shafts... everything) with whatever you have. (pallets, wood blocks, jacks, engine trolleys). Finally undo top engine mounts and hoist whole car skywards by any means necessary. (car hoist, jacks or my favourite hillbilly hoist: block and tackle and tie downs). The whole lot will be sitting there in front of you ready to be attacked from all angles. It may seem like a lot of work but sure beats hanging upside down in the engine bay trying get to those impossible back bell housing bolts.

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

Thanks Gamblor for your well detailed post. I agree and considered your described method, it would have been a way to save getting to the harder bolts, My criticism of the design still remains for the following reasons...... For those considering even changing the rear engine mount, would you agree this amount of work to pull an engine out is ridiculous! I did to some degree lower the engine where I could to try and get to those bolts. Also ad the cost of re gassing the AC system.... In Australia where I'm from we cant just go and buy the refill gas like seen in videos from the U.S. Another problem in many peoples cases is not having access to a hoist system or height in garages, Mine is only a standard 2.4m. double garage at home. Agreed if I was to wreck an Xtrail I would pull it out your way as I've done with other cars in the past and if engine swapping, you would expect the further costs of fluids, gasses etc. associated. Anyone that owns a hoist should likely be confident to embark on a project like this and probably has a shed with height to accommodate it the right tools including maybe a beer fridge. I have created these videos with a theme of aiming at those with basic experience and basic affordable tooling. I hope to assist people to be aware and enable them to learn and achieve to their best ability. I have self learned over the years and back in the day did not have this amazing asset of the University of KZbin to assist. As always I wish you the best with your project, and thanks again for a fantastic post.

[@markisbister2301]

Why I certainly won’t be attempting mine if it ever needs a new clutch, but respect to you for sticking with it

[@jaigilmore3036]

I'm currently fixing one at home that had a blown motor, had to swap the whole sub-assembly then put it back in to find out the clutch was rooted (seller told us it was good), so doing this job now, and jee I regret even laying eyes on the thing.

[@MasterFlopy]

Thx for video.. was taking the box out uesterday, wery helpful video.. parabobly saved me a day of headache.

[@happydayz7825]

Good post and great advice Ross. I've just replaced the engine with a reconditioned one. I'm a mechanic by trade but haven't spun spanners for while, these cars are not for those who not competent and with the required professional tools and equipment to access and remove all sorts of hidden sensors and bolts. The effort it took to removed the engine then separate the gear box I decided to replace the clutch assembly with a single mass unit.

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

I'd consider dropping whole sub frame next time and do the engine mounts whilst at it, the car is now at 325,000km and have taught a learner hill starts which wasnt the best idea for the clutch and will probably see it out, as the entire car is wearing out well and truly bit by bit. Plastic bits are starting to break on it randomly seemingly on 2 week intervals. The radiator plastic top got fine cracks in it which I replaced with a Mirage radiator? yep! The glove box hinge broke and the selector lever on the heater that turns from hot to cold went a couple of months ago, annoyingly the plastic toggle that holds the fuel cap broke off a few weeks ago as well. Its developed an oil leak at the back of the motor and the doors sometimes wont unlock randomly, but still what amazes me by the quality is the exhaust and suspension components that are still excellent I mean 325'000Km out of an exhaust and ball joints when used with no care on dirt tracks...Wow- thanks to the Nissan engineers on that front.

[@domesticterrorist483]

You have put me off replacing the clutch on my x trail. Sounds like a nightmare. Have replaced clutches on a ford escort, fiat Uno and a Volvo 440 so assumed I would be fine on the x trail. Better start saving to pay a garage to do it. Let us know how the project went in the end.

[@1TB0T]

So....clutch is easier on a Ferrari 348/355. Well done Nissan. Still planning on getting used Xtrail for light offroading and throwing mountain bikes in the back, but thanks for the video. I'll ensure I get one with low K's or an already replaced clutch.

[@paulwhitworth8904]

Some good info there! Well done.

[@fabioalbertogranadosmendoz3344]

Thank you for the information. I was also considering to do it, but just pass on this one. :) All the best!

[@luckyluke6472]

Good video, shows exactly what we're up against, Thank You!

[@peterbrown1968]

I'm getting my clutch on Thursday on eBay it is little bit cheaper from my local shop next couple of days I'll be taking the gearbox out and I won't have fun with my arthritis in lower back 😥😥😥😥😥😥 thank you showing your video to give people how to do it

[@z66by7g5]

I had this job done last year by my mechanic. Looking at this video I'm glad I did. Cost $1700AUD including the clutch for anyone who is interested.

[@vaskodimoski5690]

Kevin Parker which mechanic did you use where are they located need to do my xtrail

[@tonismith5932]

Vasko Dimoski Looking for mechanic (from home) in bayside Brissy area. Need clutch done but no hurry? Anyone??

[@MrSpook79]

Toni Smith did you find anyone to do the clutch in your xtrail? I’m in the same area and need it done now too.

[@ROOSTAMAN1954]

wow.great vid.i am having starter motor issues with my 04 xtrail.i have only had it about 18 months.it had when i first bought it had starter probs too.seems it could be the same.will check it out tomorrow.originally the person i bought it off replaced the clutch as the starter problem was actually not the starter but the ring gear.the teeth had worn away in a couple of places so the starter couldnt engage in the flywheel.could be incorrect number of teeth on ring gear causing it.anyway 3 weeks later i got it back and its been good till now.the day after i got it back i had to get a wheel alignment as the steering wheel was a quarter turn out.after the alignment i drove out and only went 100 metres and went straight back as the wheel was out by quarter of a turn again.it was put back on the alignment machine and they found why it had moved again.the idiots that replaced the clutch had put a wheel nut on the strut bolt just above your hand at the 2m40sec mark.a bigger spanner needed than the other one so alarm bells should have rung .it was a different thread too so it couldnt tighten as it stripped the thread -more alarm bells ringing.BUT didnt care and just left it loose.it was extremely unsafe.i wont mention this well known suspension places name but its on glebe road merewether opposite the prince of wales hotel.looks like a rotten job

[@bigears4426]

This is just the norm now try working on audi and vw they are ridiculous, the hole nose come of for a timing belt , and wiring there must be 100 plugs and thats not a joke . I changed a couple of engines and it's put me of them for life

[@TheBrabs007]

Did the transfer case and gearbox come out in one? Or do you have to separate the transfer box from the gearbox?

[@SaurierDNA]

Thanks so much for video and advice. I have exact problem with X-trail 2007 2.2dci

[@davidfowlie6458]

Was the time scale 5 days, you contiucely working on this xtrail or where you doing a day job as I have one todo in the next week

[@davemason979]

Agree while it was difficult the xtrail I worked on lost the code for the immobiliser and had to call someone out to get the immobiliser removed only special tool that was used was a clutch aliment tool

[@Yourmum-1-h7o]

M8 awsome video. On my 6th day today..what a nightmare.!

[@dids355]

Ideally you need a 2 post lift so you can lift the car off the engine and subframe which takes a couple of hours then remove the gearbox from the engine once it's out of the car.

[@luckyluke6472]

Watched your video, Thank You for the warning, but after doing a clutch replacement on this model, positively the worst design I've had to work on, and I love cars, and working on them, super bad engineering, so many things--so wrong--not a coincidence

[@heathmacdonald7636]

Thanks for making my mind up 😳

[@paul-1176]

The slave cylinder in my 2010 T31 diesel is stuffed. I have Nissan doing the repair. They said they have to pull out engine in order to get to the clutch and gear box. Crazy stuff.

[@jims6614]

wow..I feel your pain. how many KMs did the previous clutch take? would you do anything differently next time.

[@merqury5]

Jeeeezus! I was contemplating it. But now I will never even dream of it. But its a 2000$ job here at least. But again even a shop has to put alot of hours into this.

[@fredbaron4439]

Tires & wheels coming off ours . . . then Luke is gonna come & pick it up through the windows . . . Hopefully it will be made into something more useful.

[@fruggy5442]

i have just trashed the gearbox or transfer on my 2.2 dci and i have to do that project in the near future my self Looks "fun" :(

[@stuartrichardson4940]

Should have dropped it all intact on the cradle then seperated it on the floor as the workshop manual recommends.

[@lokofp6340]

Bro im learning to be a mechanic and this car is my worst nightmare rn but i did it all im missing is sum bolts

[@timjamesvella]

Wow that looks complex. Did you get it done, all back working?

[@kelvinchun9490]

I want to know if we have to remove the engine with the gear box.

[@adriand3753]

Thankyou for the vid!

[@eelvey1]

big thumbs up buddy was thinking about buying a $1000 t30 on gumtree for a quick clutch change and make a few $$ in return. won't be now!! far too much work

[@eelvey1]

but in saying that someone may find your video very helpful good work on the upload

[@scruffymid]

Put me right off !. Im having juddering issues which (according to interweb) could be the dual mass flywheel, so need to look, replace, do clutch etc... Im at about 100,000 miles, is that about normal for these clutches?

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

Well Im up to 280,000k now and recon Ive just done a bit of damage again to the newish clutch but this was from starting to take off at a steep up hill traffic light into a right turn towing the race car laiden with gear heading to a race, not great for a clutch to undergo that much torture. This is a bit of a reminder in my case that a 2.5 litre car really hasnt got the same strength of all the larger heavier duty 4 wheel drives. Its a compremise for the comfort that the Xtrail gives.

[@tonismith5932]

Dare I ask if you would like to do another.....🤭🤭.......?

[@omaliveatlast4688]

I've got to do my xtrail clutch , outside on the top of a hill in northeast UK ....cold 10° c , windy ......one small trolley jack and 2 axle stands ......what's my chances ? I'm up shit creak without a paddle I think lol

[@shinynutt]

Om Alive at last. Mine screwed up earlier this year on t31 and cost just under £1000 which was cheap for this type of job. Even my mechanic said they’re a pain in the arse because of the amount of stuff that needs to be removed to get to it. I think he wishes me a painful death now

[@DiNusNus]

How did it feel to drive with the old clutch and flywheel? I mean how did you know it is time to change them?

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

The clutch pedal had a lot more travel before engaging, occasionally it had a shudder when taking off at traffic lights. It also occasionally slipped a little when pulling a trailer with the race car up a steep hill. I knew it was gone after we pulled a scissor lift out of a bog, the clutch was worked hard (by some one else)and stank of burn. I still got another 12 months or more out of it after the scissor lift bog fiasco before replacing it.

[@richardapps6962]

@@rossbatsonbuilder Hi Ross. Hopefully you can give me some advice. I have an Xtrail 2006. Thanks for posting the video. I havent spoken to a mechanic as yet, I just wanted to ask a dumb question as i know nothing about cars. My clutch engages very high. If i take off in first gear on a steep hill it's fine, no shudders, but when i put it in second the engine revs but the car doesnt accelerate the way it should when I let the clutch out, its the same in 3rd and 4th. Note: I have driven manuals for years so i know how it should perform. My fear is that the disks are slipping because the clutch is no longer engaging that way it should, and that's why I am not getting power. Do you think that sounds right? or could it be something else? Is there a clutch cable that can be adjusted so that the clutch engages lower down???

[@scottmckenzie1162]

Was going to buy one needing a clutch. Not now thanks

[@threehatsdesign6022]

to replace the clutch whether it be single or dual, do I need to remove the gearbox?

[@livingonanisland3634]

Yes

[@rossbatson8899]

Yes. the clutch is between the gearbox and engine encased inside the gearbox housing. the big bulbus part closest to the engine.

[@davegaches4081]

If only I had found this video earlier just finishing off doing engine swap on 2.2 dci they are a right pain in arse been on it 4 days now and can't get that stupid rear mount on right I hate x trails now

[@sphinxysmadhousehi2922]

Oh god. My clutch just blew. It's going to cost me a fortune. Dammit

[@johndavidpietsese]

ah no i just started . wish i saw this video first :(

[@tonismith5932]

Brissy bayside Cleveland area. Looking for retired mechanic to replace clutch. No hurry ta.

[@user-hd1qx2bd1r]

There's also a bolt on the top of the transmission flange that bolts to the engine, and its hidden down a galley you can't see, and its so far in you can't feel it with your fingers, use a socket and an extension to locate it, if the transmission won't come away cleanly from the engine, chances are it's that one hidden bolt. I've worked on many cars and trucks and M/C's, for many years, but I'm sorry to say, that this has been one terrible model to work on !

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

Yes I used a GoPro bluetoothed to my phone which is how I found that one! thanks for the comment.

[@micksmith83]

Do you think you could take the transfer case out without removing the box

[@normanhenderson5662]

no.

[@TheDingdong78]

you need help mate i can help you take me 3 hour first time this car.next one will take max 2 hours

[@alexalan9017]

well thats just put me off i was going to buy one

[@jasonstrong4610]

i bought one (t31 diesel) and it will be the last. clutch went, cost will be over 2k for parts and labor.

[@tonismith5932]

Um.....no immediate hurry.....few ...weeks......anyone......?🤔

[@TheDingdong78]

be honest do not but any nissian it very paintfull car to fix

[@TheDingdong78]

i done 1 today actaully took me 3 hour remove it

[@rossbatson8899]

done well if that is the case. how long did it take to put it back in?

[@jameswhiteman6901]

Try dropping the sub frame noob.

[@rossbatsonbuilder]

Hi everyone Just letting you know I also have a video on an easy DIY engine hoist on this chanel that will cost you next to nothing to make using a length of steel square tubing and using everyday ratchet straps, some care is needed in the implimentation but it works a treat and even better no room taken up in storage. Just go to kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6q5pYpta8Skd68

[@williamhiney17]

xtrail disaster