How Long Should a Clutch Last on Nissan Qashqai? (Solved)

On average, the lifespan of a car’s clutch is around 60,000 miles. But this figure can vary between 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles. It can be pushed beyond its average lifespan with proper maintenance.

But how long should a clutch last on a Nissan Qashqai? In this article, I will include everything you need to know about your Nissan Qashqai clutch.

How Long Should a Clutch Last on a Nissan Qashqai?

Ideally, a clutch on Nissan Qashqai should last more than 60,000 miles or 5 years. But these figures are subject to a number of variables like your driving style, the area in which you live, and the maintenance schedule of your car.

In manual transmission cars, the clutch is one of the most used parts, along with the brake and accelerator. Even under normal circumstances, it is constantly experiencing wear and tear.

Always make sure that your clutch is properly working, as it can be a deciding factor between a near collision and a deadly crash.

Also read: Manual or Automatic- which Transmission Last Longer?

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Clutch on a Nissan Qashqai?

If replaced from a dealership workshop it should cost you somewhere between $650 to $1000 and if replaced by a local mechanic it should cost from $400 to $700. The exact replacement cost will depend upon the model of your Nissan Qashqai and the condition of other parts of the car.

Given the complexity of the task and the equipment required to replace a clutch, labor cost in this procedure is usually more than the clutch cost.

Labor cost is usually from 55% to 60% of the total cost, meaning if the total cost of clutch replacement is $700, $420 will be for labor cost and the rest will be the parts or material cost.

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Clutch on a Nissan Qashqai?

If replaced by an expert mechanic with all the equipment available, it will take around four hours to replace a clutch on Nissan Qashqai.
If you try to replace it yourself with the help of a tutorial or a video, it will take around five to seven hours to replace a clutch on Nissan Qashqai.

Also read: Is it Worth Buying a Nissan with over 100K Miles?

Can You Replace a Clutch on a Nissan Qashqai by Yourself?

Although, it is a quite tough and complex task to replace a clutch. But if you follow the details I’m going to share with you, then you can replace a clutch on Nissan Qashqai by yourself.

It will take you five to seven hours to replace the clutch but first, you need to have the below-mentioned equipment:

Vehicle Lifter
Clutch Alignment Tool
Clutch and Brake Bleeder
Transmission Jack
Engine Support
Various screwdrivers

Now you have all the tools and equipment. Let’s start replacing your clutch.

Step-1: Place your Nissan Qashqai on the vehicle lifter and after opening the bonnet remove the engine cover, ducts, and air filter assembly.

Step-2: Disconnect the battery connections and remove the battery along with its carrier, multi-plugs. Then remove the engine control unit to have open access to the gearbox.

Step-3: Remove crank position sensor present at top of the bell housing, reverse light switch multi-plug, and the gearbox earth cable.

Step-4: From the gearbox disconnect the gear change cable by pressing its tab on the ball and lifting it up.

Step-5:Detach the outer cables by removing their locking pins and folding them in the bulkhead area. Remove the upper bell housing bolts and disengage the wiring loom from the gearbox.

Step-6: From the bell housing remove the hydraulic clutch pipe and close the opening to prevent fluid from running out.

Step-7: Lose both front wheels and hub nuts. Raise your Nissan Qashqai using a vehicle lifter and remove its undertray. Then empty out the gearbox oil and remove the front wheels, hub nuts, near side front (N/S/F) splash guard, and chassis leg.

Step-8: Lower the subframe slightly in order to easily release the bottom ball joints. Then detach the near side driveshaft, remove the outer side driveshaft center bearing and the driveshaft itself.

Step-9: Detach the gearbox from the subframe pendulum mount and remove the exhaust front pipe mounting. Unscrew the lower bell housing bolts to get the easily accessible supports and now you are ready to remove the gearbox.

Step-10: Using the transmission jack, support the engine and gearbox. After removing the gearbox mounting lower the transmission jack to easily remove the final bell housing bolts.

Step-11: Lose the gearbox away from the engine, lower the transmission jack and then carefully remove the gearbox and put it away in a clean and safe area.

Step-12: Now comes the main job, remove the clutch assembly from the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and if necessary also make the replacement for DMF.

Step-13: Remove the concentric slave cylinder (CSC), clean the bell housing and make sure that there is no oil leak from the shaft oil seal. Now clean the mounting face and place the new CSC in position.

Step-14: Apply a thin coating of grease on the input shaft and mount the clutch plate. Then using the clutch alignment tool, mount and align the clutch plate onto the flywheel. Make sure the center hub is facing the marked gearbox side.

Step-15: Clean the surface of the pressure plate and mount it’s aligning on the flywheel dowel and then tighten the bolts evenly and sequentially.

Step-16: Drain out the old clutch fluid and flush through with the new fluid to avoid contamination of the new CSC. Clear the cables from the bell housing area and make sure that gearbox alignment dowels are installed correctly.

Step-17: Using the transmission jack place and position the gearbox on the alignments dowels. When fully in position, fit and tighten the two bell housing bolts.

Step-18: Refit all other components in the reverse order of removal and torque all the bolts as per manufacturer specifications.

Step-19: Reconnect the battery lead and all other electrical components.

Step-20: Again carry out the visual inspection before test driving the car to ensure quality replacement.

Do Nissan Qashqai Have Shorter Clutch Lifespan than Other Cars?

Generally speaking, the clutch of a Nissan Qashqai has a somewhat similar lifespan when compared to other cars. But there have been cases of Nissan Qashqai when the clutch had to be replaced before 30,000 miles. Again, bad driving and other external factors can be the reasons for it.

Therefore, if used properly the clutch lifespan of Nissan Qashqai will be similar to or even more than an average car.

Also read: 10 Cars Under $20K that Look Like They’re for $50K+

How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Clutch on a Nissan Qashqai?

One cannot determine the exact numbers of miles or time you can drive with a bad clutch. Once the symptoms appear you should see your trusted mechanic as soon as possible because a bad clutch can cause damage to other components as well like the pressure plate and gearbox.

Once you know that the clutch is not working properly, it is about time to visit a skilled mechanic to take his opinion. Or in the least, you can read about the symptoms of a bad clutch online.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Clutch in a Nissan Qashqai?

Some common symptoms of a bad clutch in a Nissan Qashqai are:

Clutch Slipping: When the frictional plate is worn out or there is oil on it, your clutch will start slipping. You will also notice that due to clutch slipping, the car speed will be less than engine speed.
Gear Shifting Problems: With a bad clutch, you will face difficulty in shifting gears. A lot more effort will be required to shift the gears, as a bad clutch makes it difficult to engage and disengage gears.
Noises: A common symptom of a bad clutch is the irregular noise that you will hear while pressing and releasing the clutch. It’s a clear indication that some parts have worn out or some components are hitting other parts due to wear and tear.
Soft or Sticky Clutch Pedal: One of the early symptoms of a bad clutch is its abnormal flow when you press it down. It may feel soft or spongy, and sometimes it may stick which will momentarily prevent you from shifting the gears.
Burning Smell: The friction from the bad clutch can cause a burning smell, and it is a clear indication that something is wrong and your visit to the mechanic is in order.
Shivering: When the clutch disc loses its grip on the flywheel, it may start vibrating during the gear shifting process. It’s another indication that your clutch is having some trouble and needs inspection.

What Causes Premature Clutch Failure on a Nissan Qashqai?

Using the clutch when it is not required or half-pressing can cause premature failure of the clutch. Also, using the clutch as a way of controlling your speed can shorten its lifespan.

Although no one knowingly damages his or her own car the main enemy of the clutch is the driver himself.

How to Use a Clutch on a Nissan Qashqai to Extend its Lifespan?

Appropriate driving behavior can extend the lifespan of a clutch two to three times.

Make a habit of keeping your foot off the clutch pedal when you do not need to change gears.
Do not use the clutch pedal while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Put your car in neutral and use brakes to keep it stationary in the line.
Do not start accelerating your car before the gear is fully engaged. Make sure that the clutch is fully released before accelerating your car.
Always avoid “riding the clutch” which is leaving the clutch in the midway
For the extended lifespan of your clutch on Nissan Qashqai, keep your car serviced and fully maintained. It will make sure the smooth operation of the clutch and all other components.

References:

drivparts.com, findanyanswer.com, community.cartalk.com, qashqaiforums.co.uk, carbuyer.co.uk, boards.ie, lepeupleelectrique.fr, autobutler.co.uk, pmmonline.co.uk, supercheapauto.com.au, automobile-conseil.fr, stoneacre.co.uk, auto.howstuffworks.com