Qashqai J11. Rear suspension - part 1

RSU-1

SUSPENSION

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SECTION 

RSU

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RSU

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CONTENTS

REAR SUSPENSION

SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS  ...............................

2

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS 
(NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING  .............................

2

NVH Troubleshooting Chart  ......................................

2

PRECAUTION ...............................................

3

PRECAUTIONS ...................................................

3

Precautions for Suspension  ......................................

3

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ..........................

4

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY  .....................

4

Inspection and Adjustment ........................................

4

WHEEL ALIGNMENT ..........................................

5

Wheel Alignment Inspection ......................................

5

Adjustment ................................................................

6

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ................

7

COIL SPRING ......................................................

7

Exploded View  ..........................................................

7

Removal and Installation ...........................................

7

Inspection ..................................................................

8

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER  ...............................

9

Exploded View  ..........................................................

9

Removal and Installation .........................................

10

Inspection ................................................................

10

Disposal ..................................................................

10

SUSPENSION ARM ...........................................

11

Exploded View  ........................................................

11

Removal and Installation .........................................

11

Inspection ................................................................

12

LOWER LINK  ....................................................

13

Exploded View .........................................................

13

Removal and Installation  .........................................

13

Inspection ................................................................

14

UPPER LINK  .....................................................

15

Exploded View .........................................................

15

Removal and Installation  .........................................

15

Inspection ................................................................

15

REAR STABILIZER  ..........................................

16

Exploded View .........................................................

16

Removal and Installation  .........................................

16

Inspection ................................................................

16

REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER .......................

17

Exploded View .........................................................

17

Removal and Installation  .........................................

17

Inspection ................................................................

18

UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ......

19

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ...................

19

Exploded View .........................................................

19

Removal and Installation  .........................................

19

Inspection ................................................................

20

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS 
(SDS) ............................................................

21

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS 
(SDS) .................................................................

21

Wheel Alignment  .....................................................

21

Wheelarch Height  ....................................................

22

RSU-2

< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

NVH Troubleshooting Chart

INFOID:0000000010297251

Use chart below to find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.

×

: Applicable

Reference page

RSU-19

RSU-10

—

—

—

RSU-19

RSU-5

RSU-16

RSU-2, "

NVH T

ro

ubl

es

ho

ot

ing

 Cha

rt

"

DLN

-18

1,

 "

NV

H T

rou

ble

s

hoo

ti

ng Cha

rt

"

RAX-2,

 "

NVH T

ro

u

b

les

ho

ot

ing

 Ch

art

"

RAX-7,

 "

NVH T

ro

u

b

les

ho

ot

ing

 Ch

art

"

NVH in WT section

NVH in WT section

RAX-7,

 "

NVH T

ro

u

b

les

ho

ot

ing

 Ch

art

"

BR-4, "

NVH T

ro

u

b

les

ho

ot

ing

 Ch

art

"

Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS

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prop

er in

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ti

on,

 lo

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s

Sh

oc

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 da

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 or de

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u

n

ti

ng

 de

te

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ora

ti

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Part

s interference

S

p

ring

 fa

tig

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Su

sp

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si

on

 lo

os

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Inc

o

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e

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PROPELLER SHAF

T (4WD)

DIFFERE

N

T

IAL (4WD

)

REAR AXLE AND REA

R

 SUSPENSI

ON

TIRES S

ROA

D

 WHEEL

DRIVE SHA

FT (4WD)

BRAKE

Symptom

REAR SUSPENSION

Noise

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

Shake

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

Vibration

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

Shimmy

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

Judder 

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

Poor quality ride or 
handling

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

PRECAUTIONS

RSU-3

< PRECAUTION >

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PRECAUTION

PRECAUTIONS

Precautions for Suspension

INFOID:0000000010297252

CAUTION:

• When installing rubber bushings, the final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions

with tires on ground. Oil might shorten the life of rubber bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.

- Unladen conditions mean that fuel, engine coolant and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools

and mats are in designated positions.

• After servicing suspension parts, be sure to check wheel alignment.
• Self-lock nuts are not reusable. Always use new ones when installing. Since new self-lock nuts are

pre-oiled, tighten as they are. 

RSU-4

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

Inspection and Adjustment

INFOID:0000000010297253

MOUNTING INSPECTION

Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, backlash) of each component and component conditions
(wear, damage) are normal.

SHOCK ABSORBER

Check for oil leakage and damage, replace if malfunction is detected. 

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

RSU-5

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

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WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Wheel Alignment Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297254

INSPECTION

Description

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions. 
NOTE:
“Unladen conditions” means that fuel, engine coolant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and
mats are in designated positions.

Preliminary Check

Check the following:
• Tires for improper air pressure and wear
• Road wheels for runout: Refer to 

WT-60, "Inspection"

.

• Wheel bearing axial end play: Refer to 

RAX-3, "Inspection"

 (2WD), 

RAX-10, "Inspection"

 (4WD).

• Shock absorber operation
• Each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation
• Each of lower link, upper link, rear suspension member, suspension arm and shock absorber for cracks,

deformation, and other damage

• Vehicle height (posture)

Camber

• Measure camber of both right and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
• If camber exceeds the standard value, adjust with adjusting bolt in

lower. Refer to 

RSU-6, "Adjustment"

.

Toe-In

WARNING:

• Always perform the following procedure on a flat surface.
• Make sure that no person is in front of vehicle before pushing it.
1.

Bounce the front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the vehicle height (posture).

2.

Push vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).

3.

Put matching mark (A) on base line of the tread (rear side) of
both tires at the same height of hub center. These are measur-
ing points.

Standard

Camber: Refer to 

RSU-21, "Wheel Alignment"

.

SRA096A

JPEIA0014ZZ

RSU-6

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

4.

Measure distance (A) (rear side).

5.

Push vehicle slowly ahead to rotate wheels 180 degrees (1/2
turn).
NOTE:
If the wheels rotates more than 180 degrees (1/2 turn), start this
procedure again from the beginning. Do not push the vehicle
backward.

6.

Measure distance (B) (front side).

• If toe-in exceeds the standard value, adjust with adjusting bolt in suspension arm.

Adjustment

INFOID:0000000010297255

CAMBER

If camber exceeds the standard value, adjust with adjusting bolt (1)
in lower link (2).

CAUTION:

After adjusting camber, be sure to check toe-in.

• If camber exceeds the standard value, inspect and replace any

damaged or worn suspension parts.

TOE-IN

If toe-in exceeds the standard value, adjust with adjusting bolt (1) in
suspension arm (2).

CAUTION:

Be sure to adjust equally on RH and LH side with adjusting bolt.
• If toe-in exceeds the standard value, inspect and replace any dam-

aged or worn suspension parts.

Standard

Total toe-in: Refer to 

RSU-21, "Wheel Align-

ment"

.

JPEIA0015ZZ

Standard

Camber: Refer to 

RSU-21, "Wheel Alignment"

.

JPEIB0025ZZ

Standard

Toe-In: Refer to 

RSU-21, "Wheel Alignment"

.

JPEIB0024ZZ

COIL SPRING

RSU-7

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

COIL SPRING

Exploded View

INFOID:0000000010297256

FOR 2WD EUROPE (HT)

FOR 2WD GOM and 4WD (TC)

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000010297257

REMOVAL

E1EIA0117GB

1.

Upper rubber seat

2.

Coil spring

3.

Lower seat

4.

Rear suspension arm

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

AWEIA0351ZZ

1.

Upper rubber seat

2.

Coil spring

3.

Lower seat

4.

Rubber washer (LH/RH)

5.

Rear suspension arm

: Front

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

RSU-8

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

COIL SPRING

1.

Remove tires from vehicle.

2.

Remove torque member mounting bolts. Hang torque member where it does not interfere with work. Refer
to 

BR-43, "BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY : Exploded View"

 (LHD), 

BR-86, "BRAKE CALIPER ASSEM-

BLY : Exploded View"

 (RHD).

CAUTION:

Never depress brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.

3.

Remove wheel sensor from axle housing. Refer to 

BRC-139, "REAR WHEEL SENSOR : Exploded View"

.

4.

Set suitable jack under suspension arm.

5.

Remove shock absorber from suspension arm. Refer to 

RSU-9, "Exploded View"

.

6.

Remove lower link from suspension arm. Refer to 

RSU-13, "Exploded View"

.

7.

Remove upper link from suspension arm. Refer to 

RSU-15, "Exploded View"

.

8.

Remove drive shaft (4WD). Refer to 

RAX-14, "Exploded View"

.

9.

Remove coil spring from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Match up lower rubber seat indentions and suspension arm

grooves and attach.

• Install coil spring by aligning lower end of the large diameter side to

step between lower rubber seat and suspension arm.

• Perform the final tightening of rear suspension member and axle

installation position (rubber bushing) under unladen condition with
tires on level ground.

Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297258

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check lower link, bushing and coil spring for deformation, crack, and damage. Replace it if necessary.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

1.

Check wheel alignment. Refer to 

RSU-5, "Wheel Alignment Inspection"

.

2.

Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to 

BRC-66, "Work Procedure"

 .

SEIA0636J

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER

RSU-9

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

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REAR SHOCK ABSORBER

Exploded View

INFOID:0000000010297259

FOR 2WD EUROPE (HT)

FOR 2WD GOM AND 4WD (TC)

E1EIA0116GB

1.

Rear suspension beam

2.

Rear shock absorber

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

E1EIA0120GB

1.

Rear suspension member

2.

Upper rubber seat 

3.

Coil spring

4.

Lower rubber seat

5.

Rubber washer (LH/RH)

6.

Rear suspension arm

7.

Rear shock absorber

: Front

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

RSU-10

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000010297260

REMOVAL

1.

Remove tires from vehicle.

2.

Set suitable jack under suspension arm to relieve the coil spring tension.

3.

Remove shock absorber. 

INSTALLATION

Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the shock absorber lower side (rubber bushing), under unladen

conditions with tires on level ground.

Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297261

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

• Check shock absorber for deformation, cracks, damage. Replace it if necessary.
• Check welded and sealed areas for oil leakage. Replace it if necessary.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLION

1.

Check wheel alignment. Refer to 

RSU-5, "Wheel Alignment Inspection"

.

2.

Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to 

BRC-66, "Work Procedure"

.

Disposal

INFOID:0000000010297262

1.

Set shock absorber horizontally with the piston rod fully extended.

2.

Drill 2 - 3 mm (0.08 - 0.12 in) hole at the position (

z

) from the top

as shown to release gas gradually.

CAUTION:

• Wear eye protection (safety glasses).
• Wear gloves.
• Be careful with metal chips or oil blown out by the com-

pressed gas.

NOTE:
• Drill vertically in the direction (

).

• Directly to the outer tube avoiding brackets.
• The gas is clear, colorless, odorless and harmless.

3.

Position the drilled hole downward and drain oil by moving the piston rod several times.

CAUTION:

Dispose of drained oil according to the law and local regulations.

A : approximately 20 mm (0.79 in)

JPEIA0161ZZ

SUSPENSION ARM

RSU-11

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

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SUSPENSION ARM

Exploded View

INFOID:0000000010297263

FOR 2WD EUROPE (HT)

FOR 2WD GOM AND 4WD (TC)

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000010480373

REMOVAL

1.

Remove the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to 

RAX-12, "Removal and Installation"

.

2.

Remove the coil spring. 

RSU-7, "Removal and Installation"

.

E1EIA0118GB

1.

Rear suspension beam

2.

Rear suspension arm bracket

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

E1EIA0121GB

1.

Rear suspension arm

2.

Rubber washer (LH/RH)

3.

Rear suspension arm bracket

4.

Rear suspension arm stay

: Front

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

RSU-12

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

SUSPENSION ARM

3.

Separate the brake tube and hose from the rear suspension arm. 

BR-22, "REAR : Exploded View"

 (LHD),

BR-65, "REAR : Exploded View"

 (RHD).

4.

Remove the nut, bolt, rubber washer (LH/RH).

5.

Remove rear suspension arm from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• Align the matching marks made during removal when reusing the disc brake rotor.
• After installation, perform the air bleeding. Refer to 

BR-12, "Bleeding Brake System"

.

• Perform final tightening of rear suspension member at its installation position under unladen conditions with

tires on level ground.

• Perform the inspection after installation. Refer to 

RSU-12, "Inspection"

.

Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297265

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Visual Inspection

Check suspension arm and bushing for deformation, cracks or damage. Replace it if necessary.

INSPECTION AFTRE INSTALLATION

1.

Adjust parking brake operation (stroke). Refer to 

PB-49, "Work Procedure"

.

2.

Check wheel alignment. Refer to 

RSU-5, "Wheel Alignment Inspection"

.

LOWER LINK

RSU-13

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

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LOWER LINK

Exploded View

INFOID:0000000010297266

FOR 2WD GOM AND 4WD 

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000010480374

REMOVAL

1.

Remove wheel and tire using power tool. Refer to 

WT-63, "Exploded View"

.

2.

Remove connecting rod. Refer to 

RSU-16, "Exploded View"

. 

3.

Remove rear height sensor (if equipped). Refer to 

EXL-171, "Removal and Installation"

.

4.

Set suitable jack under rear suspension arm to relieve the coil spring tension.

5.

Remove lower link, nut, and bolt from rear suspension arm with power tool.

6.

Remove lower link, nut, washer, and bolt from rear suspension member with power tool.

7.

Remove lower link protector (if necessary).

8.

Perform the inspection after removal. Refer to 

RSU-14, "Inspection"

. 

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• Perform final tightening of rear suspension member and axle installation position under unladen conditions

with tires on level ground.

• After installation, perform headlamp initialization. Refer to 

EXL-76, "Work Procedure"

.

• Adjust the neutral position of the steering angle sensor. Refer to 

BRC-66, "Work Procedure"

.

• Perform the inspection after installation. Refer to 

RSU-14, "Inspection"

.

E1EIA0122GB

1.

Rear suspension member

2.

Lower link

3.

Lower link deflector

4.

Rubber washer (RLH/RH)

5.

Rear suspension arm

: Front

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

RSU-14

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

LOWER LINK

Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297268

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check lower link and bushing for any deformation, cracks, or damage. Replace it if necessary.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

1.

Check wheel alignment. Refer to 

RSU-5, "Wheel Alignment Inspection"

.

2.

Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to 

BRC-66, "Work Procedure"

.

UPPER LINK

RSU-15

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

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UPPER LINK

Exploded View

INFOID:0000000010297269

FOR 2WD GOM AND 4WD

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000010297270

REMOVAL

1.

Remove tires from vehicle.

2.

Set suitable jack under suspension arm to relieve the coil spring tension.

3.

Remove wheel sensor harness from suspension arm.

4.

Remove upper link from suspension arm.

5.

Remove upper link from suspension member.

INSTALLATION

Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Perform final tightening of rear suspension member and axle installation position (rubber bushing), under

unladen conditions with tires on level ground.

Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297271

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check upper link and bushing for any deformation, cracks, or damage. Replace it if necessary.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

1.

Check wheel alignment. Refer to 

RSU-5, "Wheel Alignment Inspection"

.

2.

Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to 

BRC-66, "Work Procedure"

.

AWEIA0356ZZ

1.

Rear suspension member

2.

Upper link

3.

Rubber washer (LH/RH)

4.

Rear suspension arm

: Front

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

RSU-16

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

REAR STABILIZER

REAR STABILIZER

Exploded View

INFOID:0000000010297272

FOR 2WD GOM AND 4WD

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000010297273

REMOVAL

1.

Disconnect rear stabilizer links from rear stabilizer bar.

2.

Remove nuts on rear stabilizer clamp.

3.

Remove rear stabilizer bar from rear suspension member.

4.

Remove rear stabilizer bushings from rear stabilizer bar.

INSTALLATION

Install in the reverse order of removal.

Inspection

INFOID:0000000010297274

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check stabilizer bar, stabilizer link, stabilizer bushing and stabilizer clamp for deformation, cracks or damage.
Replace it if necessary.

E1EIA0123GB

1.

Rear stabilizer bar

2.

Connecting rod (RH)

3.

Rear stabilizer bar bushing

4.

Rear stabilizer bar clamp

5.

Connecting rod (LH)

: Front

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.