The Nissan X-Trail frequently suffers from knocking front suspension and worn rubber components that noticeably worsen steering feel and road holding. Worn bushes, anti-roll bar links and control arm bushes are the main causes, especially on high-mileage models. In cold weather the symptoms get worse because the hardened rubber starts to delaminate and develop cracks. Do you recognise these issues? Then it is time to have the suspension properly checked.
Knocking front suspension due to worn components
A knocking front suspension is a common problem on the Nissan X-Trail, especially on the T32 models from 2013 and the DC 130. You notice it as a nervous, vibrating feeling in the steering wheel or as a knock that can be felt through the car when driving over uneven road surfaces. The cause usually lies in worn bushes, anti-roll bar links or control arm bushes in the front wishbones.
At high mileages, between 100,000 and 200,000 kilometres, these rubber components start to lose their elasticity. They become hard, begin to delaminate and develop cracks. As a result, metal parts of the suspension can move against each other instead of being cushioned by the rubber. The result is a knocking sensation that greatly reduces driving comfort.
The early T32 models also had short suspension travel and wide track. This accelerates wear on suspension components. This design puts extra load on the rubbers and joints. Problems therefore occur earlier than with other SUV models.
‘ Spraying temporarily with silicone spray or Teflon oil can suppress creaking noises, but it does not solve the underlying wear. ’
Rubber wear worsens in cold weather
Cold temperatures intensify problems with worn rubber components. With age and use, rubber loses its elasticity. In the cold the material becomes even harder and more brittle. This makes it more prone to cracking and delamination, where the rubber layers separate from each other.
Owners of the X-Trail report that the knocking sensation and creaking noises become clearly worse in winter. The hardened rubbers are then less able to absorb vibrations. Every bump or uneven patch in the road surface is directly noticeable in the steering wheel and the seat. This applies especially to control arm bushes and rubbers in the rear suspension.
The symptoms do not disappear on their own. The weather gets warmer, but the issues remain. They point to structural wear that can only be resolved by replacing the components. Spraying temporarily with silicone spray or Teflon oil can suppress creaking noises, but it does not solve the underlying wear.
Creaking noises at the rear over small imperfections
In addition to the knocking front suspension, the X-Trail frequently suffers from creaking noises at the rear. These noises mainly occur over small imperfections, speed bumps or when cornering. The sounds come from worn rear axle rubbers or control arm rubbers. These rubbers delaminate.
Mechanics hear the creaking noises clearly during a test drive, but the cause is not always immediately visible at first. The rubbers can still look reasonably good from the outside. The inner layers have already separated. Cracks and delamination only become visible on closer inspection. The parts then have to be removed.
Owners report that the creaking noises disappear after spraying with silicone spray, especially in cases that are still under warranty. However, this solution is only temporary. Without replacing the rubbers the noises return within a few weeks to a few months.
Deteriorated road holding and steering feel
Worn suspension components lead to noticeably deteriorated road holding. The steering feels less direct, the car responds sluggishly to steering corrections and its behaviour in corners becomes unpredictable. When changing speed or driving over uneven surfaces, the X-Trail feels floaty or wobbly.
Worn anti-roll bar links, ball joints and bushes no longer perform their function properly. These phenomena are the result. Their job is to keep the wheels stable and ensure consistent handling. These parts develop play or harden. As a result, the front suspension loses its precision.
Wheel bearings can also play a role in steering problems. A droning or humming noise from the front indicates worn wheel bearings. These normally last up to around 100,000 kilometres, but then require replacement. On the X-Trail, hub carriers can seize. This makes the repair more difficult. The thread is damaged during removal.
‘ Do not wait until the problems become severe, because deteriorated road holding increases the risk of unsafe situations. ’
Diagnostics and inspection of the suspension
A thorough diagnosis starts with a test drive together with the mechanic. Reproduce the noises and vibrations by driving over uneven surfaces. This helps the mechanic to locate the problem.
Then check the following components during an inspection on a lift or ramp:
- Wishbones and control arm bushes: look for cracks, delamination and hardening of the rubber
- Anti-roll bar links and bushes: check for play and movement
- Rear axle rubbers: inspect for cracks and loose layers
- Ball joints: test for play by pulling on the wheels
- Wheel bearings: listen for droning noises when turning the wheels
If the mileage is over 150,000 kilometres, it is sensible to replace consumable parts. Do not wait until the problems become severe, because deteriorated road holding increases the risk of unsafe situations.
Repair and replacement of components
Replace the worn components. New control arm bushes, bushes and rubbers restore damping and handling. The costs vary depending on which parts need to be replaced. Expect to pay several hundred euros for a complete front suspension overhaul.
Pay attention to the following points when replacing parts:
- Use original or high-quality replacement parts for longer service life
- Always replace symmetrical components on both left and right sides at the same time
- After replacement, have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary
- For seized hubs or shafts, use specialist tools to avoid damaging the thread
Some garages offer temporary solutions by using silicone spray or securing moving parts. This is sometimes done for warranty repairs. This approach masks the symptoms but does not solve the underlying wear. Insist on the replacement of clearly worn components.
Preventive maintenance for a longer service life
Preventive maintenance helps to delay or prevent suspension problems. Have the suspension checked annually, especially if you drive more than 20,000 kilometres per year. Early detection of initial wear prevents more extensive repairs later.
At every major service, check the following points:
- Rubber components for cracks and hardening
- Play in joints and ball joints
- Leaks at shock absorbers
- Condition of the anti-roll bar links
Avoid heavy loads and aggressive driving over bumpy roads. This extends the service life of rubber components and prevents premature wear. Also bear in mind the buying advice: when considering a used X-Trail, always inspect the suspension thoroughly before you buy.
‘ The X-Trail will then drive again as intended: comfortable, stable and predictable. ’
What you can expect after repair
After replacing worn components, the handling is restored. The knocking sensation disappears, the steering feels direct and precise again, and creaking noises are a thing of the past. The X-Trail will then drive again as intended: comfortable, stable and predictable.
The new components normally last 80,000 to 120,000 kilometres, depending on your driving style and road conditions. With normal use and regular inspections, further suspension problems are limited. Owners who have had the repairs carried out report great satisfaction with the improved driving comfort.
On the Carnews website you will find more information about common problems with various Nissan models, maintenance tips and buying advice for used cars. Discover which checks you can carry out yourself and when professional help is needed.
Frequently asked questions
On the Nissan X-Trail, creaking noises at the rear are particularly common, usually due to worn rear axle and control arm rubbers that crack or delaminate. In addition, knocking suspension noises occur regularly, caused by worn bushes, anti-roll bar links and control arm bushes in the front wishbones, which lead to steering wheel vibrations and unstable road holding. Wheel bearing and hub problems are also reported, recognisable by a droning or humming noise at the front. Together, these suspension issues result in poorer driving characteristics and an unpredictable steering feel.
Symptoms of possible suspension or steering problems on a Nissan X-Trail include creaking noises at the rear over speed bumps, in corners or over small imperfections, and a knocking suspension that causes vibrations in the steering wheel and unstable road holding. Droning or humming noises from the front can also indicate wheel bearing or hub problems. In addition, poor steering response or unpredictable steering behaviour and reduced driving precision may point to worn rubbers, wishbones or anti-roll bar links.
The most common causes are worn rubbers, wishbones, anti-roll bar links and wheel bearings/hub parts in the suspension. You can recognise these problems by creaking noises at the rear over small imperfections or in corners, knocking noises and vibrations in the steering wheel. Unstable road holding, unpredictable handling and droning or humming noises from the wheels also point in this direction. During a test drive over uneven roads, a mechanic can easily locate and confirm these symptoms.
The described suspension and steering problems can lead to unstable road holding, especially in corners and at higher speeds, which reduces driving safety. Vibrations in the steering wheel and knocking sensations can make the driver feel uncertain and make it more difficult to control the vehicle. Worn rubbers, wishbones and anti-roll bar components increase the braking distance and reduce the precision of steering inputs. In cases of advanced wear, the car’s behaviour can become unpredictable, with a higher risk of skidding or loss of control in emergency situations.
Yes, prevention starts with regular checks of wishbones, rubbers, anti-roll bar links and wheel bearings, especially at or before 100,000 km, so that wear is detected early. During servicing, explicitly ask for the rear axle rubbers and control arm bushes to be checked for cracks or delamination, and have them replaced proactively if initial damage is visible. In between services you can limit creaking and squeaking noises by treating suspension rubbers occasionally with silicone or Teflon spray, although this is no substitute for a proper repair. If you notice strange noises, always take a test drive over uneven surfaces together with the mechanic so that problems can be located and resolved more quickly.
Available repair options include spraying rubbers with Teflon oil or silicone spray as a temporary solution and replacing worn components such as rear axle rubbers, control arm rubbers, anti-roll bar links and control arm bushes. For seized wheel bearings and hubs, special tools are often needed to prevent damage to the thread. On average, the costs for minor work (spraying, small links) are several hundred euros lower than for extensive replacement of wishbones and rubbers, which can amount to several hundred euros per axle. At high mileages you should also allow for extra costs for preventive replacement of wear parts in order to maintain steering precision and driving comfort.