Armrest in Nissan Qashqai J11 - this is not just an element of comfort, but also an important interior detail that is subject to intensive use. Over time, it can wear out, crack, or break, especially if the car is used heavily. In this article we will look at all the nuances associated with armrests for Kashkaya J11: from the selection of original and non-original spare parts to step-by-step instructions for replacement and repair.
Owners Qashqai J11 (2013–2021 model year) often encounter problems related to the armrest mechanism - jamming, play or breakage of plastic elements. We will tell you how to diagnose a malfunction, select a high-quality replacement, and avoid common installation mistakes. You will also find care tips that will extend the life of the part.
Original armrests for Nissan Qashqai J11: articles and features
Original armrests from Nissan guarantee a perfect fit and durability, but may seem overpriced. For Qashqai J11 There are several options depending on the configuration and year of manufacture. Main articles:
- 🔧 80510-4M00A — armrest for models with a manual transmission (2013–2017).
- 🔧 80510-4M00B — modification for cars with automatic transmission (2013–2017).
- 🔧 80510-4M10A And 80510-4M10B — updated versions for restyled Qashqai J11 (2017–2021) with manual transmission and automatic transmission, respectively.
Please note that the armrests are for Qashqai J10 (first generation) not suitable for J11 due to the changed design of the fasteners and shape. Also, original parts can be supplied in different colors: black (B), gray (G) or beige (H). When ordering, please specify the color code for your car's interior.
The cost of the original armrest varies from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles depending on supplier and region. It is recommended to purchase such parts from official dealers or trusted online stores, such as Exist.ru, Autodoc or Emex.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an original armrest, check that all fasteners are included in the kit. Often bolts and plastic clips are sold separately, which can complicate installation.
Analogs and non-original armrests: what to choose?
If the original armrest seems too expensive, you can consider analogues from third-party manufacturers. Among the most popular brands:
- 🏷️ Febi (article
35216) - a high-quality German analogue, suitable for most configurations Qashqai J11. - 🏷️ Hella (article
8EL 355 101-121) - a reliable part with a good fit, but may vary in color. - 🏷️ Denso (article
550-0109) is a Japanese manufacturer offering armrests with an improved plastic base. - 🏷️ Sat (article
ST80510) is a budget option, but the quality of the plastic is inferior to the original.
The price of analogues starts from 3,500 rubles, which is 2–3 times cheaper than the original. However, it is worth considering that non-original parts may have slight differences in shape or material. For example, armrests from Febi often stiffer than the original ones, and parts from Sat may creak during operation.
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:
- 🔹 Compatible with gearbox type (manual/automatic).
- 🔹 Color design (must match the salon).
- 🔹 Availability of all fastenings and fixation mechanisms.
- Original (Nissan)
- Analogue (Febi, Hella)
- Budget (Sat, others)
- The non-original one was already standing and I’m happy
- Haven't changed it yet
Typical Qashqai J11 armrest malfunctions and their causes
Armrest in Nissan Qashqai J11 breaks down more often than you might think. The main problems that owners face:
| Malfunction | Reason | How it manifests itself |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism jamming | Worn plastic gears or dirt ingress | The armrest does not lock in the up/down position |
| Play or wobble | Loose fasteners or broken springs | The armrest "dangles" when moving |
| Cracks in plastic | Temperature changes or mechanical stress | Visible damage, squeaks when pressed |
| Backlight does not work (if any) | Burnt out LED or broken wiring | Backlight does not turn on when opening |
The most common failure is wear of plastic gears in the locking mechanism. This is due to the frequent use of the armrest as a support for the arm or even as a stand for things. As a result, the gears are worn out and the part is no longer locked in the desired position.
Another common problem is backlash of fastenings. It occurs due to loosening of the bolts or breakage of the plastic clips that hold the armrest on the guides. If the backlash is not eliminated in time, it can lead to more serious damage, for example, cracks in the base.
⚠️ Attention: If the armrest begins to creak when moving, this is a sign that the plastic parts are rubbing against each other without lubrication. Ignoring the problem will lead to accelerated wear of the mechanism.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the armrest on a Nissan Qashqai J11
Replacing the armrest with Qashqai J11 - a task of medium complexity that can be completed independently in 30–60 minutes. You will need:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (or screwdriver with bat
PH2). - 🔧 Flat screwdriver or plastic pick for removing clips.
- 🔧 Socket wrench on
10 mm(for fastening bolts). - 🔧 Lubricant for plastic mechanisms (for example, LIQUI MOLY Kunststoff-Pflege).
Step 1. Removing the old armrest
- Lower the armrest to the lowest position.
- Remove the plastic trim on the side (carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver).
- Unscrew the two mounting bolts with a socket wrench on
10 mm. - Disconnect the backlight connector (if equipped) and pull the armrest out of the grooves.
Step 2: Installing a new armrest
- Check the contents of the new part (all clips and bolts must be present).
- Install the armrest into the grooves and secure with bolts (do not overtighten!).
- Connect the backlight connector (if applicable).
- Attach the side pad, making sure it fits snugly.
After installation, check the operation of the mechanism: the armrest should move smoothly and securely lock in the upper and lower positions.
☑️ What to check after replacing the armrest
Qashqai J11 armrest repair: when replacement is not needed
It is not always necessary to completely replace the armrest. In some cases it can be repaired, saving up to 70% of the cost of a new part. Let's look at the most common breakdowns and how to fix them.
1. Mechanism jamming
If the armrest does not lock into place, the problem is most likely in the plastic gears. For repair:
- Remove the armrest (as described above).
- Disassemble the mechanism by carefully removing the cover (usually it is secured with latches).
- Clean the gears from dirt and apply plastic lubricant.
- If the gears are worn out, they can be replaced with similar ones from other models Nissan (for example, from X-Trail T32).
2. Cracks in plastic
Small cracks can be repaired using epoxy glue or a special plastic welding machine. To do this:
- Sand the edges of the crack with sandpaper.
- Apply glue and press the parts together tightly (use clamps).
- After drying, sand the repair area and paint it in the interior color.
3. Backlash of fastenings
If the armrest is wobbly, check:
- 🔧 Are the fastening bolts tightened (sometimes they loosen over time).
- 🔧 Integrity of plastic clips (if necessary, replace them with new ones).
- 🔧 The condition of the springs in the mechanism (if they are weakened, they can be bent or replaced).
Before assembling the mechanism, apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the plastic gears - this will extend their service life and eliminate squeaks.
How to care for your armrest so it lasts longer
Armrest service life Nissan Qashqai J11 depends not only on the quality of the part, but also on its care. Here are some tips to help avoid premature wear:
- 🧴 Regularly clean the surface of the armrest from dirt and dust using wet wipes or special products for plastic (for example, Sonax Plastic Cleaner).
- 🛢️ Once every 6 months, lubricate the armrest mechanism with silicone or Teflon lubricant (avoid lithol or grease - they attract dirt).
- ⚖️ Do not use the armrest as a stand for heavy objects (such as laptops or bags). Maximum load - up to 3 kg.
- ☀️ In hot weather, cover the armrest with a light cloth to avoid overheating the plastic (this will prevent cracking).
Pay special attention to the locking mechanism. If you notice that the armrest has begun to fix less well, do not wait for a breakdown - disassemble it and check the condition of the gears. Often, simply cleaning and lubricating parts is enough to restore them to functionality.
Using harsh cleaning agents (such as solvents or acetone) may cause the plastic to become cloudy or crack. To care for the armrest Qashqai J11 use only specialized auto chemicals.
Where to buy an armrest for Nissan Qashqai J11: trusted suppliers
When purchasing an armrest, it is important to choose a reliable supplier to avoid counterfeits or low-quality parts. Here are a few proven options:
| Supplier | Benefits | Disadvantages | Average price (original) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Nissan dealer | 100% original, guaranteed | Expensive, long delivery | 12 000–15 000 ₽ |
| Exist.ru | Large assortment, fast delivery | Prices are higher than some analogues | 10 000–13 000 ₽ |
| Autodoc | Convenient search by VIN, frequent discounts | There may be problems with returns | 9 000–12 000 ₽ |
| AliExpress | Low prices for analogues | Long delivery, risk of counterfeit | 3 500–7 000 ₽ |
When purchasing on AliExpress or other foreign sites, pay attention to the seller’s rating and customer reviews. Often Chinese analogues have inaccurate dimensions or low quality plastic. If you are not sure about the choice, order the part from an official dealer or a trusted Russian supplier.
You can also look for armrests at disassembly sites. The price there is usually 2-3 times lower than the original, but be prepared for the fact that the part may be in worn-out condition. Before purchasing, be sure to check:
- 🔍 Condition of the plastic (are there any cracks or chips).
- 🔍 Operation of the fixation mechanism.
- 🔍 Compatible with your equipment (manual/automatic transmission).
When buying an armrest for disassembly, ask the seller to take a video of the mechanism in operation. This will help avoid hidden defects.
Frequently asked questions about Nissan Qashqai J11 armrests
Is it possible to install an armrest from a Nissan X-Trail T32 on a Qashqai J11?
No, the armrests are from X-Trail T32 not suitable for Qashqai J11 due to different fastening designs and shapes. However, some plastic parts of the mechanism (such as gears) can be interchanged.
What lubricant is best for treating the armrest mechanism?
For plastic armrest mechanisms, it is recommended to use silicone or Teflon lubricants, for example:
- LIQUI MOLY Kunststoff-Pflege (article
3901), - CRC Plastic Lube (article
05350), - WD-40 Specialist Silicone (article
300255).
Avoid lithol, grease or graphite lubricants - they attract dust and accelerate wear.
How long does it take to replace an armrest yourself?
If you have the tools and experience, replacing the armrest with Qashqai J11 takes 30–60 minutes. If you are doing this for the first time, it may take up to 1.5–2 hours, especially if you have to disassemble the mechanism for repair.
What should I do if the armrest creaks, but the mechanism works fine?
The squeaking noise is usually caused by friction between plastic parts. To resolve it:
- Remove the armrest.
- Disassemble the mechanism and clean the parts from dirt.
- Apply silicone grease to all rubbing surfaces.
- Assemble the armrest and check operation.
If the squeak remains, the plastic bushings may be worn out - they will have to be replaced.
Is it possible to paint the armrest if it is faded or scratched?
Yes, the armrest can be painted, but for this you need to use special paints for plastic, for example:
- MOTIP Plastik Lack (article
500001), - Dupli-Color Plastic Paint (article
DP3000).
Before painting, the plastic must be degreased and treated with primer for better adhesion. After painting, it is recommended to coat the surface with a clear varnish for protection.