2021-2023 Nissan Wheel Bearing Collision Damage TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2023 Nissan vehicles may experience a persistent noise originating from a wheel bearing following a collision or other significant suspension damage. This noise, often described as a humming, grinding, or growling sound that changes with vehicle speed or when turning, is a key indicator of potential internal damage. Even if the damage is not visible externally, slight indents on the bearing surfaces caused by impact can lead to this audible symptom, signaling a potential Nissan Sentra wheel bearing damage or similar issue in other models.

Diagnosis and Inspection

Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB10-126C outlines a specific procedure for technicians to inspect the wheel bearing assembly for damage after an impact event. This diagnostic method focuses on detecting internal damage that might not be visible to the naked eye. The steps are as follows:

1. Remove the hub/bearing assembly: The entire assembly must be detached from the vehicle to allow for a thorough manual inspection.
2. Hold with both hands: The technician should grasp the hub/bearing assembly firmly with both hands to get a tactile feel for its internal condition.
3. Rotate in both directions: The assembly is then rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. This manual rotation helps to articulate the bearing elements and reveal any irregularities.
4. Check for gritty or rough feeling: If the technician detects any gritty or rough sensation during rotation, it indicates damage to the internal bearing surfaces. This tactile feedback is crucial for confirming the presence of collision-induced damage.

Important Warnings

Nissan explicitly states in this bulletin that "Hub/bearing replacement due to impact (collision or other suspension damage) is NOT a warrantable repair." This means that if Nissan Sentra wheel bearing damage or similar issues in other models are determined to be a direct result of a collision or suspension impact, the cost of parts and labor for replacement will likely not be covered under the vehicle's factory warranty. Owners should be aware of this policy when seeking repairs for such damage.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the inspection reveals a gritty or rough feeling in the hub/bearing assembly, indicating internal damage from an impact, the recommended repair is straightforward: replace the affected wheel bearing assembly with a new one. There are no specific repair steps for the damaged bearing itself, as the damage is internal and requires a full unit replacement to restore proper function and eliminate noise.

Owner Action

If you notice unusual noise from your vehicle's wheels, especially after a collision or an incident involving suspension impact, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified Nissan technician. Be prepared for the possibility that repairs for Nissan Sentra wheel bearing damage or similar issues resulting from impact may not be covered under warranty. Discuss the diagnostic findings and repair costs with your service advisor before proceeding with any work.

Amendment History

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions to ensure its applicability to the latest models and model years:

• October 21, 2010 (NTB10-126): Original bulletin published.
• December 17, 2020 (NTB10-126a): Publication date updated to include the latest models and model years.
• November 18, 2021 (NTB10-126B): Publication date updated to include the latest models and model years.
• February 22, 2023 (NTB10-126C): Publication date updated to include the latest models and model years.