First NCT Gen 1 Leaf

Gumbo

Anything specific to be done?
2014 Leaf with 68k km on it.

Other than the obvious, lights, fluids and seatbelts etc
Tyre pressures, tyre wear. It’s not my first NCT by any means but it is my first in an EV.

unkel

I don't think so and I'd say every NCT station in Dublin will have had several Leafs tested at this stage, so they won't be looking for any exhaust to hook their system up to etc

I'd say just put it through, don't bother checking anything. They'll check all that for you for just €55 and if something is wrong, fix and put it through again. Like any other car. Good luck!

Should be easy to hear any knocking noises when driving so if there are none you're good to go. Hopefully the rear axle alignment is fine in your car.

PS. Make sure you do an emissions test before the test. This can't be stressed enough.

Cosmo K

We've tested a few of them at this stage, absolutely no issues. One of the easiest cars to test, no emissions test, no brake test, and they don't stink the place up like a boyracer tdi:)

CiniO

Cosmo K wrote: »

We've tested a few of them at this stage, absolutely no issues. One of the easiest cars to test, no emissions test, no brake test, and they don't stink the place up like a boyracer tdi:)

Why is there no brake test?

grogi

CiniO wrote: »

Why is there no brake test?

Because of the regen nature of it (same applies for any Hybrids). No test on the rolls.

Brakes are tested with an akcelerometr, don't they?

Cosmo K

grogi wrote: »

Because of the regen nature of it (same applies for any Hybrids). No test on the rolls.

Brakes are tested with an akcelerometr, don't they?

Yep, bang on!

CiniO

grogi wrote: »

Because of the regen nature of it (same applies for any Hybrids). No test on the rolls.

Brakes are tested with an akcelerometr, don't they?

Sounds wrong.

I'm not arguing that not how it works .
But NCT centres should equip themselves in proper equipment for checking brakes on hybrids, electric cars and 4x4s.
Accelerometer test in not good enough IMO.

KCross

grogi wrote: »

Because of the regen nature of it (same applies for any Hybrids). No test on the rolls.

Brakes are tested with an akcelerometr, don't they?

Cosmo K wrote: »

Yep, bang on!

Isnt that bad though? i.e. The car could be pulling to one side and the NCT wont pick that up?

If there is no emission test, no brake test... what is tested? Is it just visual inspection of suspension and the basics of lights and horn?

Finally, what do they tend to fail on... if anything?

KCross

KCross wrote: »

Isnt that bad though? i.e. The car could be pulling to one side and the NCT wont pick that up?

They should be able to pick this during the accelerometer test better than on the rolls actually. Surely they would fail a car if it was noticeably pulling to one side when they jammed on it?

Cosmo K

CiniO wrote: »

Sounds wrong.

I'm not arguing that not how it works .
But NCT centres should equip themselves in proper equipment for checking brakes on hybrids, electric cars and 4x4s.
Accelerometer test in not good enough IMO.

Have you ever done an accelerometer test? Sometimes you complain that the NCT is too soft, then you complain that the test is to strict. Then you suggest we should fix cars as well as test them. Do you want us to take the whole car apart?

CiniO

Cosmo K wrote: »

Have you ever done an accelerometer test?

No I haven't.
But I can't imagine it being too effective in picking up brakes imbalance, which roller test can pick up straight away.

But as I have no experience with that test, I'm open to be proven wrong.

Sometimes you complain that the NCT is too soft, then you complain that the test is to strict.

I can't recall complaining NCT being to strict.

Then you suggest we should fix cars as well as test them. Do you want us to take the whole car apart?

I was only ever suggesting that trivial things should be fixed if it takes few minutes and saves big hassle to a customer. As similar system operate sucessfully in some other countries.

And no - I don't want NCT to be taking car apart.

But proper testing of brakes is crucial.
Accelerometer test doesn't seem for me like adequate technique for properly testing brakes.

Gumbo

unkel wrote: »

I don't think so and I'd say every NCT station in Dublin will have had several Leafs tested at this stage, so they won't be looking for any exhaust to hook their system up to etc

I'd say just put it through, don't bother checking anything. They'll check all that for you for just €55 and if something is wrong, fix and put it through again. Like any other car. Good luck!

I’m using my NCT as this years service inspection.
Out of warranty now and had the coolant/brake fluid done last year so all good.

NIMAN

My 2014 (Gen 1.5, 66,000km) went through its first NCT the other day, passed ok and I checked all the raw data versus the specs, seemed to be in the centre of most of them.

All I did was change the 2 front tyres.

zilog_jones

grogi wrote: »

Because of the regen nature of it (same applies for any Hybrids). No test on the rolls.

Putting it in neutral will mean it's just using the friction brakes - pretty sure this is the case for any hybrid or EV.

Gumbo

Moment of truth.
Will update.

goz83

kceire wrote: »

Moment of truth.
Will update.

nail biting

Gumbo

Failed.
Rear axle slip/alignment at 20m/km.

goz83

kceire wrote: »

Failed.
Rear axle slip/alignment at 20m/km.

Sorry to see that. Same as mine. Changing the tyre should get you a pass. It gave me an adjustment of 6 when I had mine changed.

The shim kit job cost €439

unkel

kceire wrote: »

Failed.
Rear axle slip/alignment at 20m/km.

Is that a recall issue / goodwill fix by Nissan?

It's the only known serious issue with the gen 1 Leaf, isn't it?

Orebro

goz83 wrote: »

kceire wrote: »

Failed.
Rear axle slip/alignment at 20m/km.

Sorry to see that. Same as mine. Changing the tyre should get you a pass. It gave me an adjustment of 6 when I had mine changed.

The shim kit job cost €439

Are dealers aware of this fix if asked? Is there a part number?

goz83

Orebro wrote: »

Are dealers aware of this fix if asked? Is there a part number?

Some are, some are not. It will only become a known issue as more Gen1.5 cars fail the NCT. Unless there is proof the work is done, it’s a good reason not to get a Gen1.5 car unless you budget an extra €500-600 (to include new tyre).

The part name is AXEL ALIGNER. Number 430C03NM0A. Cost €206.64 ex vat.

Gumbo

goz83 wrote: »

Sorry to see that. Same as mine. Changing the tyre should get you a pass. It gave me an adjustment of 6 when I had mine changed.

The shim kit job cost €439

Tyre is fine that’s why I thought the problem may not have been as bad on my car.

Orebro

goz83 wrote: »

Some are, some are not. It will only become a known issue as more Gen1.5 cars fail the NCT. Unless there is proof the work is done, it’s a good reason not to get a Gen1.5 car unless you budget an extra €500-600 (to include new tyre).

The part name is AXEL ALIGNER. Number 430C03NM0A. Cost €206.64 ex vat.

Hardly a reason not a purchase a 1.5? As mentioned its pretty much the only known issue on them, and doesn't affect all of them.
Thanks for the info on the part.

goz83

Orebro wrote: »

Hardly a reason not a purchase a 1.5? As mentioned its pretty much the only known issue on them, and doesn't affect all of them.
Thanks for the info on the part.

I wouldn't buy one without knowing for sure. And if it wasn't known, I would be getting the price knocked off.

Don't get me wrong, they really are a great car, but it's a very common issue and not cheap to fix.

grogi

goz83 wrote: »

Some are, some are not. It will only become a known issue as more Gen1.5 cars fail the NCT. Unless there is proof the work is done, it’s a good reason not to get a Gen1.5 car unless you budget an extra €500-600 (to include new tyre).

The part name is AXEL ALIGNER. Number 430C03NM0A. Cost €206.64 ex vat.

How the hell does it work? Leaf has a simple torsion beam, there is no adjustment to be made...

beauf

grogi wrote: »

How the hell does it work? Leaf has a simple torsion beam, there is no adjustment to be made...

They put a shim in.

goz83

beauf wrote: »

They put a shim in.

Only after much swearing at the car for being "untrackable"

The mechanics are wholly unfamiliar with the Leaf. I would hate if they had to do anything with the battery. They'd probably call me to say I am missing an engine :pac:

grogi

beauf wrote: »

They put a shim in.

Where? If you put it between pivot points of the beam and the body, you only rotate the beam - it does not change the tracking.

zilog_jones

grogi wrote: »

Where? If you put it between pivot points of the beam and the body, you only rotate the beam - it does not change the tracking.

You want to correct the toe, so a shim could be put in between the axle stub and the wheel hub. Don't know about Nissan's solution but other generic shim kits do this. Here's an example: https://www.clubgti.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-fit-adjustable-camber-toe-ez-shims-to-the-rear-beam-stub-axle.257949/

beauf

More info here...

https://speakev.com/threads/abnormal-tyre-wear-on-sunderland-built-leaf.7984/page-50

Whatever they are doing effects the toe in.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4

Gumbo

I’m booked into Windsor Airside for them to have a look at the alignment.
They said they haven’t come across it before even though I pointed out that Nissan have an official shim kit available.

He did say that they have to examine it before asking Nissan for any goodwill so we see how it goes.

unkel

Play the game nicely and you might very well get goodwill. You've successfully played that game before

Good luck!

Gumbo

unkel wrote: »

Play the game nicely and you might very well get goodwill. You've successfully played that game before

Good luck!

On more than one occasion I might add.

I’ll just print out everything I have in the matter and play nicely. Explain why I swapped from Bmw to Nissan and ask why should I stay basically.

The funny thing is, the service guy asked why I didn’t just get 4 wheel alignment done? I’m pretty sure 4 wheel alignment won’t fix this am I correct?

grogi

kceire wrote: »

On more than one occasion I might add.

I’ll just print out everything I have in the matter and play nicely. Explain why I swapped from Bmw to Nissan and ask why should I stay basically.

The funny thing is, the service guy asked why I didn’t just get 4 wheel alignment done? I’m pretty sure 4 wheel alignment won’t fix this am I correct?

There is no alignment to be done on a torsion beam suspension. It should be straight from the factory and never ever touched again.

goz83

grogi wrote: »

There is no alignment to be done on a torsion beam suspension. It should be straight from the factory and never ever touched again.

This.

Jay is the main mechanic in Windsor Raheny who hadn't ever heard of the problem until later that day and after I mentioned it was a common issue with the fixes being axle replacement or shim-kit.

If you have a dashcam, make sure it's on. Curious to see how they drive customer cars.

Gumbo

Left the car into Windsor Airside this evening to be looked at tomorrow. They say they will approach Nissan for any good will so fingers crossed.

Gumbo

Ok somalignment test came back as out last week.
They adjusted the front and confirmed that the rear could not be adjusted.

Goodwill request went to Nissan.
In the meantime I had the retest as it was only €28 I just wanted to confirm it was still out. So the retest came back with mush better results at the front end but the exact same at the rear. The tester even tested it on 2 rollers and put it on the ramp to see if anything was amiss.

I explained about the alignment issues and he h deteriorating then.

Now Nissan have offered to part cover the shim repair. The cost to me will be €299. It’s more than I wanted to spend on it but it was my first time dealing with Nissan Ireland and considering it’s out of warranty, a UK import, I was happy enough once I sat down and thought about it.

So booked in now to get done in 2 weeks.
I should push them for the demo L40 as a courtesy car!

goz83

I suppose it's something, but the shim repair didn't cost much more than that and I went to windsor too. Hopefully it gets sorted for you. I still haven't had mine (alignment) retested.

lardzeppelin

I was a tester in UK, we used accelerometers on rare occasion within certain vehicle groups, but so rarely, I actually can't remember what (might have been autos, 4wd, but certainly older vehicles)...an accelerometer won't detect pulling /drag /bind /imbalance, and therefore can't be considered an accurate test method in the same way as a rolling road can... I'm not having a dig at anyone or at the system, but I'm surprised applus went down this route (if they are the decision makers around testing)... However, to pick up on an earlier respondents point about 'fixing it up', yes, we did that in the UK as a matter if course, (going back over 15 years) we'd do tyre pressures, top up wash bottles, adjust headlights, tweak emissions and base idle, carry out the full test and write up the VT 30 or the pass cert....and we we're given 45 minutes for the pleasure...now some MOT's were simple enough, but there were stinkers as well, but when I attended my training to become certified I was told (along with the class) 'always, where possible find in favour of the customer'...and I did, but it wasn't always a walk in the park, there was pass, pass advisory and fail, many shades of grey, I've never tested in Ireland but I would say, with more test centres and more staff, a similar model of 'assistive testing' would be a boon to the Irish motorist and even go some way to dispelling the thoughts among many that the NCT is still something of a lottery in terms of pass and fail...

Gumbo

goz83 wrote: »

I suppose it's something, but the shim repair didn't cost much more than that and I went to windsor too. Hopefully it gets sorted for you. I still haven't had mine (alignment) retested.

Over €450 IIRC?
I’m getting a pre VAT discount is what they said.

goz83

kceire wrote: »

Over €450 IIRC?
I’m getting a pre VAT discount is what they said.

just under €439 inc VAT. (€386 NET).

Gumbo

goz83 wrote: »

just under €439 inc VAT. (€386 NET).

So €140 discount I’m getting. Not a lot but I probably should suck it up.

Round Cable

kceire wrote: »

So €140 discount I’m getting. Not a lot but I probably should suck it up.

Not looking forward to my Leaf's first NCT next month.

unkel

€300 - €400 or so. For a one off repair when the car is 4-6 years old. And that is the worst known issue with the Leaf. I know nobody wants an unexpected bill, but that is seriously good going and extremely low maintenance compared to any other cars on the road really.

Gumbo

unkel wrote: »

€300 - €400 or so. For a one off repair when the car is 4-6 years old. And that is the worst known issue with the Leaf. I know nobody wants an unexpected bill, but that is seriously good going and extremely low maintenance compared to any other cars on the road really.

€299 all in to be exact.
It’s not bad and it means the one issue with the car is sorted come resale time.

zilog_jones

Anyone know the cause of this? Could it be getting bent out of shape from potholes or kerb damage?

I don't know but I'm guessing that it's a manufacturing defect that the affected cars have had from day one. Something violent enough to bend the axle would for sure destroy the tyre and rim also. In some rare cases it could be poorly fixed crash damage also. In any case it would be a major design failure for the axle to just drift out of spec when driving normally and in that case every single LEAF would exhibit this.

zilog_jones

samih wrote: »

I don't know but I'm guessing that it's a manufacturing defect that the affected cars have had from day one. Something violent enough to bend the axle would for sure destroy the tyre and rim also.

I'm not so sure - a torsion beam suspension is basically a big metal beam that needs to be flexible to do its job (unlike your wheels), and there's probably a fine line between providing decent ride and the risk of permanent distortion of the axle from making it too soft. It's still likely a design or manufacturing flaw since it's happening so much, but I would imagine it's something that happens over time or is caused by particular events.

Gumbo

Just to close out this thread.
Passed NCT today.