Constant velocity joint (CV joint) is a critical component in the transmission Nissan Note, responsible for transmitting torque to the wheels at different angles. Its wear or damage leads to a characteristic crunch when turning, vibrations and even blocking of the drive. Owners Note (especially models E11 And E12) encounter this problem most often after 80–120 thousand km, but aggressive driving or bad roads reduce the resource to 50–60 thousand km.

In this article we will analyze all stages of CV joint replacement on Nissan Note: from fault diagnosis to selection of original and analog spare parts, detailed instructions with photos and videos, as well as nuances for versions with 1.4 And 1.6 liter engines. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that beginners make and give recommendations for extending the service life of new hinges.

Signs of a CV joint failure on a Nissan Note

First signs of wear external CV joint (from the wheel side) appear when turning at speeds over 20 km/h. Characteristic dry crunch or clicks — a signal about the destruction of the separator or balls. The internal CV joint (from the gearbox side) makes noise when accelerating or braking the engine, and its malfunction is often confused with a gearbox problem.

Other signs:

  • 🔧 Vibration on the steering wheel or body during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40–60 km/h).
  • 🔄 Jerks when starting off or changing gears.
  • 💧 Lubricant leaks on the inside of the wheel (if the boot is damaged).
  • 🚗 Car withdrawal to the side when moving in a straight line (if the wear is one-sided).

On Nissan Note with Automatic transmission a faulty CV joint can cause false activation of the ESP system due to uneven transmission of torque. In this case, the indicator on the dashboard lights up SLIP or VSC.

⚠️ Attention: If the crunch is heard only when right turning - the problem is in the left CV joint (and vice versa). This is due to the increased load on the outer joint when turning in the opposite direction.
📊 How often do you check the condition of the CV joints on your Nissan Note?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Only when a crunch appears
  • Never checked
  • I trust service station diagnostics

Which CV joint to choose: original vs analogues

Original CV joints for Nissan Note supplied by the company NTN (catalog numbers depend on the year of manufacture and type of drive). For example, for Note E11 (2005–2012) with engine HR16DE will fit:

  • 🔹 External CV joint: 39300-4M000 (right side) or 39300-4M001 (left).
  • 🔹 Inner CV joint: 39350-4M000 (set with tripod).
  • 🔹 Boot: 39371-4M000 (it is recommended to change together with the CV joint).

Among analogues, brands that have proven themselves well are:

  • 🏆 GKN (Loebro) — premium quality, resource 100+ thousand km.
  • 💰 SKF — optimal price/quality ratio (20–30% cheaper than the original).
  • 🛠️ Febi or Mapco - a budget option for temporary replacement.
Brand Article number (outer CV joint) Approximate price, ₽ Features
NTN (original) 39300-4M000 8 500–12 000 Maximum life, perfect fit
GKN 503 030 6 000–9 000 The best analogue, supplier for the Nissan conveyor
SKF VKJA 6637 4 500–6 500 Good protection against moisture, average lifespan
Febi 28303 3 000–4 000 Budget option, frequent fakes

Check when purchasing complete set: the box should contain a CV joint, boot, clamps, lubricant and a retaining ring. For Nissan Note with 4WD (all-wheel drive) the internal CV joint has a different catalog number - 39350-4M100.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap CV joints without a brand are often made from low-quality steel, which crumbles after 10–20 thousand km. Pay attention to the weight of the part - the original weighs 15–20% more than the fake.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To independently replace the CV joint with Nissan Note you will need:

  • 🔧 Special tools:
    • CV joint puller (for example, KUKKO 204-2).
    • Torque wrench (hub nut tightening torque - 200–220 Nm).
    • Press or vice for pressing in the inner CV joint.
  • 🛠️ General tool:
    • Heads for 17, 19, 22 and 32 mm.
    • Socket wrench with extension.
    • Hammer and pry bar.
    • Pliers for clamps.
  • 🧴 Consumables:
    • Grease for CV joint (Molykote BR2 Plus or equivalent).
    • Thread sealant (Loctite 243).
    • Brake cleaner (BRAKE CLEANER).

Before starting work:

  1. Place the car on flat area and secure with wheel chocks.
  2. Loosen the hub nut before getting up (the tightening torque is high, it is easier to strip the thread while hanging).
  3. Drain the gearbox oil if you plan to completely remove the drive shaft (to replace the inner CV joint).

Loosen the hub nut

Jack up the car and install jack stands

Remove the wheel and brake caliper

Disconnect the tie rod and ball joint

Secure the drive shaft with wire (so as not to damage the boot of the inner CV joint) -->

On Nissan Note with ABS Be careful with the speed sensor - its cable is attached to the stand and can break if the drive is removed carelessly.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the outer CV joint

Replacement process external CV joint on Nissan Note takes 2–3 hours (excluding preparation). Follow the algorithm:

  1. Removing the hub:

    Unscrew the hub nut (torque 200 Nm), then the bolts for securing the ball joint and steering end. Use a puller to press the ball pin out of the steering knuckle.

  2. Removing the drive shaft:

    Carefully pull the shaft out of the hub, first removing the boot clamp. If the CV joint is stuck, use a puller or light hammer blows through a wooden spacer.

  3. Replacing the CV joint:

    Cut off the boot clamps, remove the old CV joint and clean the shaft splines of old grease. The new CV joint is installed in the reverse order. Important: do not mix up the sides - there is a mark on the shaft (OUT or arrow).

  4. Boot installation:

    Apply lubricant (Molykote BR2 Plus) on the CV joint and distribute it evenly inside the boot. Secure the boot with new clamps, avoiding distortions.

When assembling, pay attention alignment shaft and hub. If the drive shaft rises with force, check the condition of the hub bearing - its wear can lead to misalignment and accelerated destruction of the CV joint.

💡

Before installing a new CV joint, check the play in the hub bearing. If there is one, replace the bearing, otherwise the new CV joint will last 2 times less.

For Nissan Note with 1.4 liter engine (KR14DE) hub nut tightening torque - 180 Nm, for 1.6 (HR16DE) — 200 Nm.

Features of replacing the internal CV joint

Inner CV joint on Nissan Note changes less frequently, but the process is more complicated due to the need to remove the drive shaft completely. Main nuances:

  • 🔧 Dismantling: It is necessary to drain the gearbox oil (about 2 liters) and disconnect the shaft from the differential. To do this, use a pry bar to gently push the tripod out of the box.
  • 🛠️ Pressing: The new inner CV joint is installed using a press or vice. Don't hit with a hammer! - this will damage the gearbox seal.
  • 🔄 Lubrication: For the inner CV joint, use a special lubricant with molybdenum (Molykote M77) as it operates at higher temperatures.

On all-wheel drive versions Note 4WD The inner CV joint is integrated with the transfer case. Replacing it requires removing the transmission pan and can take up to 5–6 hours.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the inner CV joint, hum at speeds above 80 km/h, check the gearbox oil level. Lack of lubrication leads to overheating of the differential bearings.
How to check the condition of the gearbox seal?

With the drive shaft removed, inspect the oil seal seat in the box. If there are traces of oil or scuffing, the oil seal requires replacement (catalog number: 38345-4M000). Use only original, since analogues often flow after 5–10 thousand km.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when replacing a CV joint with Nissan Note. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Retightening the hub nut: Leads to bearing deformation and vibrations. Use a torque wrench!
  • 🚫 Savings on lubrication: Cheap lubricant (Litol-24) does not withstand loads and leads to corrosion of the CV joint.
  • 🚫 Reuse of clamps: Old clamps do not provide a tight seal, and the boot quickly breaks.
  • 🚫 Ignoring play in the ball joint: A worn ball increases the load on the CV joint by 2-3 times.

Another critical error - incorrect installation of the boot. If it is twisted or pinched, excess pressure is created during movement and the boot bursts. Check its position after the first 100 km.

On Nissan Note with CVT (variator) after replacing the CV joint, be sure to reset the box adaptations via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). Otherwise, jerking may occur during acceleration.

💡

Use only clamps Norma or ABRO — they withstand high loads and do not weaken over time.

How to extend the life of a new CV joint

CV joint resource for Nissan Note depends not only on the quality of the part, but also on the driving style. Follow the recommendations:

  • 🚗 Avoid abrupt starts with the wheels turned out (especially in winter).
  • 💨 Wash drive shafts every 10 thousand km to remove abrasive dirt.
  • 🛣️ Avoid deep holes - impacts destroy the CV joint separator.
  • 🔧 Check the anthers every 20 thousand km (even if there are no signs of wear).

For additional protection, treat the anthers silicone grease - this will prevent the rubber from cracking. For winter you can use special covers for CV joints (for example, from Febi), which protect against salt and reagents.

If you often drive off-road, install reinforced anthers made of polyurethane (for example, Polyurethane Power). They are 3 times stronger than standard ones and can withstand extreme loads.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a CV joint on a Nissan Note

Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?

Short term - yes, but not worth the risk. A damaged CV joint can jam at speed, leading to loss of control. The maximum mileage with a crunch is 500–1000 km (with careful driving).

How much does it cost to replace a CV joint at a service station?

The price depends on the region and type of CV joint:

  • External CV joint: 3,000–5,000 ₽ (labor) + cost of the part.
  • Inner CV joint: 5,000–8,000 ₽ (requires draining the oil from the gearbox).
  • Set (both CV joints + boots): 10,000–15,000 ₽.

On official services Nissan the price is 30–50% higher.

Which CV joint fails more often: external or internal?

On Nissan Note breaks down in 80% of cases external CV joint - it experiences heavy loads when turning. The internal one fails less often, but replacing it is more difficult and expensive.

Do I need to balance the drive shaft after replacing the CV joint?

Yes, if you notice vibrations at speeds above 90 km/h. Balancing is carried out on a special stand (cost: 1,000–1,500 rubles). On Nissan Note with 1.6 engine, the drive imbalance is more pronounced due to higher speeds.

Is it possible to restore the CV joint instead of replacing it?

Theoretically yes - some workshops offer bulkhead CV joint with replacement of balls and separator. However, the service life of a restored part rarely exceeds 20–30 thousand km, and the price is often comparable to a new middle-class CV joint. We recommend restoring only internal CV joints of rare models (for example, for Note Nismo).