Rear wheel bearing on Nissan Note - a part that wears out gradually, but ignoring its malfunction is dangerous. If a bearing fails, you run the risk of not only hearing an annoying hum at speed, but also facing a wheel jam while driving. In this article we will look at how diagnose the problem yourself, select the correct bearing and replace it without errors - taking into account the design features Nissan Note (including models E11 And E12).

The average wheel bearing life on this car is 80–120 thousand km, but with aggressive driving, frequent trips on bad roads or careless maintenance, it can fail much earlier. We won’t convince you to go to a service center; instead, we’ll show you how to save on repairs by doing it yourself. This will require a minimum set of tools and 3–4 hours of time.

Signs of a bad rear wheel bearing

The first sign of a problem is extraneous noise from the wheel side. At the initial stage, it is a barely noticeable hum, which intensifies during acceleration or when cornering. Over time the sound becomes similar to metal grinding or crunch, and in advanced cases, vibration appears on the steering wheel or body. Here are the key symptoms:

  • 🔊 Hum or howl from the rear wheel, which intensifies when accelerating (especially noticeable at speed 60–90 km/h).
  • 🔄 The noise changes when turning: If the noise increases when turning left, the problem is in the right bearing, and vice versa.
  • 🚗 Vibration on the body or steering wheel, which is felt even on a flat road.
  • 🔥 Hub overheating: After a ride, a wheel with a faulty bearing may be hotter than the rest.
  • 🛑 Wheel play when checking in a suspended state (more on this below).

To confirm the diagnosis, perform a simple test: jack up the car and swing the wheel in the vertical and horizontal planes. If there is play or clicks are heard, the bearing requires replacement. Nissan Note is particularly susceptible to this problem due to the compact suspension, where the load on the rear hubs is higher than on front-wheel drive vehicles with staggered axles.

⚠️ Attention: If the bearing is already crunches At low speeds, you cannot drive such a car - the risk of a wheel jam increases significantly. In this case, call a tow truck or drive at a speed no more than 20 km/h to the place of repair.
📊 How long ago have you changed the wheel bearings on your car?
  • Never changed
  • I change it according to the regulations (every 100 thousand km)
  • Only when the hum appears
  • I don't remember when was the last time

Which bearing to choose for Nissan Note

On Nissan Note (including restyled versions) wheel bearings are installed closed type with art. 40520-4M000 (original) or its analogues. It is important to take into account the year of manufacture and modification of the car:

Model and year Original art. Analogs (brand + art.) Average price, ₽
Nissan Note E11 (2004–2012) 40520-4M000 NSK VKBA3403, NTN 512047, FAG 713610630 2 500–4 000
Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) 40520-4M010 SKF VKBA3403, Koyo 512047, SNR R155.62 3 000–4 500
With ABS 40520-4M005 Timken HA590047, Febi 22620 3 500–5 000

When purchasing, pay attention to:

  • 🔍 Availability of ABS: Bearings for vehicles with anti-lock braking system have a magnetic ring for the sensor.
  • 📦 Complete set: the original kit should contain a hub nut (40506-4M000) and retaining ring.
  • 🛡️ Brand: give preference NSK, NTN or SKF — they last longer than cheap Chinese analogues.

Do not buy bearings without packaging or with damaged markings - there is a high risk of running into a fake. On original parts Nissan There is always an engraving with art. and the manufacturer's logo.

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If you buy a non-original bearing, check it for grease. High-quality analogues (for example, SKF or Timken) come with factory lubricant, which does not require additional application.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the rear wheel bearing with Nissan Note you will need:

Jack and supports (or lift)

Balloon wrench and sockets (17, 19, 22, 30 mm)

Wheel bearing puller (or press)

Torque wrench (to tighten the hub nut)

Hammer and chisel (for dismantling the old bearing)

WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant

New bearing + wheel nut + snap ring-->

Before starting work:

  1. Place the car on a level surface, tighten the handbrake and place stands under the front wheels.
  2. Loosen the wheel bolts and the hub nut (it is tightened with great force - 180–220 Nm).
  3. Jack up the rear of the car and remove the wheel.
  4. Disconnect the ABS sensor (if equipped) and the brake caliper - you can hang it on a wire to avoid damaging the hose.

Important nuance: on Nissan Note the rear hub is attached to the beam with one bolt (on some modifications - two). It can be easily torn off if excessive force is used. Treat the thread before unscrewing WD-40 and wait 10–15 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use an impact wrench to remove the hub nut; this may damage the threads on the axle shaft. If the nut does not budge, heat it with a hair dryer or use a penetrating lubricant with molybdenum.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing a bearing

The replacement process can be divided into 3 stages: dismantling the old bearing, installation of new And assembly. Let's look at each in detail.

1. Dismantling the hub and bearing

After removing the wheel and brake disc:

  1. Unscrew the bolt securing the hub to the beam (usually M12 with a 17 mm head).
  2. Remove the hub from the axle shaft. If it is tight, gently tap it with a hammer through the wooden spacer.
  3. Remove the bearing retaining ring using pliers.
  4. Press out the old bearing using a puller or vice. If you don't have a puller, you can use mandrel (a piece of pipe suitable in diameter) and a hammer.

Important: do not damage the bearing seat in the hub. If there are nicks or corrosion, sand them down with fine sandpaper.

2. Installing a new bearing

Before installation:

  • 🧴 Apply a thin layer of lubricant (Litol-24 or Molykote) to the seat in the hub.
  • 🔧 Install a new retaining ring (the old one is usually deformed during dismantling).
  • 🛠️ Press the bearing into the hub, loading it evenly along the outer ring. Use a mandrel or old bearing as a spacer.

Do not hit the bearing with a directement hammer as this will damage the balls or cage. If the bearing is tight, check whether it was warped during installation.

3. Assembly and tightening

After installing the bearing:

  1. Place the hub onto the axle shaft and bolt it to the beam.
  2. Install the brake disc and caliper, connect the ABS sensor.
  3. Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench 180–220 Nm (for Nissan Note E12 — 200 Nm).
  4. Place the wheel and lower the car. Drive 5-10 km and check the hub heating - it should not be hot.
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After replacing the bearing, be sure to check the brake fluid level; it may have leaked out of the system when removing the caliper.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing wheel bearings. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Retightening the hub nut - leads to premature bearing wear. Always use a torque wrench.
  • 🛠️ Installing a bearing without a retaining ring - it may turn or fly out when moving.
  • 🧴 Using the wrong lubricant (For example, Solid oil instead of Litol-24) - accelerates corrosion.
  • 🔥 Bearing overheating during pressing (for example, by heating with a burner) - destroys the factory lubricant.

Another typical problem is misdiagnosis. For example, the hum may not come from a bearing, but from worn hub ball or shock absorbers. To eliminate the error, before replacing, check:

  • Condition CV boot (if it is torn, the hinge may buzz).
  • Backlash in suspension arms (shake them with a tire iron).
  • Wear brake pads (sometimes the creaking is mistaken for a bearing).
What happens if you don't change the bearing?

If you ignore the hum and continue driving, the bearing will start crumble, which will lead to:

- Wheel jamming while driving (especially dangerous at speed).

- Damage to the axle shaft (repair will cost 15–20 thousand ₽).

- Destruction of the hub (replacement of the entire part will be required).

In critical cases, the wheel may simply fall off while driving!

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

If you decide to contact the service, the cost of work will be:

Service type Cost of work, ₽ Cost of spare parts, ₽ Total, ₽
Official dealer Nissan 5 000–7 000 4,000–6,000 (original) 9 000–13 000
Unofficial service 2 500–4 000 2,500–4,500 (analog) 5 000–8 500
On your own 0 2 500–4 500 2 500–4 500

The savings when replacing yourself are obvious, but keep in mind that without experience you may spend more time or make mistakes. If you do not have a bearing puller, renting one from a car service center will cost 500–1 000 ₽.

Average replacement time in garage conditions - 3–4 hours (including dismantling and installation). In the service it goes 1–1.5 hours, since craftsmen use specialized tools.

When should the bearing be replaced again?

Even after successful replacement, the bearing may fail prematurely. This happens due to:

  • 🚗 Aggressive riding over potholes and off-road.
  • 💦 Water ingress (e.g. after high pressure washing).
  • 🔧 Incorrect tightening hub nut.
  • 🧴 Lack of lubrication in the seat.

To extend the life of a new bearing:

  • 🛑 Avoid sudden starts and braking at first 500 km after replacement.
  • 🚿 Do not wash your car using high pressure washers in the hub area.
  • 🔄 Every 10 thousand km check wheel play.

If the bearing begins to make noise again through 20–30 thousand kmmost likely the problem is quality of the part or incorrect installation. In this case, contact a specialist for diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a bearing on a Nissan Note

Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?

Short-term (before service) - possible, but at a speed no higher 60 km/h. Driving for a long time with a faulty bearing leads to its destruction and the risk of wheel jamming. If the bearing crunches or creaks, movement is prohibited.

Do I need to replace the bearing in pairs?

No, this is not necessary. Unlike hub ball or shock absorbers, the bearings wear out independently of each other. Change only the one that is noisy or has play.

What lubricant should I use to treat the bearing before installation?

If the bearing is new and comes with factory lubricant (for example, NSK or SKF), there is no need to lubricate it additionally. If the lubricant is low or has dried out, use Litol-24 or specialized grease for wheel bearings (For example, Molykote BR2 Plus).

What should I do if there is still a hum after replacement?

The reasons may be as follows:

  1. The bearing is installed skewed.
  2. Insufficient or over-tightening of the hub nut.
  3. The hum does not come from the bearing, but from CV joint or brake disc.
  4. Defective new bearing (rare, but it happens).

Check all suspension components and repeat the diagnosis.

How long does a bearing last after replacement?

The service life depends on the quality of the part and operating conditions:

  • Original or premium analogue (NSK, SKF): 100–150 thousand km.
  • Average analogue (Febi, TRW): 60–100 thousand km.
  • Budget analogue (no-name): 20–40 thousand km.

If you drive carefully and there are no external influences (water, dirt), the bearing will last longer.