Spacers on Nissan Note: increasing ground clearance without harming the suspension

Owners Nissan Note often encounter the problem of insufficient ground clearance, especially when operating on Russian roads. Standard ground clearance 150–160 mm (depending on the generation) does not always save you from impacts on uneven surfaces, and installing spacers becomes the most affordable solution. But how to choose the right parts so as not to spoil the suspension geometry and worsen handling?

In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from types of spacers (aluminum, polyurethane, plastic) to step-by-step installation instructions. Let's consider unique suspension features Note E11 and E12, which influence the choice of spacer thickness, and provide data on the permissible lifting limits without harm to the steering system. And at the end - real reviews from owners about the results after installation.

Which spacers are suitable for Nissan Note: types and materials

Spacers for Nissan Note are divided into three main types based on the material of manufacture, each of which has its own pros and cons. The choice depends on your budget, driving style and goals: a temporary solution or a long-term modification.

• 🔹 Aluminum — the strongest and most durable, withstand loads up to 5 tons/cm². Suitable for continuous use, but require precise fit. Average price: 3 000–6 000 ₽ per set.
• 🔹 Polyurethane — elastic, dampen vibrations, but can sag over time. Optimal for temporarily increasing ground clearance (for example, for the winter). Cost: 1 500–3 500 ₽.
• 🔹 Plastic (composite) - budget option (800–2 000 ₽), but are only suitable for the rear axle and thicknesses up to 20 mm. Under heavy loads there is a risk of cracking.

For Nissan Note E11 (2004–2013) and E12 (2013–2020) fit spacers with fastening to standard bolts M12×1.25. Important: thicker spacers cannot be used on the front axle 30 mm - it disrupts work MacPherson struts and camber angles. The rear axle is less critical: lifting up to 40–50 mm.

⚠️ Attention: Spacers made of “raw” aluminum (without heat treatment) can become deformed under sudden loads. Check the quality certificates from the seller!

Allowable spacer thickness: what does the suspension geometry say?

Increased clearance Nissan Note limited by suspension design. Exceeding the recommended values leads to:

• 🔧 Accelerated wear CV joints and anthers.
• 🔧 Offset center of gravity, which impairs cornering stability.
• 🔧 Incorrect operation ABS And ESP (on models from 2013).

Axis	Max. spacer thickness	Consequences of exceeding	Recommendations
Front	20–30 mm	Changing the camber angle, vibration on the steering wheel	Use with adjustable arms
Rear	30–50 mm	Suspension stiffness, risk of “steering” on bumps	Install together with extended shock absorbers
Four-wheel drive (4WD)	15–20 mm	Load on the transmission, risk of differential failure	Consultation with a tuning studio is required

In practice, most owners Note install spacers 20 mm front and 30 mm behind. This adds 25–30 mm to clearance without critical consequences. For a precise fit, use laser level or contact service with wheel alignment stand.

Step-by-step instructions for installing spacers on a Nissan Note

Installation of spacers does not require special equipment, but will require jack, socket set And torque wrench (for tightening with torque 80–100 Nm). It is better to do the work on pit or lift.

Jack up the car and remove the wheels|Clean the spring seats from dirt|Check the condition of the bolts and nuts (replace if rusty)|Prepare new lock washers-->

Procedure for the front axle:

1. Unscrew the nut securing the strut to the steering knuckle (the key is on 19).
2. Remove the spring from the strut using zip ties.
3. Install a spacer between the spring support and the body. For models Note E12 It may be necessary to trim the standard travel buffer.
4. Reassemble the assembly in reverse order, tightening the nuts firmly 90 Nm.

On the rear axle, the algorithm is simpler: a spacer is installed between the spring and the shock absorber cup. The main thing is not to forget check the position of the brake hoseso that it does not rub against the edge of the spacer.

⚠️ Attention: After installing the spacers thicker 20 mm be sure to follow wheel alignment adjustment. Ignoring this rule will result in uneven tire wear over time. 2–3 thousand km.

What should I do if vibration appears after installation?

Vibrations at speeds of 80+ km/h are often caused by misaligned wheels. Check:

1. Correct installation of spacers (no distortions).

2. Wheel balancing.

3. The condition of the wheel bearings (when they wear out, the “hum” intensifies after the ground clearance is raised).

The influence of spacers on handling and suspension life

Increasing the ground clearance inevitably changes the behavior of the car. According to owner reviews Nissan Note, after installing spacers 20–30 mm the following effects are observed:

• ✅ Pros:
  • 🚗 Passability in snow/mud improves by 30–40%.
  • 🛡️ The risk of damage to the engine protection is reduced by 2 times.
• ❌ Cons:
  • 🌀 Roll in turns increases (especially noticeable on Note E11 with soft suspension).
  • 🔄 Shock absorber life is reduced by 15–20% due to changed load.

To compensate for negative consequences, it is recommended:

• 🔧 Install reinforced anti-roll bars (for example, from Nissan Juke).
• 🔧 Use gas-filled shock absorbers (For example, Kayaba Excel-G).
• 🔧 Check gaps in CV joints every 10,000 km.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

Forum analysis (Drive2, NoteClub) shows that 80% of owners are satisfied with the installation of spacers, but only if the installation rules are followed. Here are typical stories:

📌 Alexey, Moscow, Note E12 2015:

"I installed aluminum spacers 20 mm front and 30 mm behind. Ground clearance increased from 155 mm to 180 mm — now I don’t cling to speed bumps. Minus: at a speed of 120+ km/h the car drifts a little to the side, but this can be solved with wheel alignment 1 500 ₽."

📌 Igor, Ekaterinburg, Note E11 2008:

"I experimented with polyurethane spacers 25 mm. A year later they sank to 5 mm, had to change. Now they have aluminum ones - for 3 years without problems. Advice: don’t skimp on materials!”

Negative reviews are mainly related to:

• 🔧 Incorrect selection of thickness (for example, 40 mm in front on Note E11 lead to play in the steering wheel).
• 🔧 Using cheap plastic spacers that crack in cold temperatures below -20°C.

Alternatives to spacers: which is better for increasing ground clearance

If spacers seem like a temporary solution, consider alternative ways to raise Nissan Note:

Method	Cost	Pros	Cons
High-stiffness springs	8 000–15 000 ₽	Maintains controllability and is durable	Rough ride, shock absorbers need to be replaced
Elevator Suspension Kits	30 000–50 000 ₽	Rise to 50–70 mm, full compatibility	Expensive, difficult installation
Crankcase protection with integrated lift	5 000–10 000 ₽	Double benefit: protection + clearance	Suitable for rear axle only

For urban use, the optimal balance of price and quality remains spacers 20–30 mm + reinforced shock absorbers. If you plan to drive off-road, it is better to consider a full-fledged lift kit with modified lever geometry.

Where to buy spacers for Nissan Note: trusted sellers

When purchasing spacers, avoid “no-name” brands with AliExpress or Avito — the risk of running into a fake is high. Recommended options:

• 🛒 Official dealers of tuning companies:
  • H&R (Germany) - spacers with a guarantee 2 years.
  • Eibach (USA) - aluminum kits with anti-corrosion coating.
• 🛒 Russian manufacturers:
  • Tuning-Auto (Moscow) - polyurethane spacers with certificates.
  • CarTuning (St. Petersburg) - aluminum with CNC milling.
• 🛒 Marketplaces with quality control:
  • Yandex Market (filter "with reviews").
  • Wildberries (only sellers with higher ratings 4.8).

Average price of sets (front + rear) in 2026:

• 🔹 Aluminum: 4 500–7 000 ₽.
• 🔹Polyurethane: 2 000–4 000 ₽.
• 🔹Plastic: 1 000–2 500 ₽ (rear axle only).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, please check if it is included in the package. extended bolts (for thicker spacers 25 mm they are required!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about spacers on Nissan Note

❓ Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after installing the spacers?

✅ Yes, definitely! Even spacers 15 mm change the wheel alignment angles. Average cost of adjustment: 1 200–2 000 ₽.

❓ Is it possible to install spacers only on the rear axle?

✅ It is possible, but it will create height imbalance. Optimal ratio: rear axle on 5–10 mm above the front.

❓ How do spacers affect fuel consumption?

✅ When climbing 30 mm consumption increases by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km due to deteriorating aerodynamics.

❓ Is it possible to drive with spacers in winter?

✅ Yes, but polyurethane spacers can tannify at frost below -25°C. Aluminum does not have this disadvantage.

❓ Which spacers are best for Note with automatic transmission?

✅ Critical for the machine rigidity — choose aluminum or reinforced polyurethane. Plastic does not withstand transmission jerks.