Car owners Nissan Note first generation (E11 body) are often faced with the need to dismantle the rear part of the body. This may be caused by the desire to install parking sensors, paint the bumper after a minor accident, or replace broken fasteners. The removal procedure does not require complex specialized equipment, but dictates strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the fragile plastic.
The main difficulty of working with Nissan Note E11 consists of a large number of hidden fastening elements and a specific design of plastic clips, which break if handled carelessly. If you plan to do the work yourself, you will need a set of screwdrivers, a ratchet with sockets, and possibly a spudger. The correct approach will allow you to avoid the appearance of extraneous sounds and gaps during reassembly.
Preparing the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to ensure access to the fastening areas. The car must be parked on a level surface, preferably on a hard surface. Make sure you have easy access to the luggage compartment and wheel arches. Good lighting is critical as many bolts and clips are in hard to reach areas.
To work you will need a standard set of tools. Pay special attention to the socket wrenches, since most fasteners are screwed into them. Also have a plastic spatula ready to safely pry up the latches. Do not use flathead screwdrivers to pry off clips unless they have a special protective tip, as this is guaranteed to scratch the paint or plastic.
- 🔧 Socket set (sizes 8, 10, 12 mm)
- 🔨 Plastic mounting spatula or wide spatula
- 🧰 Screwdrivers with Phillips and flat blades
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from dirt and sharp edges
It is important to empty the trunk of unnecessary items in advance. Removing the rear bumper Nissan Note often requires access to the inside of the trunk lid and arch trim. If there is cargo in the trunk, it may make it difficult to remove the top bolts or access the clips that secure the trim.
Removing the upper part of the fastening and casing
The removal process starts from the top. Open the trunk and locate the plastic covers covering the mounting bolts. These elements are usually secured with clips or light pressure. Carefully pry them off with a pry bar and remove. Underneath the trims you will find bolts that hold the top edge of the bumper in place.
Use a 10mm socket to remove screws. In some trim levels Nissan Note E11 Self-tapping screws may also be present. After removing the bolts, the upper part of the bumper will become movable, but do not try to pull it off right away - hidden fasteners remain on the bottom and sides. If you plan to further disassemble the interior, now is the time to remove part of the trunk trim.
Pay attention to the condition of the plastic trim clips. If they are old and fragile, proceed with extreme caution. When removing the trim, you will have access to the internal bumper fasteners, which will greatly simplify further dismantling. Some owners prefer to remove the entire side trim for complete control.
⚠️ Caution: When removing plastic covers, do not use excessive force. Fragile plastic on cars produced from 2005-2013 can burst from sudden movement, and it will be difficult to find a replacement for such a part.
Removing elements in wheel arches
The rear bumper is attached to the body and through the wheel arches. This is one of the most critical stages of work. You need to remove the plastic fender liners (lockers) or at least unscrew the fasteners that go through them. Usually there are screws or clips in the arches that hold the edge of the bumper.
To access them, you may need to turn the wheel to the side to increase the space inside the arch. Remove all visible screws that connect the bumper to the fender liner. If the fender liners cannot be completely removed, it is enough to unscrew only those screws that secure the bumper. It is important not to lose washers and nuts, as they may fall into hard-to-reach areas under the bottom.
- 🚗 Rotate rear wheel outward for better access
- 🔩 Unscrew the screws securing the bumper to the locker
- 🧹 Clean the arch from dirt so as not to scratch the paint when removing
Sometimes a situation arises when the clips in the arches have become stuck due to dirt and time. In such cases, use a penetrating lubricant or gently heat the plastic with a hairdryer. This will help soften the latches and prevent them from breaking when removed. Do not forget that the bumper is supported by many points, and each of them must be released.
Disabling the electrical part and parking sensors
If your Nissan Note E11 equipped with a parking system, before final removal of the bumper it is necessary to turn off the electrics. Parking sensors are built into the bumper and connected to common wiring. Simply tugging on the bumper can break wires or damage connectors, leading to costly repairs.
Locate the wiring harness going to the sensors. It usually goes through a hole in the body or through the trunk trim. Carefully disconnect the connector chips. If there are no sensors, still check for wires going to the taillights or license plate, as they may prevent the part from being completely removed.
First press the latch and then pull the connector itself. Don't pull the wires! If the wires are short, unscrew the parking sensor control unit (if it is located in the access area) or simply leave the wires hanging so that they are not pulled when removing the bumper.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the bumper until you are sure that all electrical connectors are completely disconnected. A broken parking sensor wiring can cause an error on the dashboard and require complex diagnostics.
- Less than 30 minutes
- 30-60 minutes
- 1-2 hours
- More than 2 hours
The process of removing the bumper from its engagements
After all the bolts, screws and electrical connectors are disconnected, the most crucial moment comes - removing the bumper. The bumper is supported by guide pins that are inserted into the body holes. These pins fit tightly and require some force to come out.
Stand behind the car and grab the bumper with both hands on the sides. Start pulling the bumper towards you using even force. If the bumper does not budge, check again to see if there are any hidden fasteners left. It often happens that one screw in the arch or below remains unscrewed. Do not use levers so as not to deform the metal of the body or the plastic of the bumper.
When the bumper is disengaged, carefully place it on a soft surface. It's best to use cardboard or a blanket to avoid scratching the paintwork. If you remove the bumper for painting, immediately cover all service holes with masking tape to prevent paint from getting into them.
- 🛡️ Use a soft backing to lay the removed bumper
- 🔍 Check the condition of the guide pins on the bumper
- 🧼 Clean the seats on the body from dirt and rust
☑️ Control before removal
Nuances of reinstallation and adjustment
Reinstalling the bumper requires the same care as removing it. Start by aligning the guide pins with the holes in the body. Insert the bumper all the way, making sure it is seated exactly in the center. Don't tighten the bolts all the way down right away—tighten all the fasteners first so you can make adjustments.
Check the uniformity of the gaps between the bumper and the body, as well as between the bumper and the rear lights. The gaps should be the same around the entire perimeter. If the bumper is crooked, loosen the fasteners and move it in the right direction. Only after perfect alignment, tighten all bolts and screws with the required force.
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of the electrical components. Engage reverse and make sure that the parking sensors work correctly. Wipe the bumper and check for squeaks when you press it. A correctly installed bumper should not make any extraneous sounds when driving.
What to do if the clip breaks?
If the clip breaks, do not try to put it back. Buy a new clip from a specialty store or use universal fasteners. An old, broken clip will not provide a secure fit, and the bumper may begin to wobble when driving.
| Fastening element | Location | Fastener type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top edge | Inside the trunk | Bolt 10mm | Hidden under a decorative overlay |
| Wheel arches | Inside the fender liner | Self-tapping screw | May be covered in dirt |
| Bottom part | Under the bumper | Plastic clip | Requires caution when removing |
| Side joints | At the lanterns | Guide pins | Fit tightly, no bolts required |
Typical mistakes during dismantling
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the bumper without completely unscrewing all the fasteners. Owners often forget about the lower clips or screws in the arches. This leads to the fact that with a sharp jerk the bumper cracks at the attachment point. Plastic Nissan Note quite fragile, especially in winter.
Another mistake is using metal tools to pry up the clips. The sharp edges of the screwdriver leave deep scratches on the paint of the body and the bumper itself. Even if you paint the part later, these scratches may show up underneath the paint or lead to future corrosion of the metal.
Incorrect alignment during assembly is also a common problem. If the bumper is installed skewed, over time, cracks will appear into which water and dirt will get in. This can lead to body corrosion and an unpleasant squeaking sound when driving over uneven surfaces.
Before starting work, take photos of all the stages of unscrewing the bolts and positioning the clips on your phone. This will help you not to forget where and what element was placed, especially if you are doing this for the first time.
Final care recommendations
After successful installation of the bumper, it is recommended to conduct a thorough inspection of all connections. Go through all the bolts and check their tightness. Make sure the plastic plugs are in place and are not lost. Regularly checking the fasteners will help avoid problems in the future, as vibration can gradually weaken the fasteners.
If you removed the bumper to paint, allow it to dry completely before reinstalling. Even the slightest moisture under a layer of paint can cause bubbles and peeling of the coating. Use high-quality materials for surface preparation and priming so that the result will please you for many years.
Removing the rear bumper Nissan Note E11 is a task that any car enthusiast can do with a minimum set of tools and patience. The main thing is not to rush and carefully monitor each stage of the process. Correct dismantling ensures that there are no gaps or creaks after installing the part in place.
How long does it take to remove the bumper?
On average, the process of removing the rear bumper on a Nissan Note E11 takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your experience and the availability of all the necessary tools.
Do I need to remove the tail lights?
No, in most cases it is not necessary to remove the tail lights. The bumper is removed through guides, and the lights are attached separately to the body, although the wires to them can get in the way and should be carefully moved to the side.
What to do with broken clips?
If the clips are broken, they must be replaced. There are universal clips on sale or you can find original ones in spare parts stores. It is not recommended to use tape or wire for fixation.
Is it possible to remove the bumper without a pit or lift?
Yes, removal is possible without a pit, but the presence of a pit or lift greatly simplifies access to the lower fasteners and allows you to work more comfortably without bending down to the floor.
The most important thing when dismantling is not to use brute force and make sure that all hidden screws in the arches and trunk are unscrewed before attempting to remove the part.