Nissan Note E11 — a compact and reliable hatchback, but even it has weak points. One of them is wheel bearing, which wears out over time and requires replacement. If you hear a hum or grinding sound from the wheels, do not ignore the problem: a worn bearing not only affects ride comfort, but can also lead to wheel jam at speed.

In this article we will look at how to recognize a malfunction in time, which bearings are suitable for Note E11 (including versions with HR16DE And HR15DE), and is it possible to change them yourself. We will also provide prices for original and similar spare parts so that you can choose the best option.

Signs of a bad wheel bearing Nissan Note E11

The first symptoms of bearing wear are often confused with tire noise or transmission problems. However, there are key signs that will help accurately diagnose the problem:

  • 🔊 Hum or howl when moving, increasing at speed 60–80 km/h. The sound may disappear when the steering wheel is turned to one side (this is due to load redistribution).
  • 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or in the cabin, especially during acceleration. Most often felt on the front axle.
  • 🔧 Wheel play, which can be checked by shaking it in a vertical plane (by lifting the car on a jack).
  • 🔥 Hub overheating after a trip - if you touch the wheel with your hand, it will be noticeably hotter than the rest.

On Nissan Note E11 most often fails front wheel bearing, since it bears a large load. The rear bearing breaks less often, but its diagnosis is more difficult due to the design of the multi-link suspension.

⚠️ Attention: If the hum is accompanied by a metallic grinding sound, this may mean that the bearing is already collapsed and requires urgent replacement. Driving with such a malfunction is dangerous!

For accurate diagnosis you can use stethoscope (or a long screwdriver attached to the hub with the ear). When listening from the wheel side, a characteristic crunching or crackling sound will be heard.

📊 How often do you check the condition of your car's suspension?
  • Once every 10,000 km
  • Only when noise occurs
  • Before long trips
  • Never checked

Which wheel bearings are suitable for Nissan Note E11?

On Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013) different types of bearings were installed depending on the year of manufacture and engine. Here are the main items:

Position Original article Analogs (brand) Notes
Front bearing (before 2010) 40520-4M000 SKF VKB 3533, NSK 690601, NTN 4T-40520 Suitable for models with engines HR15DE And HR16DE
Front bearing (after 2010) 40520-4M001 Koyo DAC40520, FAG 713610630, Timken HA590046 Reinforced design, often complete with hub
Rear bearing 40530-4M000 SKF VKBA 3580, NSK 690701, NTN 4T-40530 Changes less frequently, but requires a press to press in

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to quality of seals — cheap bearings often have poor protection from dust and moisture, which shortens their service life. Optimal brands: SKF, NSK, Koyo And Timken.

The cost of the original bearing is from 3,500 to 5,000 rub., analogues will cost 1,800–3,000 rub.. If the bearing is assembled with the hub (for example, 40520-4M001), the price will increase to 6,000–8,000 rub..

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When purchasing a bearing, check availability magnetic ring (for ABS). On Nissan Note E11 it is often sold separately and its absence will result in a speed sensor error.

Wheel Bearing Replacement Tools

Replacing the bearing with Nissan Note E11 requires special tools. Without it, the risk of damaging a new part or hub increases significantly. Here's what you'll need:

  • 🔧 Wheel bearing puller (For example, KUKKO 204-2 or similar).
  • 🔨 Hydraulic press (to press in a new bearing).
  • 🔩 Socket heads on 17 mm, 19 mm And 30 mm (for the hub nut).
  • 🛠️ Torque wrench (tightening torque of the hub nut - 180–200 Nm).
  • 🧲 Magnetic cup (so as not to lose the retaining ring).

If you don't have a press, you can use set of mandrels and a hammer, but this is less reliable. Also useful WD-40 or Liqui Moly for unscrewing stuck bolts.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to knock out a bearing with a sledgehammer without a puller! This can damage the seat in the hub, and the entire hub will have to be replaced.

If you plan to change the bearing in a garage, prepare in advance wheel chocks And jack with support — Note E11 has low ground clearance and a standard jack may not be suitable.

Secure the car on a flat surface|Remove the wheel and brake caliper|Unscrew the hub nut (force will be required!)|Check for the presence of a puller and a press|Prepare new grease for the bearing-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the front wheel bearing

Replacement process Nissan Note E11 takes 2–3 hours if you have a tool. Follow the instructions to avoid errors:

  1. Remove the wheel and unscrew the caliper guides (14 mm). Hang the caliper on a wire to avoid damaging the brake hose.
  2. Unscrew the hub nut (you will need a head on 30 mm and a lever length of at least 50 cm). If the nut does not budge, use liquid key and heating (burner).
  3. Remove the brake disc and disconnect the ABS sensor (carefully so as not to damage the wire!).
  4. Press out the hub using a puller. If the bearing comes complete with the hub, simply unscrew it from the steering knuckle (19 mm).
  5. Install a new bearing:
    • If the bearing is separate: press it in using a driver, then install the retaining ring.
    • If the bearing is assembled: simply screw the new hub onto the knuckle.
  • Reassemble everything in reverse order, not forgetting to lubricate the seats and threads of the hub nut. Tighten it to a torque 180–200 Nm.

    • After replacement, check wheel play and do a test drive. If the hum remains, there are two possible reasons:

    1. The bearing is installed incorrectly (skewed).
    2. Worn out second bearing (often they fail almost simultaneously).

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

    If the bearing is new, but the noise has not disappeared, check:

    1. **Quality of press-fit** - the bearing could fit crookedly.

    2. **Condition of the hub** - if it is deformed, the bearing will work misaligned.

    3. **ABS sensor** - sometimes its magnetic ring rubs against the hub, making a similar sound.

    4. **Drive shaft suspension bearing** - on Note E11 it can make noise too.

    Replacing the rear wheel bearing: features

    Rear bearing on Nissan Note E11 changes less frequently, but the process is more complicated due to the suspension design. Main differences from the front:

    • 🔧 Required to be removed brake drum (on versions with drum brakes) or disc (on versions with disc brakes).
    • 🛠️ Bearing pressed into the axle, and to remove it you need a powerful puller or press.
    • ⚙️ When pressing a new bearing, be sure to use mandrelso as not to damage the seal.

    Replacement algorithm:

    1. Remove the wheel and brake mechanism.
    2. Unscrew the hub nut (30 mm) and remove it from the axle.
    3. Press out the old bearing, then clean the seat from dirt.
    4. Install the new bearing by pressing it in until it stops. Make sure it sits straight!
    5. Reassemble everything in reverse order, lubricating the fit Litol-24 or similar lubricant.

    On the rear axle Note E11 a common problem with sticking of the hub nut. If it does not unscrew, you can try:

    1. Heat it with a gas burner.
    2. Use an impact wrench.
    3. As a last resort, cut it off with a grinder (but then you will have to change the axle as well).

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    Rear bearing on Nissan Note E11 often fails due to water entering through a damaged boot. When replacing, be sure to check the integrity of the seal!

    How long does a wheel bearing last and how to extend its service life?

    Average wheel bearing life is Nissan Note E11 — 80,000–120,000 km. However, this indicator strongly depends on operating conditions:

    • 🚘 Aggressive riding (sharp acceleration, braking, driving through potholes) reduces service life by up to 50,000 km.
    • 🌧️ Operation in wet weather accelerates corrosion and seal failure.
    • 🔧 Poor quality pressing with a previous replacement, it can lead to misalignment and rapid wear.

    To extend bearing life:

    1. Avoid deep puddles — water gets through the boots and washes away the lubricant.
    2. Check regularly wheel play (once every 20,000 km).
    3. Use high-quality lubricant when replacing (for example, Molykote BR2 Plus).
    4. Follow wheel balancing — imbalance increases the load on the bearing.

    If you frequently drive off-road or in high humidity conditions, it is recommended once every 30,000 km remove the hub and check the condition of the bearing and seals.

    Cost of replacing a wheel bearing in service

    The price of work in a car service depends on the region and complexity of the task. Here are the estimated prices for Nissan Note E11:

    Type of work Cost (RUB) Notes
    Replacing the front bearing (separately) 2 500–4 000 Excluding cost of part
    Replacing the front bearing assembly with the hub 3 500–5 000 Includes brake disc removal/installation
    Replacing the rear bearing 3 000–4 500 More expensive due to the complexity of dismantling
    Suspension diagnostics (checking play) 500–1 000 Often free for subsequent repairs

    Some services offer free diagnostics subject to repairs carried out by them. However, be careful: sometimes craftsmen deliberately exaggerate the wear of parts in order to increase the cost of the work.

    If you decide to change the bearing yourself, keep in mind that without a puller and press, the risk of error is high. In this case, it is better to contact a service center that has the necessary equipment.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about wheel bearings Nissan Note E11

    Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?

    Short term - yes, but no more 1,000–2,000 km. Further use will lead to bearing failure, wheel jamming or hub damage. It is especially dangerous to drive at high speeds!

    How to distinguish bearing noise from tire noise?

    Bearing noise:

    • Intensifies with straight motion.
    • May disappear when turning the steering wheel (due to load redistribution).
    • Accompanied vibration on the steering wheel or body.

    Tire noise is usually uniform and does not depend on turns.

    Do I need to replace the bearing in pairs?

    Not required, but recommended to check both bearings on the same axis. If one is worn out, the second is often in a pre-critical condition. An exception is if the car has traveled less than 50,000 km after the last replacement.

    What happens if you don't tighten the hub nut?

    This will lead to:

    • Appearance backlash in the wheel.
    • Accelerated bearing wear.
    • Possible unscrewing the nut while driving (extremely dangerous!).

    Hub nut necessarily need to be tightened with a torque wrench 180–200 Nm.

    Is it possible to lubricate the bearing without removing it?

    No, that's impossible. The bearing has closed design with factory lubricant. Any attempt to “refuel” it without disassembling it will only lead to dirt getting inside and accelerated wear.