The windshield wiper trapezoid is a unit that drivers are talking about Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013) are remembered only when it breaks. And, alas, it breaks often: a creaking noise under the hood, “walking” blades, or complete failure of the windshield wipers in the rain are typical symptoms. In this article we will analyze all about trapezoid wipers for Note E11: from the design to the replacement nuances that are not written in the manuals.
Few people know, but the trapezoid on E11 has a unique feature: its The drive shaft is attached to the gearbox not with a bolt, but with a splined connection with a plastic sleeve - This is the place that most often fails. We have collected data on original articles, proven analogues, and pitfalls of repairs so that you do not waste money on a part that will last at most six months.
Trapezoid design of wipers Nissan Note E11: what breaks most often
Trapezium (aka “windshield wiper mechanism”) on Note E11 - This is a system of levers and rods that converts the rotation of the electric motor into the swinging movement of the wipers. Unlike many cars, where the trapezoid is all-metal, here we use:
- 🔹 Plastic bushings in the hinges of the levers - they wear out within 3–5 years, causing play.
- 🔹 Spline connection shaft with gearbox - “licks off” when overloaded (for example, if the wipers are frozen).
- 🔹 Thin-walled rods — they bend under mechanical impacts (even a windshield replaced in violation of technology can deform them).
The most vulnerable point is left bushing for fastening the trapezoid to the body. When it wears out, the wipers begin to “walk” across the glass, leaving uncleaned areas. On Note E11 Since 2010, Nissan has slightly modified the design, but the problem remains: the bushings are still plastic, and the load on them has increased due to the increased area of the windshield.
- The bushings were worn out
- The drive shaft is broken
- Bent rods after an accident/impact
- Other
Signs of malfunction: when is it time to change the trapezoid
The first “bells” are often ignored, attributed to “glitches” of electronics. But if you notice at least one of these symptoms, check your trapezius:
- 🚨 The wipers move jerkily or stop in an arbitrary position.
- 🚨 Creak/knock under the plastic trim near the windshield (especially when the washer is turned on).
- 🚨 Brushes “do not reach” to the edges of the glass or, conversely, they touch the seal.
- 🚨 The engine hums, but the wipers stay on - a sign of a broken rod or shaft breakage.
Critical case: wipers stuck in vertical position. This means that the trapezoid is completely loose, and further operation threatens to damage the windshield (the brushes can hit it with force).
⚠️ Attention: If the wipers Note E11 suddenly stopped working, do not rush to change the motor. Check the fuse first F30 (15A) in the block under the steering wheel - it is responsible for both the trapezoid and the washer.
Articles and analogues: what to choose for replacement
The original trapezoid from Nissan has the article number 28550-4M000 (for Note E11 2006–2013). However, after 2010, the plant made changes to the design, and for cars with VIN > SJRNE... suitable modification 28550-4M001. The difference is in the length of the rods and the form of attachment to the body.
The cost of the original is from 8,000 to 12,000 rubles, but there are proven analogues:
| Brand | Article | Price, ₽ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Febi | 28550 |
4 200–5 500 | The bushings are made of metal-ceramic, but the rods are thinner than the original. |
| Ruville | 62103 |
5 800–7 000 | Complete analogue 28550-4M000, but without a plastic casing. |
| Sidem | 5002001 |
3 800–4 500 | A budget option, but the bushings last ~2 years. |
| Hella | 8WU 355 009-001 |
7 500–9 000 | The best analogue in terms of reliability, but rarely available. |
When choosing, pay attention to complete set: the original set includes plastic plugs and fasteners, and some analogues (for example, Sidem) there are none. Also check if the trapezoid is suitable for your modification Note E11:
- 🔧 For cars until 2010 (body
E11) — article28550-4M000. - 🔧 For cars after 2010 (restyling) -
28550-4M001.
Before purchasing a trapeze, remove the old one and compare the length of the rods. Even original parts may vary by 5-10mm for different markets (Europe/Japan).
Step-by-step replacement of the windshield wiper trapezoid: instructions with nuances
Replacing the trapezoid with Nissan Note E11 takes 1.5–2 hours. You will need:
- 🔧 Socket wrenches on
10And12. - 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat tip.
- 🔧 Lubricant for joints (for example, LIQUI MOLY LM47).
- 🔧 New plastic clips for fastening the lining (item no.
90467-4M000).
Sequence of work:
- Remove the plastic cover under the windshield. It is attached with 4 clips and 2 bolts (under the decorative plugs).
- Disconnect the wiper rods. To do this, remove the plastic caps from the brush mounting nuts, unscrew the nuts with a wrench
13and pull the brushes off the slots. - Unscrew the trapezoid. It is attached to the body with 3 bolts on
10and 1 nut on12(from the motor side). - Remove the motor. Disconnect the power connector and unscrew the 2 bolts securing the gearbox to the trapezoid.
Lubricate all hinges and bushings|Check the integrity of the plastic clips|Make sure that the rods do not bend|Connect the motor before final assembly (check operation)-->
During assembly do not tighten the bolts securing the trapezoid to the body all the way right away. First, install the wipers, turn them on and adjust the position so that the blades fit exactly on the glass. Only then finally secure the fastenings.
⚠️ Attention: On Note E11 after 2011 the trapezoid is used motor reverse (the wipers move from right to left when turned off). If after replacement they “park” in the wrong place, check the connector connection or replace the motor with an original one (28500-4M000).
Tuning and modernization: how to extend the life of a trapezoid
Standard trapezoid Note E11 designed for 100–150 thousand km, but with proper care it will last longer. Here's what you can do:
- 🔧 Replace plastic bushings with bronze ones. Suitable bushings from Toyota Corolla E12 (article
90311-12011) - they need to be bored to the diameter8 mm. - 🔧 Install reinforced rods from Nissan Micra K13 (article
28550-4M200). They are 1.5 mm thicker and do not bend when there is ice. - 🔧 Add a second washer motor. This will reduce the load on the trapezoid when working in winter mode.
Another life hack: if the wipers Note E11 begin to “bounce” at high speed, the reason may be wear of brush leads. Replace them with leashes from Renault Clio 2 (article 7701208467) - they are 10 mm shorter, but stiffer, which eliminates vibration.
How to check a trapezoid without removing it?
Turn on the wipers at minimum speed and listen:
- Creak when starting to move - wear of bushings.
- Clicking noises when reversing — play in the splined shaft connection.
- Uneven running — bent rods or loose attachment to the body.
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common:
- Tightening the mounting bolts. This deforms the plastic bushings, and the trapezoid begins to play after 5–10 thousand km. Tightening torque - no more
8 Nm. - Using lithium-based grease. It thickens in the cold and blocks the movement of the hinges. It's better to take molybdenum or graphite lubricant
- Incorrect motor installation. If you reverse the polarity when connecting the connector, the wipers will move in the opposite direction and hit the glass seal.
Another typical problem: after replacing the trapezoid wipers do not return to original position. This means that the automatic shutdown mechanism in the motor did not work. Solution:
- Remove the connector from the motor.
- Manually set the wipers to the "park" position (horizontal).
- Connect the connector and turn on the wipers for 1-2 seconds - the motor will “learn” the new position.
If, after replacing the trapezoid, the wipers operate jerkily, check on-board voltage. On Note E11 when the drawdown drops below 11.5 V, the trapezoid motor begins to “slow down”.
FAQ: questions about trapezoidal wipers Nissan Note E11
Is it possible to repair the trapezoid or only replace it?
Repair is possible if the problem is only bushings or bent rods. Bushings are sold separately (item no. 28555-4M000), and the rods can be straightened or replaced with analogues. However, if it breaks drive shaft or the gearbox housing is cracked - only replacement.
Why do new wipers squeak after replacing the trapezoid?
The squeak is usually caused improper installation of leashes or lack of lubrication in the hinges. Check:
- Are the brush mounting nuts tightened (torque -
20 Nm). - Are the leads skewed (they should be perpendicular to the glass).
- Are the plastic bushings of the trapezoid lubricated?
Will the trapezoid from the Nissan Micra K12 fit?
No, despite the external similarity, Micra K12 different geometry of rods and motor mounting. The only compatible analogue is the trapezoid from Nissan Cube Z11 (article 28550-4M010), but it needs to be modified (shorten the right rod by 15 mm).
How often should the trapezoid be lubricated?
Ideally - once a year, before the winter season. Use constant velocity joint lubricant (e.g. Molykote G-4500). Apply it thin layer on all moving joints, avoiding contact with plastic parts.
Is it possible to drive with a faulty trapeze?
Technically yes, but it's dangerous:
- The wipers can damage the windshield (if the trapezoid is loose).
- In the rain, visibility deteriorates to 20–30%, which increases the risk of accidents.
- A faulty trapezoid creates additional stress on motor, and it will burn out in 1–2 months.
If the trapezoid breaks on the road, temporarily fix the wipers with electrical tape in a horizontal position.