Rear window cleaning system on a car Nissan Note The first generation (E11 body) is often left without proper attention from owners until the rainy or snowy season arrives. Unlike front wipers, which are replaced regularly, the rear blade can remain in its original state for years, losing its working properties. This leads to the fact that visibility through the trunk glass becomes critically poor in bad weather, which directly affects safety when reversing.
Design Feature Nissan Note E11 consists in a specific fastening and a short length of the lever, which places special demands on the geometry of the brush. An incorrectly selected accessory can not only poorly clean the glass, but also create an increased load on the drive mechanism, causing its premature failure. In this article we will analyze all aspects: from the selection of original catalog numbers to the intricacies of self-replacement and fault diagnosis.
Many owners are faced with a situation where a standard brush no longer adheres to curved glass. This is because the glass of the rear window has a complex shape, and the rubber band must be flexible enough, but at the same time maintain its shape. The use of cheap analogues with a rigid frame often leads to the formation of unwashed zones at the top or bottom of the glass, which makes driving in the rain dangerous.
Original specifications and part numbers
When choosing spare parts for Nissan Note E11 It is important to understand that the manufacturer has set certain parameters to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency. The original rear wiper has a unique mounting design that differs from the standard "hooks" or "pin latches" found on other models. Incorrect selection can lead to the fact that the new brush simply will not fit into place or will work skewed.
The key parameter when searching is the length of the brush. For the E11 body it is strictly 300 mm (12 inches). However, length is not the only criterion. The design of the leash and the method of attachment to the lever also play a role. The original part is often supplied complete with a plastic adapter, which provides tight pressure to the glass along its entire length.
- 🔹 Original: Nissan 28890-AX000 (brush assembly with leash) or 28890-AX00A (rubber band with adapter only).
- 🔹 Length of the working part: exactly 300 mm, any deviations may upset the balance of the lever.
- 🔹 Fastening: a specific side clamp that requires careful pressing when dismantling.
It is important to consider that in the catalogs of different suppliers, the article numbers may differ slightly, but the cross-numbers are usually the same. If you buy a brush assembly, make sure that the lever has no signs of corrosion or mechanical damage. Damaged arm metal may not return the brush to its original position after stopping.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to use universal brushes without a special adapter. The rigidity of the frame of the original part is designed to withstand wind loads when driving at speeds above 80 km/h, which is critical for hatchbacks like Nissan Note.
Many owners mistakenly believe that only the rubber band can be replaced. In the case of Nissan Note E11 this is possible, but requires a special tool or great manual dexterity, since the plastic body of the brush often “sticks” to the metal frame. It is easier and more reliable to replace the entire element if you are not a professional mechanic.
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Analogues and alternative solutions
The auto parts market offers many analogues that can cost less than the original, but not be inferior in quality. However, when choosing a non-original part for Nissan Note E11 you need to be extremely careful. Not all manufacturers take into account the specifics of mounting the rear wiper on Japanese cars, which leads to installation difficulties.
Among the trusted brands, there are several companies that produce high-quality analog brushes. These are usually international giants with their production lines in Asia. They offer both framed and frameless solutions. Frameless models are often preferred as they adhere better to curved glass and are less susceptible to icing in the winter.
- 🔹 Denso: Japanese quality, often used as original equipment, excellent geometry.
- 🔹 Bosch: Rear H 300 series, requires careful selection of adapter for Nissan mount.
- 🔹 Champion: Good value for money, wide selection of adapters.
When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check the package contents. Sometimes the box contains universal adapters that you need to independently adjust to the lever of your car. This may take time, but will save you a significant amount of money compared to purchasing an original part from a dealer.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid buying brushes from “no-name” brands sold at retail stores without packaging. The rubber in such products often contains cheap additives that quickly harden in the cold and crumble in the sun, which can scratch the glass.
Before installing a new part, you must thoroughly wash the rear window and degrease the place where the driver is attached.
Instructions for replacing the rear wiper
The process of replacing the rear windshield wiper Nissan Note E11 does not require complex tools and can be done with your own hands in 15-20 minutes. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to bend the lever and damage the plastic body of the brush during dismantling. Errors at this stage may result in the new part not being pressed against the glass.
First you need to raise the wiper arm to a vertical position, perpendicular to the glass. Then you need to find the locking mechanism. On Nissan Note it's usually a plastic clip on the side. By pressing it, you will release the brush from the lever. If the mechanism is jammed, do not use excessive force, but try to slightly rock the brush from side to side.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
After removing the old part, carefully inspect the rubber seal on the lever. If it is worn out, the new blade will knock against the glass when moving. Install the new brush in reverse order, making sure it clicks into place.
Don't forget to check the wiper operation in the "intermittent" and "continuous" modes. Make sure that the brush does not fly off the path and does not hit the edges of the glass. If you hear any unusual noise or vibration, the arm may have been slightly bent during removal.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the brush in winter, be sure to use warm water or a special spray to defrost locks and mechanisms. Cold rubber becomes brittle and may crack when you try to bend it.
Sometimes a situation arises when the new brush does not adhere to the glass at the bottom. This may indicate that the angle of the lever is incorrect. In this case, it is necessary to bend the lever down a little to increase the clamping force in the lower area of the glass.
What to do if the mechanism is jammed?
If the latch does not press, try dropping a little lubricant into the mechanism and wait 5 minutes. If this does not help, carefully use a thin screwdriver to pry up the plastic, but do this very carefully so as not to break the retainer.
Diagnosing problems and eliminating squeaks
The squeaking of the rear wiper is one of the most common complaints from owners. Nissan Note E11. This unpleasant sound occurs because the rubber loses its elasticity or a greasy film forms on the glass. The squeak is not only annoying, but also indicates that the rubber is not working properly and wears out quickly.
The first step in fixing the problem is to thoroughly clean the glass and the rubber band itself. Use special degreasers or a mixture of alcohol and water. Wipe the glass in a circular motion, removing all traces of road dust and wax. Then wipe the rubber band with the same solution, removing any dirt that may be stuck to it.
- 🔹 Use soft microfiber to avoid scratching the glass.
- 🔹 Avoid using aggressive solvents that can damage the plastic.
- 🔹 Check the condition of the leash for play in the hinges.
If cleaning does not help, it may be due to incorrect installation angle or worn rubber. Try changing the angle of the lever slightly so that the rubber touches the glass at the optimal angle. Sometimes light polishing of the rubber with a special compound helps to restore elasticity.
| Problem | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Creaking and jumping | Grease film on glass | Thorough cleaning of glass and rubber |
| Poor fit | Bent lever | Adjusting the angle of the leash |
| Dry running | Rubber abrasion | Replacing the entire brush |
| Weak pressure | Weak leash spring | Replacing the leash assembly |
In some cases, the problem may be in the drive mechanism itself. If the motor works, but the lever moves jerkily, the gearbox gears may be worn out. This is a more serious malfunction that requires disassembling the panel under the rear window.
To quickly remove the grease film from the rear window, use a regular school eraser. Wipe the glass with an eraser, then rinse off the residue with water - this is an excellent folk method.
Seasonal maintenance and winterization
Winter is the hardest time for your windshield wiper system. Low temperatures make the rubber hard, and snow and ice can jam the mechanism. For Nissan Note E11 Preparation for the winter season should begin in advance, preferably at the end of autumn. This will avoid breakdowns at the most inopportune moment.
One of the main problems is the brush freezing at the base. Ice can stick to the glass and the lever, and when you turn on the wiper, the motor can burn out trying to turn the frozen mechanism. Therefore, before the trip, be sure to clean the glass and the brush itself from ice.
- 🔹 Use winter washer fluid that does not freeze to -25°C and below.
- 🔹 Never turn on the wipers until the glass is clear of snow and ice.
- 🔹 Check the condition of the brushes for cracks and rubber breaks.
Some owners install special winter covers on their wipers, but Nissan Note E11 this can be difficult due to the way it is mounted. It’s better to just monitor the condition of the tires and, if necessary, change them to winter models with a protective frame.
It is also important to check the operation of the rear window washer. In winter, the injectors often become clogged with ice or dirt. Clean them with a thin needle or toothpick, making sure that the stream of liquid hits the glass exactly.
In winter, always clear the rear window of ice before turning on the wipers, otherwise there is a high risk of burning out the drive motor due to overload.
Lever and drive design features
Rear wiper lever on Nissan Note E11 has a specific design that provides the required angle of inclination for cleaning glass. Unlike front wipers, the rear wiper arm often has a more complex shape with curves, making it vulnerable to mechanical damage.
The wiper is driven through a gearbox located under the plastic of the rear door. Over time, play may appear in the lever joints, which leads to unstable operation and vibration. If you notice that the wiper is “walking” or hitting the glass, the arm bushings may be worn out.
To diagnose play, you need to lift the wiper and swing it from side to side. If movement occurs not only in the place where the brush is attached, but also in the base, then the problem is in the hinges. In this case, either replacing the lever or installing repair bushings will help.
How to check the drive motor?
Remove the plastic trim under the rear window. Connect a multimeter to the motor terminals and try turning on the wiper. If there is voltage, but the motor does not spin, it is faulty. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or relay.
When replacing the lever, pay attention to the tightness of the gasket located under it. Failure to seal can result in water entering the passenger compartment or electronic control units. Make sure the gasket is installed correctly and is not cracked.
Sometimes owners try to bend the lever manually to change the clamping angle. This must be done extremely carefully, since the aluminum from which the lever is made can easily break if subjected to repeated bending. It is better to use special frames or contact specialists.
Useful tips and frequently asked questions
Owners Nissan Note E11 Questions are often asked about how to extend the life of wipers and what to do in unusual situations. We have collected the most popular questions and given detailed answers to them based on operating experience.
Can the front wiper be used on the rear window?
No, that's impossible. The front brushes are much longer (usually 400-500 mm) and have a completely different mounting. Attempting to install the front wiper on the rear arm will result in the mechanism breaking or damaging the glass.
How often should the rear wiper be replaced?
It is recommended to change the brush every 1-2 years, depending on operating conditions. If you often drive on the highway or in very dusty conditions, the service life may be reduced to 6 months. Monitor the quality of glass cleaning.
What to do if the wiper stops working?
First check the fuse in the mounting block. If the fuse is intact, check the operation of the motor and the presence of voltage at its terminals. Often the problem lies in oxidation of the contacts or wear of the brushes of the motor itself.
Is it possible to lubricate the wiper hinges?
Yes, it is useful to do this once a year. Use silicone grease or special joint grease. Do not use graphite lubricant as it may attract dirt and further impair the performance of the mechanism.
Remember that regular maintenance of your glass cleaning system is the key to your safety on the road. Do not ignore minor faults, as they can develop into serious breakdowns. Keep an eye on the condition of the rubber, the cleanliness of the glass and the serviceability of the mechanism, and your Nissan Note will delight you with a clear view in any weather.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the rear wiper is not just an accessory, but an important element of passive safety. In difficult weather conditions, it allows you to see the road situation and react to changes in time. By spending a little time and money on its maintenance, you will ensure peace of mind and safety on the road.