Muffler in Nissan Note - a part that often fails due to corrosion, mechanical damage or natural wear. Unlike the engine or transmission, problems with the exhaust system appear immediately: there is a loud roar, vibrations, and sometimes the smell of exhaust gases in the cabin. Owners Note (especially models E11 And E12) encounter this problem more often than it seems - the average service life of a standard muffler rarely exceeds 80-100 thousand km.

In this article we will analyze all stages of muffler replacement: from fault diagnosis to spare part selection and installation. You will learn how to save on work (replacement on your own is 3–5 times cheaper than service), what analogues of the original muffler are not inferior in quality, and why sometimes it is enough to repair only part of the exhaust system, and not change it completely. We will also provide current prices for spare parts and labor in 2026 for different regions of Russia.

Signs of a faulty muffler: when is it time to change it?

The first symptoms of problems with the muffler on Nissan Note are usually ignored until they become critical. However, delay is fraught not only with noise, but also exhaust gases entering the cabin (through burnt welds or cracks), which is hazardous to health. Look out for the following signs:

  • 🔊 Increase in noise — the muffler begins to “growl” or “shoot,” especially during acceleration. On Note with engines HR15DE or KR15DE this manifests itself already during the breakdown of the resonator.
  • 💨 Exhaust smell in the cabin - indicates cracks in the housing or burnt gaskets. Often accompanied black coating on the rear bumper.
  • 🔥 Smoke from under the car - if the muffler is burnt out, exhaust gases can escape through the holes, leaving traces of soot on the body.
  • 🛑 Vibrations on the body — loose fastenings or damaged muffler cushions lead to impacts on the bottom when driving over uneven surfaces.

On Nissan Note first generation (E11, 2004–2012) most often suffers rear muffler can — it rusts due to condensation and salt on the roads. For second generation models (E12, 2012–2020) the weak point is corrugation (flexible connection in front of the resonator), which cracks due to vibrations. You can check the condition of the muffler yourself:

⚠️ Attention: Do not inspect the muffler immediately after driving - hot exhaust system components can cause burns. The optimal time for diagnosis is 1–2 hours after stopping the engine.

For visual inspection:

  1. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole.
  2. Check the integrity of the welds, especially at the junction of pipes and cans.
  3. Please note mounting pads - if they are torn, the muffler will dangle.
  4. Tap the muffler body with a metal object: a dull sound indicates internal corrosion.
📊 How often do you check the condition of the muffler on your Nissan Note?
  • Once a year
  • Only when the noise comes
  • Never checked
  • After every winter

Muffler selection: original vs analogs, prices 2026

When replacing the muffler with Nissan Note owners are faced with a dilemma: to buy original part or choose a high-quality analogue. Original mufflers from Nissan (article for E11: 20620-4M000, for E12: 20620-4M010) guarantee a perfect fit and long service life, but their cost is high - from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles depending on the region. An alternative are mufflers from trusted brands:

Brand Model Note Article Price, rub. Features
Bosal E11 (2004–2012) 254-118 5 800–7 200 Stainless steel steel, full compatibility with the original
Walker E12 (2012–2020) 20620 6 500–8 000 Reinforced corrugation, 2 year warranty
Eberspächer E11/E12 934554 7 500–9 000 Galvanized steel, low noise
SASIC E11 NIS012 4 200–5 500 Budget option, service life ~50 thousand km

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Material: Stainless steel will last longer than aluminized steel (but also costs 20–30% more).
  • 📏 Fit accuracy: some analogues require local adjustment (for example, shortening pipes).
  • 🔇 Noise level: Cheap mufflers often “growl” at high speeds.

Critical point: Nissan Note with HR16DE (1.6 l) engine does not fit mufflers from models with HR15DE (1.5 l) - the diameter of the pipes and fastenings is different! Also keep in mind that on the version with robotic gearbox (For example, Note 1.5 dCi) the exhaust system has an additional oxygen sensor, which may not be the same as analogues.

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Before purchasing a muffler, check its compatibility using your Note's VIN code on the manufacturer's website. This will protect you from mistakes with fasteners or pipe diameters.

Cost of work in the service: Moscow vs regions

Muffler replacement price Nissan Note in service depends on the scope of work and region. In Moscow and St. Petersburg the average cost is 3,500–6,000 rubles (work only), in the regions - from 2,000 to 4,500 rubles. The price range is due to:

  • 🔧 Difficulty in dismantling: on Note E12 With the crankcase protection, you will have to remove additional elements.
  • 🔥 Welding work: if the pipes are rusty, they will have to be cut off and new ones welded.
  • 🛠️ Additional services: replacement of mounting pads (+500–800 rub.), anticorrosive treatment (+300–500 rub.).
City Muffler replacement (work) Replacing corrugations Pipe welding
Moscow 4,500–6,000 rub. RUB 1,800–2,500 1,000–1,500 rub.
St. Petersburg 4,000–5,500 rub. 1,500–2,200 rub. 900–1,300 rub.
Yekaterinburg 3,200–4,500 rub. RUB 1,200–1,800 700–1,000 rub.
Novosibirsk 3,000–4,200 rub. 1,100–1,600 rub. 600–900 rub.

Saving on work makes sense if you are confident in your abilities. For example, replacement rear muffler can on Note E11 takes about 1.5–2 hours and does not require special tools (except a jack and wrenches). Here's a replacement corrugations or resonator will require welding - you can’t do without service here.

⚠️ Attention: Some services offer a “universal” muffler replacement with local adjustment. This is fraught with problems with tightness of joints and increased noise. It’s better to overpay for the original form than to deal with exhaust leaks later.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the muffler yourself

If you decide to change the muffler to Nissan Note yourself, prepare the tools and follow the algorithm. To work you will need:

  • 🔧 Set of open-end wrenches (10, 12, 14).
  • 🔨 Hammer and chisel (for cutting rusty bolts).
  • 🔥 Gas torch or WD-40 (for loosening stuck nuts).
  • 🚗 Jack and stops (or inspection hole).
  • 🛠️ New clamps and gaskets (if required).

Procedure:

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Place the car on the handbrake and place chocks under the wheels|Treat all threaded connections with WD-40 1 hour before starting work|Prepare a new muffler and fasteners-->

  1. Removing the old muffler:

    Raise the rear of the car on a jack and secure it on stands. Unscrew the clamps connecting the muffler to the resonator (usually 2 x 14 bolts). If the bolts are stuck, use a torch or chisel. Remove the rubber mounting pads (they can be cut off with a knife if they are torn).

  2. Installing a new muffler:

    Check the compatibility of the new muffler with the mountings. Place the rubber pads on the brackets, then connect the muffler to the resonator. Tighten the clamps, but do not overdo it - you may strip the threads.

  3. Leak test:

    Start the engine and inspect the connections for leaks. If you hear whistles or see smoke, tighten the clamps or replace the gaskets.

On Nissan Note E12 with engine HR16DE It may be necessary to remove the crankcase guard to gain access to the front muffler mounts. If the exhaust system is “stuck” to the manifold, it is better to contact a service center - cutting the pipes yourself without welding can lead to loss of tightness.

What to do if the muffler bolts are broken?

If the bolt breaks when unscrewing, use extractor or drill out the remains with a metal drill (diameter 1 mm less than the thread). After this, cut the new thread with a tap. As a last resort, you can weld a new nut to a piece of bolt and unscrew it.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing a muffler with Nissan Note. Here are the most common of them:

  • 🔧 Ignoring rusty pipes: If the pipes going from the resonator to the muffler are rusty, they also need to be replaced. Otherwise, the new muffler will quickly fail.
  • 🔩 Re-stretching clamps: This leads to flange deformation and leakage. Tighten the clamps with a force of no more than 25–30 Nm.
  • 🛠️ No anti-corrosion treatment: After installing a new muffler, treat it Movilem or Zinkor - this will extend the service life by 20–30%.
  • 🔊 Buying a “universal” muffler: These parts rarely fit perfectly, resulting in vibration and rattling.

Another typical problem is incorrect installation of corrugation. On Note E12 The corrugation must be oriented strictly in the direction of travel, otherwise it will quickly crack from vibrations. Also check that the corrugation does not touch the body or suspension elements - this leads to premature wear.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the muffler, be sure to reset engine errors (if any) related to the oxygen sensors. On Nissan Note This can be done by disconnecting the battery terminal for 10 minutes or using a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).

How to extend the life of a new muffler

Muffler service life Nissan Note depends not only on the quality of the part, but also on the operating conditions. To avoid premature corrosion:

  • 🚿 Clean your muffler in winter: Salt and reagents corrode metal. It is enough to wash them off with water once a month (do not use high-pressure washers!).
  • 🔥 Avoid short trips: condensation formed during heating does not have time to evaporate and accelerates rusting.
  • 🛠️ Treat with anticorrosive: Once a year, apply zinc or bitumen based compounds to the muffler (for example, Dinitrol 479).
  • 💨 Check the fastenings: weakened cushions lead to the muffler hitting the body, which causes cracks.

On Note with diesel engine (For example, 1.5 dCi) the muffler lasts longer due to lower exhaust moisture, but requires more frequent cleaning of soot. To do this, you can use special cleaners (for example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line Dpf Cleaner).

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Regular treatment of the muffler with anticorrosive increases its service life by 30–50%, especially in regions with salty roads.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with a burnt out muffler?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. In addition to noise, a burnt-out muffler leads to:

  • Exhaust gases entering the cabin (risk of carbon monoxide poisoning).
  • Increased fuel consumption (due to back pressure failure).
  • Possible damage to oxygen sensors (expensive repairs).

If the muffler burns out completely, it is recommended to temporarily plug the hole heat-resistant sealant (For example, Abro ES-332) and replace the part as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace the corrugation separately?

Corrugation (flexible connection) on Nissan Note costs from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles depending on the brand. Replacement costs 1,000–2,500 rubles (excluding welding). If the corrugation is cracked, it can be temporarily “repaired” using heat-resistant bandage (For example, Done Deal DD6705), but this decision will extend its life by a maximum of 10–15 thousand km.

Which muffler is better: stainless steel or aluminized steel?

Stainless steel (AISI 409) will last 3–5 years, but costs 30–50% more. Aluminized steel is cheaper, but will rust after 1.5–2 years (in Russian winter conditions). The best option is mufflers made of galvanized steel (For example, Eberspächer or Bosal), which combine price and durability.

Is it necessary to register the replacement of the muffler in the vehicle title?

No, the muffler is not unitaffecting the design of the vehicle (as opposed to the engine or gearbox). Replacing it does not require changes to the title or passing a technical inspection. However, if you install sports muffler (For example, Remus or Scoobysport), this may raise questions during noise testing (limit for Note - 96 dB).

Is it possible to restore a rusted muffler by welding?

Theoretically yes, but this is a temporary solution. Welding burnt areas or applying patches helps to 5–10 thousand km, after which corrosion resumes. In addition, welding weakens the metal, and the muffler may crack elsewhere. It is more economical to replace the part immediately, especially when it comes to back bank.