Replacing the front wheel bearing on a Nissan Note E11: detailed instructions with nuances

On Nissan Note E11 the front bearing usually goes bad 80–120 thousand km, but the period depends on operating conditions. Aggressive driving through potholes, frequent off-road trips or low-quality spare parts reduce the service life by 1.5–2 times. If you notice at least two symptoms from the list, it’s time to prepare for a replacement.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delay repairs if the bearing is already “howling” at low speeds. The risk of a wheel jamming while driving increases 3 times with critical wear.

For an accurate diagnosis, jack up the car and spin the wheel by hand. If you hear a crunching, grinding noise or feel uneven rotation - the bearing definitely a replacement. Also check for play in the horizontal plane (this may indicate wear on the silent blocks of the levers).

What tools and spare parts will be needed

To replace the front wheel bearing with Nissan Note E11 you will need specialized tool. Without certain devices (for example, a puller), the risk of damage to parts or injury increases significantly. Here's the full list:

If you are planning to replace the bearing without removing the hub (which is not recommended), additionally required press or a powerful vice. However, on Note E11 This method is fraught with damage to the seat, so it is better to dismantle the hub completely.

• 🔧 Additional little things: WD-40 (for unscrewing stuck bolts), copper grease (for threads), rags.
• 🛠️ Protection: Gloves and glasses - when working with the puller, metal fragments may fly off.
• 📦 Brake kit: If you plan to replace the pads or disc, take it right away so as not to disassemble it twice.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use an impact tool (hammer) to knock out the bearing! This will deform the seat in the hub and reduce the service life of the new bearing by 30–40%.

Preparing the vehicle: removing the wheel and brake mechanism

We start by preparing the car. Install Nissan Note E11 on a level surface, engage first gear (or P on automatic transmission) and place chocks under the rear wheels. Loosen the wheel nuts before lifting on the jack - this will simplify further work.

Raise the car with a jack from the side of the bearing being replaced and secure it necessarily stand. Remove the wheel and begin dismantling the brake mechanism:

1. Unscrew the two brake caliper mounting bolts (17 mm socket).
2. Remove the caliper and hang it on a wire to the spring - do not leave hanging on the hose!
3. Remove the brake disc (if it interferes with access to the hub).
4. Unscrew the hub nut (30mm socket). Here you may need an extension for the wrench or a pipe - the nut often sticks.

If the hub nut does not budge, machine it WD-40 and wait 10–15 minutes. Do not use excessive force - you risk stripping the threads on the axle shaft. After removing the nut, carefully slide the hub from the axle, but do not remove it completely until you unscrew the bolts securing it to the steering knuckle (there are three of them, for a 19 mm head).

Removing the old bearing: step-by-step instructions

Now we move on to the most important stage - removing the old bearing. On Nissan Note E11 it is pressed into the hub, so you can’t do without a puller. If you try to knock out the bearing with a hammer, you will damage the seat, and the new one will “buzz” after 10–15 thousand km.

Dismantling algorithm:

1. Remove the hub from the steering knuckle (unscrew the 3 19 mm bolts).
2. Place the hub on the puller so that the paws rest against bearing outer race.
3. Tighten the puller screw until the bearing comes out of the seat. If it is tight, add lubricant to the puller threads.
4. After removing the bearing, clean the hub from dirt and rust with a wire brush. Check the seat for scoring or corrosion.

If the bearing is “stuck” and cannot be removed, you can carefully heat the hub with a hair dryer (up to 100–150°C). This will expand the metal and make removal easier. Do not use open fire! - you risk damaging the heat resistance of the hub.

Clean the seat from dirt and rust|Check for burrs on the hub|Lubricate the outer race of the new bearing with lithol|Check for the presence of a retaining ring (if provided for by the design)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some Note E11 after 2010, a retaining ring is installed in the hub. If it is not removed before pressing, the new bearing will not fit into place. Check this with the repair manual for your modification!

Installing a new bearing and assembling the unit

Before installing a new bearing necessarily check its markings and compare with the original. On Nissan Note E11 often come across fake brands SKF or NTN, which last 2–3 times less. The original bearing must have:

• 🏷️ Clear labeling with the article number and manufacturer’s logo.
• 🔄 Easy and uniform rotation without jamming.
• 🛡️ Factory packaging with a hologram (for SKF or NTN).

Installation process:

1. Apply a thin layer of lubricant (eg Litol-24) to the seat in the hub.
2. Install the new bearing into the puller clip out and press it into the hub. The force must be uniform, without distortions!
3. After pressing, check that the bearing is seated all the way - there should be no gap between it and the hub.
4. If the design includes a retaining ring, install it back.

Now assemble the assembly in reverse order:

1. Install the hub onto the steering knuckle and tighten the mounting bolts (torque 80–100 Nm).
2. Place the hub on the axle shaft and tighten the nut (after lubricating the threads).
3. Install the brake disc and caliper, then the wheel.
4. Lower the car and tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (moment 200–250 Nm).

Nuances and typical mistakes when replacing

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature bearing failure. Here the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• 🔧 Retightening the hub nut. If you exceed the moment 250 Nm, the bearing will overheat and fail after 5–10 thousand km. Use a torque wrench!
• 🌀 Bearing installation is crooked. When pressing, make sure that it fits strictly perpendicularly. A misalignment of 1–2 mm will reduce the service life by 2 times.
• 🛠️ Ignoring the retaining ring. On some modifications Note E11 They forget to install it back, which is why the bearing “walks” in the seat.
• 🔥 Lack of lubrication. If the seat is not lubricated, microcracks may appear during pressing, which will then lead to destruction of the hub.

Another typical problem is dirt getting into the bearing during installation. Always work in a clean area and cover any exposed parts with a rag. If the bearing is already installed, but you notice sand or metal shavings on it, it is better to replace it with a new one.

On Nissan Note E11 With ABS, the speed sensor is attached to the hub. When dismantling, it is easy to damage its wiring. Before starting work, disconnect the sensor connector and secure the wire so as not to strain it.

How much does a replacement cost at a service station and how to save

Cost of replacing front wheel bearing Nissan Note E11 in services varies from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles (excluding spare parts). The price depends on the region, the level of the service station and the need for additional work (for example, replacing brake pads). Here is an approximate price:

To save money, you can buy the spare part yourself (for example, Exist.ru or AutoDoc) and bring it to the service. Many service stations agree to work with your parts, charging only for labor. Also check whether the work is guaranteed - the standard period is 3-6 months.

If you decide to change the bearing yourself, the total cost will be 1,500–2,500 rubles (spare part + consumables). The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions. For example, saving on a puller (trying to knock out a bearing with a hammer) will result in the purchase of a new hub for 8,000–12,000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a wheel bearing