Boot CV joint (constant velocity joint) on Nissan Note - This is a rubber cover that protects the mechanism from dirt, moisture and abrasive particles. Its damage leads to sand and water getting inside the hinge, which accelerates the wear of parts by 3–5 times. If cracks, tears or traces of grease appear on the boot, replacement cannot be delayed. In this article we will look at how to change the boot internal And outer CV joint on Nissan Note (including models E11 And E12), without resorting to the help of a service station.
The procedure requires care, but even beginners can do it with proper preparation. We will describe each stage in detail: from fault diagnosis to assembly and testing. We will pay special attention typical mistakes when replacing the boot on front-wheel drive Nissans with engines HR12DE And HR16DEwhich may damage the CV joint or wheel bearing. We also provide a table of spare parts compatibility and recommendations for choosing a lubricant.
Signs of a faulty CV joint boot on a Nissan Note
The first symptoms of a problem often go unnoticed until a characteristic crunching sound appears. To prevent critical wear of the hinge, check the anthers every 15–20 thousand km or when the following signs occur:
- 🔍 Cracks or tears on rubber - visible upon visual inspection (it is better to use a flashlight).
- 💨 Traces of grease on the inside of the wheel or fender liner - indicates a leak.
- 🔊 Crunch when turning (especially when the steering wheel is fully turned) - indicates dirt has gotten into the CV joint.
- 🛑 Vibration at speeds of 40–60 km/h - may indicate play in the joint due to lack of lubrication.
On Nissan Note fails more often outer boot (from the wheel side), since it is more susceptible to mechanical damage. The internal boot (from the gearbox side) suffers less frequently, but its diagnosis is more difficult - removal of the axle shaft is required. If you ignore the problem, the repair will cost the replacement of the entire CV joint (from 8,000 ₽ for the original).
⚠️ Attention: On models Note with an automatic transmission, if the internal boot is damaged, dirt can enter the box through the breather. This leads to accelerated wear of the clutches and expensive repairs!
- Every 10,000 km
- Only when a crunch appears
- Never checked
- I trust service station diagnostics
Tools and materials for replacement
To work, you will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. You can do without them, but the risk of damaging parts increases. Here's the full list:
| Tool/material | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Jack and stops | Lifting and securing the car | Overpass or inspection hole |
| Circlip remover | Removing the rings on the CV joint | Fine-nose pliers |
| Hammer and wooden spacer | Knocking out the axle shaft from the hub | Rubber mallet |
| CV joint lubricant (for example, Molykote BR2 Plus) | Protection against friction and corrosion | Litol-24 (last resort) |
| New boot with clamps | Replacing a damaged case | — |
For Nissan Note Anthers from the following manufacturers are suitable:
- 🏆 Original (
39310-4M000for outdoor,39310-4M010for internal) - the best quality, but the price starts from 2,500 ₽. - 💰 Febi (
22345) - optimal price/quality ratio (from 800 ₽). - 🔧 GKN (
DSK022) is a reliable analogue, often used at service stations.
When purchasing, check the package contents: the set should include two clamps (large and small), lubricant and sometimes a retaining ring. If there are no clamps, buy them separately (for example, Norma 19-25 mm).
Before purchasing a boot, measure the diameter of the axle shaft at the place where the clamps are attached. On Nissan Note with engine HR16DE it may differ from the standard by 2–3 mm.
Preparing the car for replacing the boot
Improper preparation is the cause of 30% of replacement errors. Follow this algorithm to avoid problems:
- Secure the vehicle. Place the handbrake on, place chocks under the rear wheels and loosen the bolts on the wheel to be replaced (but do not remove it!).
- Raise the car with a jack. Place the jack at a special point under the threshold (see diagram in the manual). Never work under a car that is supported only by a jack!
- Remove the wheel. Unscrew the bolts completely and move the wheel to the side.
- Clean the suspension components. Use a wire brush and cleaner (eg WD-40) to remove dirt from the axle shaft and hub.
At this stage many people forget mark the position of the hub bolts relative to the brake disc. This is important to keep the wheel balanced. Use a marker or chalk to mark the bolts and disk.
⚠️ Attention: If on your Nissan Note Alloy wheels are installed, do not use an impact wrench to remove the bolts! This may damage the threads in the hub.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the ground|Raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands|Remove the wheel and clean the suspension components|Mark the position of the hub bolts|Check that all tools are present-->
Step-by-step replacement of the outer CV joint boot
The outer boot is changed without removing the axle shaft from the gearbox, which simplifies the process. Follow the instructions:
- Remove the retaining ring from the end of the axle shaft.
Use a puller or pliers. The ring is located in the groove of the shaft and holds the CV joint. Be careful - it may “shoot” when removed!
- Disconnect the tie rod end.
Unscrew the fastening nut (wrench on
17) and knock the pin out of the steering knuckle with a hammer through the spacer. Do not damage the tip boot! - Press the axle shaft out of the hub.
Gently hit the inner race of the bearing with a hammer (through a wooden block). If the axle does not come out, use a puller.
- Remove the old boot.
Cut the clamps with wire cutters and pull off the cover. Clean the CV joint from old grease and inspect it for wear (play, chips on the balls).
- Install a new boot.
Apply lubricant to the CV joint (about 80–100 g), put on a new boot and secure with clamps. Make sure the boot is not twisted!
During assembly do not tighten the hub nut until the car is lowered to the ground. Otherwise the bearing may become deformed. Tighten with a torque wrench with force 80–100 Nm.
What to do if the CV joint does not come out of the hub?
If the axle shaft is stuck, try the following methods:
1. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly LM-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.
2. Use a three-jaw puller, applying even load to the axle.
3. As a last resort, heat the hub with a hair dryer (not higher than 100°C) so that the metal expands.
Do not hit the axle directly with a hammer - this will damage the CV joint!Replacing the internal boot: nuances and difficulties
The internal boot is changed less frequently, but the process is more complicated - the axle shaft must be removed from the gearbox. Here are the key points:
- Drain the oil from the box.
On Nissan Note with manual transmission (
RS5F92R) just unscrew the plug on the crankcase. In automatic transmission (RE0F10A) draining is done through the pan. - Disconnect the axle shaft from the gearbox.
Unscrew the bolts securing the inner CV joint (key on
12) and pull out the axle, rocking it from side to side. - Replace the boot.
The process is similar to replacing the outer cover, but more lubricant will be required (about 120 g). Pay attention to the gearbox seal - if it is leaking, replace it (
38345-4M000).
When installing the axle shaft back don't use force — it should enter the gearbox smoothly. If resistance is felt, check the spline alignment. After assembly, add oil to the level (for manual transmission - 2.7 l, for automatic transmission - 7.2 l).
When replacing the inner boot, be sure to check the condition of the gearbox breather. On Nissan Note it often becomes clogged with dirt, which leads to increased pressure in the box and squeezing out the seals.
Choosing a lubricant for a CV joint: what to use on a Nissan Note
The quality of the lubrication directly affects the life of the CV joint. On Nissan Note manufacturer recommends Nissan CV Joint Grease (KL30-00002), but there are worthy analogues:
| Lubrication | Type | Temperature range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molykote BR2 Plus | Molybdenum | from –40°C to +150°C | Best choice for tough conditions |
| Castrol LMX | Lithium with molybdenum | from –30°C to +120°C | Good alternative to the original |
| Liqui Moly LM47 | Mineral | from –40°C to +130°C | Suitable for cold climate regions |
Do not use graphite lubricants or Litol-24 - they do not withstand high loads and are quickly washed out. Lubricant volume for one CV joint:
- 🔄 Outer: 80–100 g.
- 🔄 Internal: 100–120 g.
When applying lubricant, distribute it evenly over all working surfaces, including balls and races. Remove excess - it can cause the boot to rupture when heated.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of the CV joint. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Re-stretching clamps. This leads to rupture of the boot. Tighten the clamps so that the cover does not deform, but does not dangle.
- ❌ Using unsuitable lubricant. For example, CV joint-4 not suitable for Nissan Note - it is too liquid and flows out when heated.
- ❌ Damage to the gearbox seal. When installing the axle shaft, do not use sharp objects for alignment - only a plastic or wooden cone.
- ❌ Incorrect tightening of the hub nut. Weak tightening leads to play, strong tightening leads to bearing destruction.
Another common problem is boot twisting during installation. To avoid this, apply a soap solution or silicone grease to the case before installation. This will help it "sit" in place without twisting.
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note With ABS, the wheel speed sensor is attached to the hub. When removing the axle shaft, do not pull the sensor wire - this may tear off the connector!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the CV joint boot on a Nissan Note
Is it possible to drive with a torn boot if the CV joint does not crunch?
No! Even if there is no crunch, dirt and moisture have already gotten inside the hinge. After 500–1000 km, accelerated wear will begin, and the CV joint will have to be completely replaced. The maximum “lifespan” of a damaged boot is 1–2 weeks (in dry weather).
Which boot is better - original or analogue?
Original anthers (Nissan) last longer (100–150 thousand km), but cost 2–3 times more than analogues. If your budget is limited, take it Febi or GKN — they cover 60–80 thousand km when installed correctly. The main thing is to check the quality of the rubber (it must be elastic, without cracks).
Is it necessary to change the lubricant in the CV joint when replacing the boot?
Yes, definitely! Old lubricant is already contaminated with wear products. Even if visually it looks normal, its properties have deteriorated. Use only specialized lubricants for CV joints (see table above).
Is it possible to replace the boot without removing the axle shaft (for an internal CV joint)? summary>
Technically it is possible, but it is extremely inconvenient and fraught with errors. Without removing the axle shaft you will not be able to:
- completely clean the CV joint from old grease;
- check the condition of the gearbox seal;
- distribute the new lubricant evenly.
We recommend removing the axle shaft, even if it takes longer.
How much does it cost to replace a CV joint boot at a service station?
The cost of work depends on the region and type of CV joint:
- Outer boot: 1,500–2,500 ₽ (including wheel removal/installation).
- Inner boot: 3,000–5,000 ₽ (requires draining oil from gearbox).
- Replacing both anthers: 4 000–7 000 ₽.
The price of spare parts (boot + lubricant + clamps) is from 1,000 to 3,000 ₽. Self-replacement saves up to 70% of the cost.